Jennifer R. Coates
PEOPLE

Jennifer R. Coates

Partner
coates.jennifer@dorsey.com

Overview

JENNIFER REPRESENTS CLIENTS IN COMPLEX, HIGH-PROFILE MATTERS FROM INVESTIGATION THROUGH APPEAL.

TRIAL ADVOCATE

Jennifer has extensive litigation and trial experience representing corporations and government entities in complex civil litigation and regulatory matters as well as commercial litigation spanning from business disputes to regulatory enforcement and everything in between. Jennifer also has significant trial and appellate experience in administrative, state, and federal courts.

Jennifer is a stalwart advocate. She works with her clients to develop and execute an overall comprehensive defense strategy. She is quite skilled in complex, trial-driven case management. She has extensive experience with technical, engineering, and economic experts, and she understands the complex interactions between internal technical resources and focused outside vendors.

INCIDENT RESPONSE AND DATA GOVERNANCE

Jennifer has assembled and led numerous incident response teams, and she also appreciates the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity and data governance. Her practice includes advising clients on data governance policies and procedures, creating and executing protocols to mitigate cyber events, negotiating data security in vendor contracts, as well as responding swiftly to cyber emergencies and threat actors. Jennifer leverages her regulatory expertise to advise clients on the ever-changing legal landscape as reporting and notification obligations evolve, and she provides practical guidance and solutions.

INVESTIGATIONS

Jennifer conducts internal investigations for companies and represents those under investigation by federal or state regulators. Jennifer understands the human dynamics inherent in interactions in the workplace, especially in times of crises and stress, and she endeavors to be fair and balanced in her approach to all individuals whose interests may be affected.

Education & Admissions

Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.)

Brown University (M.A.)

Amherst College (B.A.), cum laude

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

News & Resources

Select Presentations

  • “No, Seriously - Using Nontraditional Methods Such as Comedy for Skills and Balance,” Panelist, DRI Asbestos Medicine Virtual Seminar, November 2020
  • “Litigating Non-Compete Agreements,” Co-Presenter, Webinar, November 2019
  • “Technology Law,” Co-Presenter, National Business Institute Webinar, October 2019
  • “Update on Data Privacy Laws (Nationally and Internationally),” Co-Presenter, ACEDS Regional eDiscovery Symposium, September 2019
  • “Ethics in Farm Business Law,” Speaker, NBI Farm Business Law Seminar, June 2019
  • “The Impact of the GDPR on U.S. Discovery,” Co-Presenter, Webinar, May 2019
  • “Drafting the Initial Pleadings,” Presenter, Institute for Paralegal Education CLE Seminar, May 2019
  • “Getting the Most out of your Witnesses,” Presenter, Institute for Paralegal Education CLE Seminar, May 2019
  • “Legal Ethics Oversights that can Lead to Discipline and Legal Malpractice,” Speaker, NBI Evidence Authentication and Admission: Top Mistakes to Avoid Seminar, May 2019
  • “New World Order: Navigating The Arbitration Landscape,” Moderator, ABA TIPS: Aviation & Space Litigation Conference, October 2018
  • “Applying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,” Presenter, NBI Webinar, June 2018
  • “The Lightning Round--Developing Auto Product Liability Litigation Risks,” Co-Presenter, Client Hot Topics Seminar, May 2018

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity — Fellow, 2019
  • Twin Cities Diversity in Practice
  • Minnesota Black Women Lawyer's Network
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • National Bar Association

Accolades

Diversity Inclusion Recognition 2023

  • Contributed more than 50 Diversity hours, 2023
  • Super Lawyers Magazine — Minnesota Rising Stars, 2018
  • Minnesota Black Women Lawyer's Network — Trailblazer Award, 2012
Jennifer R. Coates