LexisNexis Practice Guide: Minnesota Contract Litigation

Allen Blair is the Robins Kaplan Distinguished Professor of Litigation Skills and International Dispute Resolution and a Senior Fellow in the Dispute Resolution Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He teaches and writes about contracts, contract theory, law and economics, commercial law and arbitration. Additionally, he teaches in and is the onsite director for Mitchell Hamline's Certificate Program in Global Arbitration Law and Practice in London, which run in cooperation with the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary University.

In addition to regularly giving academic lectures and presentations, Allen uses his expertise to assist clients in complex commercial disputes. He has successfully assisted national corporations, accounting firms, closely-held businesses and individuals in all phases of such disputes, from pre-litigation to trial. Allen also frequently works on a pro bono basis with the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, representing individuals seeking political asylum in the United States.

John Ursu litigates complex commercial and intellectual-property disputes. John has practiced at Greene Espel since 2005 where, according to the 2010 edition of Benchmark: The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, he "has made a name for himself managing complex business disputes." In 2011, John was named as one of Minnesota Lawyer's 28 "Up & Coming Attorneys", and from 2013 to 2016, one of Benchmark's Local Litigation Stars.

John graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 2002, where he was Managing Editor of the Michigan Law Review. While at Michigan, he won the 78th Annual Henry M. Campbell Moot Court Competition, which the university describes as "one of the highest honors" a Michigan law student can achieve. John won several awards while at Michigan, including the Jason L. Honigman award for his contributions to the Law Review over two years. Following law school, John clerked for the Honorable Richard H. Kyle of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

John is regarded as an "extremely eloquent" written and oral advocate. In every case, John uses his persuasive and storytelling skills to find the essence of his client's case and present it in a clear, compelling manner.

John graduated from Kenyon College and has a Master's degree from the University of Exeter in England. When John is not practicing law, he is likely chasing around his three young daughters or playing hockey.

Kate Hibbard represents clients in litigation involving their most sensitive matters. She tailors her representation to focus on her client's business objectives, with the goal of minimizing business disruption. While well-versed in settlement negotiations, Kate has first-chair trial experience and has led substantial discovery efforts, including in cases involving international issues. Kate has represented clients faced with wide-ranging business issues, including shareholder disputes and intellectual property disputes, antitrust claims, employment matters, business torts, and governmental investigations. Kate has defended clients in personal-injury and wrongful-death suits.

Kate's practice also includes the representation of government entities and their officials in litigation and appeals involving high-profile constitutional and financial disputes with significant precedent at stake.

Kate joined Greene Espel after clerking for the Honorable Wilhelmina M. Wright, then of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Kate is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, magna cum laude, where she currently serves on the Board of Governors. Kate earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University.

Erin Sindberg Porter represents individuals and corporations facing civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and government investigations. Erin is experienced in dealing with state and federal prosecutors, investigators, and other government representatives on behalf of clients under investigation for, or accused of, civil or criminal violations. Erin has represented numerous victims of crimes, helping those victims navigate the criminal process and representing them in civil litigation. She also assists individuals and businesses responding to subpoenas and other investigative demands.

While guiding her clients through regulatory processes and government investigations, Erin works cooperatively with state and federal agencies. Erin has helped her clients acquire foreign companies while navigating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as well as assisted a large medical device company with a governmental investigation under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

In addition to her investigations work, Erin also represents clients in complex commercial litigation. Erin's clients include businesses—from smaller organizations to large Fortune 500 companies—as well as individuals. She frequently represents clients facing mortgage repurchase claims, defending the originators and sellers of mortgage loans against banks demanding repurchase and indemnification.

Erin is an involved member of her community. Erin is a founding member of the Minnesota Mother Attorneys Association and is also the President-Elect of Macalester College's Alumni Board. An active volunteer, Erin has helped review the City of Minneapolis Youth Violence Prevention Program. She frequently represents foster children through the Children's Law Center, where she was recognized as their October 2013 Volunteer of the Month.