News

We are thrilled to report that Arthur Chapman appellate lawyers Jeff Markowitz and Beth Jenson Prouty just secured a reversal from the Eighth Circuit of a $10.5 million products-liability judgment. McDougall v. CRC Indus., Inc., ___ F.4th ___, 2026 WL 367533 (8th Cir. Feb. 10, 2026).

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala P.A. is a midsize law firm with a long history of supporting work-life balance and promoting a positive and inclusive work culture.  We are seeking a dynamic paralegal who is a highly organized professional to assist with personal injury defense work along with strong knowledge of No-Fault/automobile claims including handling arbitration claims through the American Arbitration Association. The paralegal must be detail oriented, able to work under deadlines and a solid writer. The paralegal will handle drafting pleadings, summarizing and requesting medical records, drafting status reports and working with claims adjusters, and conducting investigation on injury-based claims.

Congratulations to Corey Bronczyk on being named the Minnesota Construction Association (MCA) Member of the Year! Corey recently served as President of the MCA and has dedicated years of leadership, service, and involvement with the organization and the construction community. This recognition is a true testament to his commitment and impact. A very well-deserved honor. Congratulations, Corey!

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is a mid-sized law firm seeking an attorney to join our busy Workers’ Compensation Practice Group. We are a team-oriented firm committed to providing our clients with superior legal services. 

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala P.A. is a midsize law firm with a long history of supporting work-life balance. We have an opportunity for an experienced Paralegal to join one of our busy Practice Groups.

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is a team-oriented firm committed to providing our clients with superior legal services. Our Core Values have long supported a work-life balance.

Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program goes into effect January 1, 2026, providing paid medical and family leave to nearly all working Minnesotans. The Arthur Chapman Employment Law Team is here to help your organization prepare for compliance and answer your questions about how the new law will affect your workforce.

Today, we pause to honor and thank our colleagues, and all who have served in the U.S. military. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice are an inspiration to us all.

Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A. has been named a Tier 1 firm in Minneapolis for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®.

Welcome to Elizabeth Pahkala!

Welcome to Lucy Gibbons!

Congratulations to Beth Jenson Prouty on her appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure. The Committee is responsible for monitoring the rules of appellate procedure and hearing and accepting comments for further changes. Beth previously clerked for the Minnesota Supreme Court and continues to handle appeals in Minnesota and the Eighth Circuit.

Welcome to M. Conor Manning!

Welcome to Haley Griffin!

Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is pleased to announce that one lawyer has been included in this year's edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

We are pleased to announce that Shayne Hamann has been nominated to serve on the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) Executive Committee as Secretary. This role marks the beginning of a four-year leadership track that will culminate in her service as President.

On July 22, 2025, the Eighth Circuit issued Timeless Bar, Inc. v. Illinois Casualty Company, No. 24-2245 (8th Cir. July 22, 2025), reaffirming the district court’s grant of summary judgment to the insurer. In the case, the Timeless Bar in St. Cloud, MN, was fully destroyed by fire.  Andrew Welsh and Jessie Welsh submitted a proof of loss on behalf of Horseshoe Club, LLC (which owned the building) and Timeless Bar, Inc. (which operated the bar). The proof of loss stated the fire was of “unknown origin” and “did not originate by any act, design or procurement on the part of your insured, or as affiant.” Andrew Welsh later plead guilty to arson.

MN Supreme Court: Ordinance & Law and Overhead & Profit On July 30, 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued Great Northwest Insurance Company v. Campbell, A23-0519 (Minn. July 30, 2025) and reinforced its past precedent on application of ordinance and law coverage to a partial loss. The Court also enforced an exclusion for overhead and profit.

The 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars® lists have been published, and we’re proud to share the attorneys from our firm who have been recognized! Super Lawyers is a rating service that honors outstanding lawyers across more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high level of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Congratulations to Christine Tuft and Jon Zentner on being named to Minnesota Monthly’s 2025 list of Top Lawyers! This recognition appears in the July/August issue and was curated by Professional Research Services following an extensive peer-review survey of Minnesota attorneys. Thousands of votes were cast, further affirming Chris and Jon’s strong reputation among their peers.