Summary

Charlie is a member of Taft’s Commercial Litigation group. His practice includes general complex commercial litigation and:

  • Environmental litigation
  • Diocesan counseling and representation
  • Mass tort resolution
  • Commercial real estate and construction defect litigation
  • Banking litigation
  • Unfair competition and antitrust litigation
  • Shareholder, partnership and closely-held business litigation
  • Professional liability litigation
  • Trademark and copyright infringement litigation
  • Energy industry litigation

He handled state and federal litigation and claims for Fortune 500 corporations and smaller companies relating to the alleged release of hazardous substances in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois, California, Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, Michigan and Oregon.

Charlie has more than 38 years of experience litigating and trying cases involving a wide variety of claims and issues. He has successfully represented religious organizations with regard to mass tort resolution and reorganization. Charlie has also represented developers and architects with regard to construction and development disputes, banks and lending institutions and businesses in contractual, statutory and common law disputes. As part of his environmental practice, Charlie has successfully defended clients against mass tort claims  and disputes arising from environmental contamination.

Prior to Taft’s combination with Briggs and Morgan, Charlie previously served as chair of Briggs’ Litigation department, was a member the board of directors and was a Briggs’ Loss Prevention Partner.

Awards

  • Honoree, Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers®, Litigation – Real Estate, Minneapolis (2023, 2025)

  • Honoree, Top Lawyers, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Commercial, Minnesota Monthly (2022 – present)

  • 2018 Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer

  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

  • Honoree, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

  • Named one of “America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators” and “National Top One Percent”

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America (2009 – present)

  • Honoree, Minnesota Super Lawyers, Business Litigation

  • Recipient, The Wall Street Journal Award

  • Life Member, National Registry of Who’s Who

  • Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

All Service Areas

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School (1981)

    J.D., cum laude

  • Concordia College (1978)

    B.S., magna cum laude

Admissions

  • State - Minnesota
  • State - North Dakota
  • Federal - 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Federal - 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Federal - District of Minnesota
  • Federal - Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Federal - Southern District of Indiana
  • Federal - U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association

    Member

  • Minnesota State Bar Association

    Member