MinnLawyer Blog

As a lawyer and a reporter, I’m entitled to a double dose of cynicism. I also know that there is an abundance of suffering in the world, and the persons who were on the 35W bridge when it fell down aren’t the only injured and bereaved people in the world. Still, it was touching yesterday at a press conference when a tearful row of bridge plaintiffs heard the announcement that they would receive upwards of $50 million in settlement funds, in some cases pay no attorney fees, and see $1.5 million go to a bridge memorial.
It was great to see everything work together for the good of the plaintiffs. As Rep. Ryan Winkler said at the press conference, “it showed what lawyers who care about people can do.”  

Attorney Chris Messerly at a news conference announcing the 35W bridge settlement

The bridge consortium lawyers and the Robins firm, which fronted the costs, are to be commended for donating their representation of the plaintiffs. The Schwebel firm also did a terrific job for its clients, and it looks to me like the Dorsey firm did a good job for URS. Hennepin County District Court Judge Deborah Hedlund spent 13 hours on a Saturday settling the case, as did mediator/attorney John Harens. It was a good result for a profession that has taken a lot of hits lately.