MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 21, 2008) — Attorney Tim Branson, a Trial partner in the Minneapolis office of global law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP, has been named a 2007 “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer magazine.  Minnesota Lawyer’s editorial staff selected 15 lawyers in Minnesota for the honor, based on leadership in the profession, involvement in major cases or other newsworthy events, excellence in corporate or transactional services, and public service. He also received the Minnesota State Bar Association Award for the same work. 

Branson distinguished himself in 2007 by leading a team of volunteer lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota through a multi-year legal battle. In 2001, the client was searched by federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) representatives at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  Our client believed she was singled out because she is black. Statistical evidence produced by the DEA supported this belief.  The search turned up a Bible and Bible study materials, but no drugs. The case was settled in August 2007, with the DEA paying our client $20,000 in the first known case of the DEA making a payment to settle a racial-profiling case. 

Branson is active in Dorsey pro bono efforts, particularly in civil liberties and civil rights cases. He also practices in the areas of civil litigation, more recently ERISA, reinsurance, health insurance and products liability.