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Practice Areas
Education
- University of Minnesota Law School, JD, cum laude, 1975
- University of Minnesota, BA, magna cum laude, 1972
Bar and Court Admissions
- State Court: Minnesota
- U.S. District Court: District of Minnesota; W.D. Wisconsin; E.D. Wisconsin
Past Professional Experience
- Courey, Schwinn & Kodadek 1975-1980
- Robins, Zelle, Larson and Kaplan 1980-1988
- Zelle Hofmann 1988-present
James S. Reece
Jim has assisted individuals and businesses in a wide range of litigation throughout the United States and in England and Mexico involving antitrust claims, business disputes, business torts, patents, products liability, mass torts, toxic torts, prescription drugs, medical devices, property catastrophes and insurance coverage.
Jim has tried numerous cases over the past 30 years. He was one of the principal attorneys in what has been described as the most complex insurance coverage case in Minnesota history; he was a key attorney in the two indirect purchaser antitrust cases against Microsoft that have gone to trial; he has organized and directed large litigation teams composed of attorneys and legal assistants from a number of firms; and he has worked extensively with world-renowned experts from a number of technical fields. Jim has also been a principal architect of nationwide settlements of multiple tort cases. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants and therefore understands the litigation strategies and dynamics from both sides. For plaintiffs, the cases he has worked on have resulted in recoveries in excess of one billion dollars. For defendants, he has worked closely with top management and General Counsels to proactively address and limit potentially significant legal liabilities.
Jim has spoken and written on numerous litigation topics including property catastrophes, insurance, products liability, and trial practice; he has been a special master in federal court; he has worked on a Minnesota Supreme Court Committee; he has taught at two law schools; and he is on the Board of Children's Law Center.
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Pro Bono Activities
- Jim has represented many children who are state wards or in the foster care system; he has worked at legal aid walk-in clinics; he has spoken to school children about legal issues; he has served as a formal and informal mentor for college and law school students; and he has regularly assisted people who are unable to hire an attorney.
Noteworthy
Jim was named a "Super Lawyer" for 2006 and 2009 by Minnesota Law & Politics.