KCL updated
  • Kafi C. Linville
  • Shareholder
  • Chair - Automobile Law
  • Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • 612-375-5936  direct dial
  • 612-339-7655  fax

  • kclinville@arthurchapman.com
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Kafi is licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin and is Chair of the firm’s Automobile Practice Group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of automobile, construction, premise and general liability. She has extensive experience in all types of personal injury-related claims. She also specializes in commercial and residential construction litigation where she is well known for her work representing general contractors and subcontractors in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. She litigates all facets of both commercial and residential construction matters. Kafi routinely tries cases in state and federal courts and argues before the Court of Appeals.

Kafi’s thorough knowledge of personal injury and construction law is indispensable to her clients for effective representation and successful results. Her clients appreciate her ability to build strong relationships while offering a reliable approach built on trust and attention to detail.

Prior to entering the legal field, Kafi served as a police officer for the Duluth Police Department. Following law school, she represented various law enforcement agencies and municipalities at state and federal courts.


Education

William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2000
St. Cloud State University, B.A., 1995


Click to see full Bio

Kafi is licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin and is Chair of the firm’s Automobile Practice Group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of automobile, construction, premise and general liability. She has extensive experience in all types of personal injury-related claims. She also specializes in commercial and residential construction litigation where she is well known for her work representing general contractors and subcontractors in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. She litigates all facets of both commercial and residential construction matters. Kafi routinely tries cases in state and federal courts and argues before the Court of Appeals.

Kafi’s thorough knowledge of personal injury and construction law is indispensable to her clients for effective representation and successful results. Her clients appreciate her ability to build strong relationships while offering a reliable approach built on trust and attention to detail.

Prior to entering the legal field, Kafi served as a police officer for the Duluth Police Department. Following law school, she represented various law enforcement agencies and municipalities at state and federal courts.

Presentations

  • “Damage Enhancing Injuries,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2022
  • “Heroes or Hustlers of the ADA? The Rise and Reality of Private Enforcement of Title III,” Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2017
  • "Surprised by Employment - Misclassification Issues in Minnesota’s Construction Industry," Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2016
  • “Auto-Related Panel Discussion,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2015
  • “Construction Law and Construction Insurance Coverage Panel Discussion," Commercial Insurance Coverage Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., May 2015
  • “Minnesota Case Law and Legislative Update,” Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2013
  • “Case Law Update,” Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2012
  • “The Missing Link: Claims Against Bankrupt and Dissolved Corporation, and Successor Entities,” Minnesota Construction Defect Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2011
  • “Multiple Party Litigation: Pointers, Possibilities, and Potholes,” CLE, Hennepin County Bar Association, March 2011 
  • “Construction Law Update,” Minnesota Construction Defect Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2010
  • “Construction Defect Claims - What’s Next?” Minnesota Construction Defect Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2009  
  • “Multi-Family Housing Boom,” 2008 Minnesota Construction Defect Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2008

Honors

  • Super Lawyer® 2015-2023, Thomson Reuters

Education

William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2000
St. Cloud State University, B.A., 1995


Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2000
North Dakota, 2016
Wisconsin, 2020
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2000
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 2000
Tribal Court - Shakopee Mdwakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), 2017


Professional Associations and Memberships

Association of Women Contractors
Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Past Board Member 2012-2016
Minnesota State Bar Association


License

Minnesota
North Dakota
Wisconsin

Representative Cases
Personal injury defense. Represented individuals and companies in a variety of auto and general liability claims.

Commercial Office Building. Represented several general contractors against construction defect and insurance coverage-related claims. 

Townhouse & Condominium Projects. Represented several general contractors  and subcontractors against various claims asserted by Associations. 

Government Building Plaza. Represented masonry subcontractor in a multi-million dollar lawsuit involving a major metropolitan county government center plaza. 

Residential Construction Defects. Represented a variety of trades on residential construction defect lawsuits, including: general contractors, stucco subcontractors, framer/window installers, window manufactures, roofers, lumber distributors, HVAC installers, excavators, and masons.

Practice Areas


Legal Team