ECS updated
  • Eugene C. Shermoen
  • Shareholder
  • Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
  • ecshermoen@arthurchapman.com
vCard Print Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.

Gene works with corporations and insurers focusing principally on the litigation and arbitration of cases involving complex business disputes, business torts, defamation, statutory based discrimination and public accommodations claims. He has defended schools, corporations, and individuals in alleged sexual and physical abuse cases. He has extensive experience in the defense of claims involving the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), railroad crossing accidents, school liability, dram shop, trucking, commercial vehicle and automobile accidents resulting in death or serious injury. Gene has successfully tried to verdict dozens of jury trials and has arbitrated hundreds of cases. He is known for his ability to quickly evaluate a case and provide his clients with the necessary information and recommendations to efficiently and economically bring closure.

Gene is a Civil Trial Specialist, certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association, and in 2009, was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an organization dedicated to the preservation of the civil jury trial. 

Presentations

  • “Auto-Related Panel Discussion,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2018
  • “Key Things You Need to Know Pertaining to Uber, Lyft and Rental Car Scenarios,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2017
  • “Minnesota Case Law Update and Recent Trends and Issues Affecting the Handling of Auto Cases,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2013
  • “Appellate Case Law Update and Bad Faith” and “Minnesota Jury Verdict Research and Discussion of Evaluating First- and Third-Party Auto Claims – Panel Discussion,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2012
  • “Unique and Fundamental Underinsured Motorist Coverage Issues and a Look at Key Minnesota Cases,” Minnesota Automobile Insurance Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2010
  • “Minnesota Case Law Update and Recent Trends Affecting the Handling of Auto Cases,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., June 2009
  • “Who is An Insured?” and “Bad Faith Debuts in Minnesota,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., August 2008

Honors

  • Super Lawyer® 2017-2024, Thomson Reuters

Education

Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 1987 (Honors: Law Review)
University of St. Thomas, B.A., 1984 (Honors: cum laude)


Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 1987
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1989
U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota, 2014


Publications

  • Minnesota Motor Vehicle Insurance Manual (co-author), Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Third Edition, 2000
  • Minnesota Liquor Liability Law (co-author), Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, 1994
  • Compendium of Minnesota Law, “Summary of Minnesota Dram Shop Law” (co-author), Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., 2004

Professional Associations and Memberships

Hennepin County Bar Association
International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy, 1992

Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Supreme Court Member, Standing Committee for Administration of No-Fault Arbitration, 1999-2007
National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel


License and Certification

License
Minnesota

Certification
MSBA Certified Civil Trial Specialist