Minneapolis
(612) 340-7809 P
(612) 340-2807 F

Steven J. Wells

Partner

Steven Wells, Partner, is the head of the Minneapolis Trial Department and co-chair of the firm’s Professional Malpractice Group. Recognized by Chambers as one of Minnesota’s leading commercial trial lawyers, Mr. Wells has been litigating complex commercial and financial cases for 25 years. Drawing upon his industry knowledge, courtroom experience, and leadership positions within the firm, Mr. Wells has handled litigated matters arising in a wide range of practice areas, including financial and commercial, franchise and distribution, intellectual property, construction, and environmental disputes. Known for successfully obtaining trial verdicts and summary judgments in high-stakes cases, he has appeared and practiced before state, federal, and administrative courts in over a dozen states.

Representative Litigation

Commercial and Financial Litigation

Trustee in Bankruptcy for Health Risk Management, Inc. v. Ernst & Young LLP, AAA Arbitration, 2008. Lead counsel for respondent in "deepening insolvency" claim. After five weeks of arbitration, all claims dismissed with prejudice.
Clougherty Packing LLC v. AmeriCold Logistics, JAMS Arbitration, 2008. Lead counsel for claimant in contract and accounting dispute; $2.7 Million award for the claimant.

Franchise and Distribution Litigation

Brunswick Nissan v. Nissan North America, Inc., Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board, 2004, and Ohio Court of Common Pleas, 2005. Lead counsel for defendant Nissan in dealer termination action; following trial, termination upheld and all claims of protesting dealer dismissed.

Construction and Environmental Litigation

Union Pacific Railroad v. Reilly Industries, Inc., 215 F.3d 830 (8th Cir. 2000). Lead trial counsel for defendant in action under federal and state law for alleged PAH (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon) contamination of industrial site; jury verdict and judgment for defendant following two-week trial.

Pro Bono Litigation

Guy v. Cockrell, 343 F.3d 348 (5^th Cir. 2003). Lead counsel for Texas death row inmate in federal habeas proceeding; following trial, writ of habeas granted. Subject of "Investigative Reports" documentary on The Arts and Entertainment network.

Admissions

Minnesota
United States District Court for the Districts of Minnesota, and Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Federal Circuits
Appeared and practiced before state, federal and administrative courts in numerous other states

Education

George Washington University Law School
J.D., 1983, with honors
University of Vermont
B.A., Russian Studies and History, 1979, cum laude

Related Practices