International law firm Dorsey & Whitney is pleased to announce that Partner Theresa Bevilacqua has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), one of the premier legal associations in North America.

The induction ceremony took place on September 17 before an audience of 690 Fellows during the Annual Meeting of the College in Rome, Italy.

Theresa has more than 20 years of experience in complex commercial litigation for heavily regulated companies, including manufacturers, agriculture, and electric energy clients. As Co-Chair of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and former Chair of the Minneapolis Trial Group, she is known for her creative problem solving and her ability to make the uncertainties of litigation predictable for her clients. She also has a proven track record for leading trial teams in any litigated forum and obtaining total defense verdicts in jury and bench trials.

“Theresa demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, ethical conduct, and professionalism that the American College of Trial Lawyers represents,” said Bill Stoeri, Dorsey Managing Partner and ACTL Fellow. “Her admission into the ACTL is a well-deserved recognition, and we applaud her for her leadership and dedication to the legal profession.”

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only after careful investigation to experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years of trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,800 members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction), and Honorary Fellows.