SJE new
  • Steven J. Erffmeyer
  • Shareholder
  • Co-Chair - Commercial Transportation
    Co-Chair - Trucking Law
  • Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • 612-375-5945  direct dial
  • 612-339-7655  fax

  • sjerffmeyer@arthurchapman.com
LinkedIn vCard Print Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.

Steve is a versatile civil litigation attorney, possessing extensive experience in personal injury, catastrophic loss, and complex litigation. His general liability practice includes automobile law, commercial transportation, premises liability, group home liability, social host liability, and construction related matters. Steve also maintains an active insurance coverage practice, providing guidance to insurers on insurance policy coverage issues and appraisals.

Client engagement is essential to successful defense litigation. Steve enjoys working with clients on pre-litigation and litigation matters, from simple to complex, and consulting with them throughout the process to obtain the best possible outcome. Clients count on Steve’s aptitude to listen, analyze their situation, and develop a cost effective litigation strategy – whether it be an early resolution, trial, or appeal. 

Steve is licensed in Michigan and Minnesota and co-chairs the firm’s Commercial Transportation and Trucking Practice Groups. 

 

Presentations

  • "Preventing a Nuclear Attack: Recommended Strategies in Responding to Nuclear Verdict Tactics," Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2023
  • “Key 8th Circuit Decisions and Strategies for Handling These Claims,” Business Interruption Webinar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2020
  • "COVID-19 Insurance Coverage Roundtable," "Coverage Issues Related to COVID-19 Claims," Insurance Coverage Webinar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., April & May 2020 
  • "Mitigating Risks for Food Industry and Delivery Service Workers in the COVID-19 Era Webinar," Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., April 2020
  • “Case Law Update,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2019
  • “Should we Arbitrate? Merits and Potential Pitfalls of Arbitration vs. District Court Litigation,” Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., January 2019
  • “Auto-Related Panel Discussion,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2018
  • “Property Coverage Update – Current Trends in Matching and Appraisal,” Insurance Coverage Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., May 2018
  • “Auto-Related Panel Discussion,” Minnesota Automobile Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., September 2017
  • "Coverage/Legislative Update," Minnesota Construction Law Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., October 2016
  • Coverage Issues in Construction Defect Claims – New Trends & What is an ‘Insured Contract?’” Construction Defect & Dispute Conference, September 2016
  • Construction Law: Designs, Delays, Disputes, and Delivery - Construction Projects 101: Laying the Groundwork,” Sterling Education System in Fargo, ND, August 2016
  • “Coverage Issues in Construction Defect Claims,” “Insurance Coverage: A Panel Discussion,” Commercial Insurance Coverage Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., May 2016
  • “Insurance Coverage: A Panel Discussion,” Commercial Insurance Coverage Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., May 2015
  • “Coverage Issues in Construction Defect Claims: New and Scintillating Details,” Commercial Insurance Coverage Seminar, Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., May 2014

Publication

Honors

AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating 
Rising Star® 2007, 2009-2010, Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyer® 2010-2024, Thomson Reuters


Education

DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 1997
Calvin College, B.A., 1994


Bar Admissions

Michigan, 1998
Minnesota, 1997
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2005
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2001
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1998
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2001


Professional Associations and Memberships

Michigan State Bar Association
Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel


Licenses

Michigan
Minnesota

Practice Areas


Legal Team