News

Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A., has named two Shareholders, Christine L. Tuft and Kafi C. Linville, as lead Marketing Partners.

Marisa Morgan is a 2021 J.D. candidate at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Originally from Rockford, IL, Marisa worked in Risk Management at the city’s Park District. She earned her undergraduate degree cum laude in 2018 from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN where she was the recipient of the Rockford Association of Minority Management Scholarship. She was Captain of Gustavus’ Varsity Track and Field team and played on the Varsity Volleyball team. Marisa enjoys baking, hiking, and learning historical facts. She has volunteered for years with Special Olympics.

Arthur Chapman attorney Beth Jenson Prouty obtained affirmance at the Eighth Circuit for her insurer client in the case Restaurant Recycling v. EMC. The opinion reaffirms Minnesota’s plain-meaning application of the Absolute Pollution Exclusion. The opinion applies the “in whole or part” language of the pollution exclusion and also defines the plain-meaning of the word “dispersal.”

On April 24, 2019, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a decision clarifying employers and insurers’ ability to utilize defenses under the Treatment Parameters. In Johnson, William v. Darchuks Fabrication, Inc., File No. A18-1131 (April 24, 2019), the Minnesota Supreme Court, in a case of first impression, ruled that employers and insurers can apply the Treatment Parameters even when contesting a diagnosis, as long as they do not deny all obligations to pay compensation for the underlying injury.

With 50 lawyers, the firm Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala tied for #18 on Minnesota Lawyer’s recently released list of Minnesota’s Largest Law Firms, 2018. For comparison, the firm moved up from its 2016 ranking when we had 46 lawyers.

Please join us in congratulating Steve Warner on his induction as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Steve joins his partners Sally Ferguson, Colby Lund, Paul Rocheford, Michael Ryan, and Eugene Shermoen in this well respected organization.

By Jeffrey M. Markowitz "Justice delayed is justice denied." That legal maxim recognizes that securing justice eventually is not enough. The injury of delay can deny, or at least diminish, later-secured justice. Often the battle cry of the plaintiff seeking prompt redress, so too may the maxim be the battle cry of the defendant seeking prompt dismissal of a claim destined for a defense judgment. The longer it takes a defendant to march toward justice, the more time, burden, and expense even ordinary litigation will cause. And, particularly if the claim should never have made it past the pleadings stage, every dollar and hour spent in discovery diminishes eventually secured justice.

Minnesota Court of Appeals Holds Joint and Several Liability Statute Does Not Apply to Fault of Employer

Whether you hit a home run in district court, or lost hard, every litigator will repeatedly face the question of whether and how to appeal that shutout, or how to defend that big win. Attorney Jeffrey Markowitz, a former MN Court of Appeals clerk, offers five tips to navigate your next appeal.

In a firm where nearly half of the attorneys are women, nine are shareholders. In this article, each took a moment to reflect on why she chooses to practice at Arthur Chapman, how the firm is fulfilling its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how the firm supports her in achieving work/life balance.

Minnesota Statute § 60A.41(a) prohibits an insurance company from “proceed[ing] against its insured in a subrogation action where the loss was caused by the nonintentional act of the insured.” (Emphasis added.)

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys Jack M. McFarland and John C. Wittmer and paralegal Katherine R. Holm.

Congratulations to Arthur Chapman’s 2018 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys Kari M. Dahlin and Anthony A. Remick. Kari practices employment law and commercial litigation. She also defends corporations and non-profits on a variety of matters, including business torts, statutory-based discrimination and public accommodation claims. Kari earned her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2001 and BA from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Anthony has joined the firm as a FELA/railroad litigation associate and has experience handling a variety of insurance and general litigation. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2016 and earned his B.A. in 2013 from the University of Minnesota.

Robert W. Kettering, Jr., 69, died on April 22, 2018. Bob was a consummate lawyer, endearing father, and caring husband. Bob was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, which forced him to leave the law practice that he dearly loved in 2011.

Attorney Emily A. Atkinson and paralegal Kristen R. Schwartz have joined Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A.

Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. has announced the election of Juan M. Avila, Gregory J. Duncan and Steven J. Erffmeyer as shareholders.

Small-town values and big-city litigation have helped fashion the philosophy of TCCA president Shayne Hamann.

Minneapolis, MN – Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A. is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Stephanie K. Smodish. Stephanie represents a wide array of clients in the construction industry, including developers, construction managers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. She litigates cases involving construction defects and delays, as well as counsels clients on risk management, loss transfers, and internal governance issues.

Arthur Chapman Congratulates its 2017 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®