News

We're pleased to share that attorney Kafi Linville has been admitted to AAA's Construction Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. Kafi specializes in commercial and residential construction litigation and is recognized for work on behalf of general contractors and subcontractors in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. After completing the training program in New York, Kafi has begun serving as an AAA Arbitrator for complex construction matters in addition to her current practice.

We are pleased to announce that four attorneys from Arthur Chapman have been recognized in the 2026 Minnesota Monthly Top Lawyers list. This annual list is based on peer nominations and honors attorneys who are highly regarded by fellow members of the Minnesota legal community.

Yusuf is a J.D. candidate at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where he is actively involved in student government. He brings prior legal experience from a Minneapolis law office, where he worked on a range of matters including personal injury, real estate, and trusts and estates. His work has included drafting motions, conducting legal research, and assisting with case management.

Zentner will bring 25 years of expertise in construction to privately held insurance brokerage - Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A. and Holmes Murphy proudly and jointly announce that Jon Zentner will be joining the Holmes Murphy team effective June 1, 2026.

We are pleased to share leadership news following the Firm’s Annual Meeting of Lawyers. Please join us in thanking Steve Warner for his dedicated service on the Firm’s Board of Directors the last years. Steve’s leadership, insight, and commitment have helped guide the firm and we are grateful for his many contributions. We are also proud to congratulate Corey Bronczyk on his election to the Firm’s Board of Directors. Corey’s leadership within the firm and commitment to serving our clients make him an excellent addition to the Board, and we look forward to his contributions in this new role.

Congratulations to Mark Brown, Jeff Grace, and their trial team on securing a defense verdict after a four-day federal jury trial involving an automobile vs. farm tractor accident. Through strong pretrial motion practice, the team successfully narrowed the plaintiff’s expert testimony and damages claims. After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found that the tractor driver was not negligent. An excellent result and a testament to smart strategy, effective advocacy, and teamwork. The client and carrier are thrilled. Great work!

We are excited to welcome Selma Demirović-Portesan back to our team. Selma’s practice focuses on construction law, and she has experience assisting with construction defect claims, contract and scope of work disputes, and mechanic’s liens.

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).

Welcome to James Markert!

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.