Overview
The law exists to be a force for good – a force that protects the promise of liberty and justice for all. This is why Ciresi Conlin LLP exists. We practice law not only to protect what’s best for our clients today, but what’s best for all of us for the future. The firm’s work has made that vision a reality, allowing its lawyers to focus on pursuing their passions in the practice, continue their community engagements, and use the law as a force for good to protect the future for all.
Ciresi Conlin is a Minnesota law firm with a world-class reputation. The firm represents clients from all dimensions of society and from around the world. It takes on trial and appellate representation of all shapes and sizes, using small, agile teams comprised of some of the world’s most talented and creative lawyers. In addition to its own cases, Ciresi Conlin successfully partners with other firms as lead trial counsel in new or existing litigation or in consulting on litigation strategy.
The firm’s medical malpractice lawyers, along with its personal injury, mass tort, and product liability teams, advocate for people dealing with pain, suffering, and loss, and have amassed an enviable record of verdicts and settlements. Their success comes through conducting deep investigation into complex situations and helping their clients put a difficult, frightening, and painful time behind them, and move forward with the healing process.
Ciresi Conlin also specializes in high-profile, bet-the-company, and procedurally difficult cases that affect business success and vitality of both international corporations and small businesses. In addition to its national and international practice, Ciresi Conlin also has deep local roots, representing a variety of Minnesota businesses. The firm’s efforts to protect the future also extend to trusts & estates litigation, appellate work, and environmental litigation ensuring responsible protection of our natural resources for generations to come.
Practice Areas:
- Appellate Practice
- Arbitration
- Business Litigation
- Class Actions Consumer Litigation
- Environmental Litigation
- Financial Services/Institutions
- General Tort Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Commercial Arbitration
- Litigation
- Mass Torts
- Medical Malpractice
- Natural Resources
- Patent and Trademark Litigation
- Product Liability
- Securities and Finance
- Technology and Licensing
- Toxic Torts
- Trusts and Estates
- Water Law
Rankings
National
Tier
2
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - PlaintiffsRegional
Minneapolis
Tier
1
Minneapolis
Bet-the-Company LitigationTier
1
Minneapolis
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Minneapolis
Environmental LawTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - PatentTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - Trusts and EstatesAbout Our Clients
Ciresi Conlin represents all dimensions of society from Fortune 100 and international companies, to local businesses, to individuals. The firm came together to provide representation to clients facing the likelihood of courtroom trials and ongoing disputes in the courts of appeal. Because we are small, nimble, and collaborative, our clients receive direct representation from our deeply skilled partners and the select few additional lawyers we believe will be the next generation of trial greats.
Highlighted Client Comments
These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
I worked with Katie Crosby Lehmann of Ciresi Conlin. She was the senior partner and Melissa Goodman was the junior partner. They were both great!
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin has highly professional and fully dedicated teams with outstanding service and a very professional way of handling litigation. They are true experts, highly strategic, and very determined. They know their cases in and out and fight for the best outcome, anticipating potential roadblocks and finding ways to remove them.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin houses an excellent litigation team. My daily contacts (Katie Crosby Lehmann and Melissa A. Goodman) were outstanding; they handled everything that the other side threw at us with speed and great foresight. As in-house counsel, I was very happy to have them on my side. I can recommend Ciresi Conlin without reservation.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin attorneys are experts and know how to build or defend a case based on solid legal knowledge in combination with creative but also realistic assessments.
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is an absolutely exceptional law firm! They are smart, experienced, and aggressive advocates. They are very client-focused in their approach, seeking solutions that truly fulfill their clients' business objectives. They are the single best firm that we work with.
David A. Jones
General Counsel (1994) – HUBBARD BROADCASTING, INC.Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
I've ran out of adjectives to use for Ciresi Conlin's and their team, but here are a few that always came up: respected, impressive, honorable, helpful, intelligent and just simply amazing. I have so much confidence in their ability to deliver on what is moral in our society. My family was taken care of because of their persistent drive for the truth and what is right. I'm so grateful that I found them because they had our back. Thank you for all you do. Words can't express how appreciative we are of your services.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin ia a top-flight, well-respected law firm with a long history of success and high-integrity leadership within the intellectual property field. The firm is very client-oriented, and in my experience their focus on the best interests of the client is truly part of their culture and not just marketing lingo for attracting new business.
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is an excellent firm. They have an excellent command of complex cases particularly where there are underlying scientific issues.
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is an absolutely terrific firm. They are a small group of highly capable lawyers, with different backgrounds but the same standards of excellence.
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
The whole team at Ciresi Conlin work with integrity, passion, empathy, and understanding all while firmly taking an educated and well researched stand for their clients to reach a resolution they deserve. I will always recommend Ciresi Conlin.
Commercial Litigation
This firm is one of the most professional and advanced litigation teams in the country. If you have a hard nut to crack, Ciresi Conlin is your go-to firm.
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Ciresi Conlin has a nationally known presence in environmental law which means doing the right thing - i have spent nine years working on the W.B.L.R.A.VS. MN. Department of natural resource the case was a complaint against the D.N.R. For permits that were draining white bear lake,mn. We went on to the Supreme Court and had a positive outcome the case has already been referenced in other environmental law suits.I can’t say enough positive things about working with the Ciresi Conlin firm all pro with heart.
Greg McNeely
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Kathleen and her team were excellent and guided us through our difficult time with expert knowledge and compassion. Our life was turned upside down in an instant when I suffered a catastrophic injury which left me with a permanent disability. With Ciresi Conlin's representation we were able obtain a settlement that will assist us financially throughout our life. We are blessed and grateful for Kathleen and her team's dedication through this difficult time. Regards, Mark McKenzie
Mark and Tara McKenzie
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Ciresi Conlin has been a pro bono counsel for our work to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In this capacity, they have provided outstanding service in an immensely effective manner. They have accommodated our complex, challenging environmental case - the first of its kind in Minnesota - that has been successful in our efforts to date. They have gone all in, and at no cost to us. We are very appreciative!
Tom Landwehr
Save the Boundary WatersBet-the-Company Litigation
The quality of Ciresi Conlin's attorneys and the general operation of this firm is excellent. Attorneys in Ciresi Conlin have an excellent understanding of the litigation process, both at the district court and appellate levels. I have personally tried a case with Michael Ciresi, he is the consummate trial attorney, and his regional and national reputation is well deserved. His trial preparation is thorough, with a mastery of facts and law. I have also worked on cases with Michael Sacchet at both the district court and appellate level. Michael's writing skills and legal analysis are excellent. Ciresi Conlin puts a premium on integrity, civility and working hard - the end result is excellent for their clients. I would never hesitate to refer clients to this firm.
Karim El-Ghazzawy
El Ghazzawy Law Offices LLCCommercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is, in my opinion, the best overall trial firm in Minnesota if not the United States. Last year, Best Lawyer's competitor, Super Lawyers ranked three of Ciresi Conlin's lawyers in The Top Ten lawyers in the State of Minnesota: Mike Ciresi, Jan Conlin and Kathleen Peterson. I have worked with the firm as its co-counsel on several matters. They are the most responsive, well-prepared lawyers I have ever worked with and I have been practicing law for 40 years. I refer cases to them on a regular basis. I know that any client I send to them will receive the highest quality representation and responsiveness. When I have clients that simply want an opinion on a small matter, they patiently take my clients' calls and walk through their options with them even if they are not going to accept representation. The highest compliment I can give them is, if I needed a personal lawyer, I would hire them. Mark Briol
Mark Briol
Briol & Benson, PLLCCommercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is one of the top small law firms in the country, with nationally known litigators. They do comprehensive, top-flight work, leaving no stone unturned on behalf of their clients.
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is the best business litigation firm around, hands down. I would recommend them in a heartbeat!
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin is very trial focused. From the outset of any matter, the firm focuses on what needs proven at trial. This focus allows cases to be run cost effectively and avoid useless expenses. If I am going to trial, I would always want them on my side rather than against me.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin is a bet the company type of firm. They understand the value of the intellectual property and have a keen understanding of the business goals. Ciresi Conlin plays chess while everyone else is playing checkers. They identify a trial strategy early on and are always prepared. They are a top-shelf firm.
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ciresi Conlin is a "bet the company" type of law firm. They work hard to understand your business and business objectives. The attorneys play chess, not checkers. They are constantly thinking of the entire chess board and thinking of the next move.
Litigation - Patent
Ciresi Conlin has a deep understanding of the intersection between litigation and patents. They have a deep understanding of patent law and have the unique ability of transforming patents into a concept lay people can understand.
Commercial Litigation
Ciresi Conlin is an absolutely outstanding law firm. They are practical, sage business advisors and totally committed to their clients. I recommend them without hesitation.
David A. Jones
General Counsel (1994) – HUBBARD BROADCASTING, INC.Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Mike Ciresi and Jan Conlin are two of the very best lawyers in the country in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs.
Rankings
National
Tier
2
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - PlaintiffsRegional
Minneapolis
Tier
1
Minneapolis
Bet-the-Company LitigationTier
1
Minneapolis
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Minneapolis
Environmental LawTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - Intellectual PropertyTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - PatentTier
1
Minneapolis
Litigation - Trusts and EstatesTier
1
Minneapolis
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - PlaintiffsTier
1
Minneapolis
Medical Malpractice Law - PlaintiffsTier
1
Minneapolis
Patent LawTier
1
Minneapolis
Personal Injury Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
1
Minneapolis
Product Liability Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
2
Minneapolis
Copyright LawTier
3
Minneapolis
Litigation - EnvironmentalPractice Areas
Ciresi Conlin LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 13 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
- AppellateHandling many high-stakes trials leads to briefing and arguing many high-stakes appeals. The complexity and uniqueness of our cases requires the highest level of legal analysis, strategy, and creativity. Our attorneys quickly cut through the noise of the district court record and focus on the crucial issues on appeal. Understanding both the trial and appeal side of a case allows us to develop the best record for appeal and effectively present arguments before the appellate court.
- Commercial LitigationOur Business Litigation Department specializes in meeting the needs of our clients in the most cost-effective and procedurally efficient way. We take the same approach for any commercial litigation—from business to business disputes to high-profile, bet-the-company, and procedurally difficult cases that affect business success and vitality of international corporations, small businesses, or individual owners. Our firm is widely known as one of the nation’s premier trial firms, specializing in finding creative legal solutions to an array of business problems. The department has a deep bench of highly experienced trial lawyers who have led trials around the country. Given our uniquely qualified trial bench, businesses from a variety of sectors turn to the firm’s business litigation department when faced with high-stakes matters. Our trial lawyers are equally pleased to serve as lead trial counsel in new or existing litigation matters, or partner with local and national law firms, and are frequently sought out to consult on strategies at all stages of litigation.
- Mass TortWe are masters of all trades, committed to excellence at every phase of the case. From discovery and depositions, to Daubert and dispositive motion practice, and trial to appeal, our team brings its talent and tenacity to the table.
Our mass tort team does not shy away from tough cases. We learn every case inside out, enabling us to resolve the most complex legal and factual issues. Through it all, we are committed to candor with our clients and the Court. - Medical MalpracticeWe hear it from every client, regardless of their case: “I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else.” This is the driving force behind every case we take.
Through perseverance and diligence, partnership with world-renowned experts in science and medicine, and a true compassion for all parties involved, we seek justice for our clients.
We find answers. We identify medical mistakes, product defects, and negligence. We prevent future injuries or wrongful death. And we help secure resources our clients need to address long-term consequences.
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Ciresi Conlin LLP proudly has 12 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Firm News
September 5, 2025
$375M settlement in REIT management dispute
Awards
Ciresi Conlin LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Ciresi Conlin LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Ciresi Conlin LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Chambers USA, Leading Firms, General Commercial Litigation, Minnesota
Chambers USA, Leading Firms, General Commercial Litigation, Minnesota
Chambers USA, Nationwide ranking for Product Liability & Mass Torts
Chambers USA, Nationwide ranking for Product Liability & Mass Torts
Benchmark Litigation, Dispute Resolution - Highly Recommended, Minnesota
Benchmark Litigation, Dispute Resolution - Highly Recommended, Minnesota
Minnesota Super Lawyers (35th Anniversary for Mike Ciresi, Top 10 list: Mike Ciresi - Jan Conlin - Kathleen Flynn Peterson)
Minnesota Super Lawyers (35th Anniversary for Mike Ciresi, Top 10 list: Mike Ciresi - Jan Conlin - Kathleen Flynn Peterson)
Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year
Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year
Offices & Contacts
Minneapolis, MN
225 South Sixth Street, Suite 4000
Minneapolis, MN 55402
United States