Attorneys of the Year: Mark Solheim

Posted: 12:45 pm Mon, February 25, 2013
By Marisa Helms

Larson King

Sometimes, being a successful trial attorney means putting life on hold. Mark Solheim knows this well. As a partner and national trial lawyer at Larson King, the bulk of Solheim’s work is defending product and professional liability cases in courtrooms in Minnesota and across the country.

Solheim said that while an extended trial has meant missing a vacation now and then, his work also allows him the flexibility to make it up to his family.

“It ebbs and flows, and when it goes, you’ve got to be there, and it’s a grind,” said Solheim. “But it doesn’t feel like a grind when you are delivering a message and advocating for your client — being their ambassador.”

At Larson King, a litigation boutique, Solheim’s lengthy and impressive client roster includes U.S. Bank, Xcel Energy, Sysco, Fed Ex, Bobcat and Office Depot. He said he enjoys the challenge of professional and product liability cases because he must totally immerse himself in a client’s business, including understanding the intimacies of how the company designs, manufactures and sells its products.

“What I like about my work is that no day is ever the same,” said Solheim. “You’re always in a position of living through a painful process with a client, but in the end, you can see the value of what you do. By having a detailed understanding of how a client thinks, and understanding the corporate culture, I can achieve results in litigation that are rewarding for me personally and professionally.”

Solheim has long been involved with the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, first as a board member in 2003. From 2011 to 2012, Solheim served as the organization’s president. During his term, he reached out to the plaintiff’s bar to host the first joint reception of the two groups with Minnesota judges.

“It was a resounding success, I’m very proud of that,” said Solheim. “Judges think it’s great, because it’s collaborative and fosters collegiality to head off conflict. When you’ve developed a relationship, it’s easier to resolve issues.”