OLPR petitions court to discipline lawyer who pleaded guilty to assault

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A Minnesota lawyer who pleaded guilty to fifth-degree assault toward an opposing party faces discipline. In a petition released on Sept. 18, the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility seeks appropriate discipline for Minneapolis attorney Christopher Kalla. 

In 2023, Kalla appeared on behalf of a landlord in Hennepin County housing court. Tenant Tammy Keesling was the opposing party in the eviction proceeding. The parties agreed on a date and time that Keesling’s apartment would be inspected by the landlord. 

The day came, and the inspection occurred. After Kalla received information about the condition of the apartment from the landlord, he “unilaterally decided,” according to the complaint, that “he would personally go to Ms. Keesling’s apartment to make his own inspection.”  

Kalla called the city inspector to say that he wanted to return to the property, stating that it was “an emergency.” Although the city inspector replied that Keesling needed at least 24 hours’ notice, Kalla allegedly replied, “I don’t care, I just need to go there.” 

“Respondent was aware that Ms. Keesling had not agreed to a second inspection by respondent nor did the court order it. Respondent was aware that Ms. Keesling had not been given 24 hours’ advance notice of respondent’s planned entry into her apartment,” the petition reads. “Respondent knew there was no emergency justifying respondent’s entry into Ms. Keesling’s apartment under these circumstances.” 

Kalla arrived at the apartment, but Keesling was not there. He began taking photos and videos of the apartment. Keesling returned with Kalla still there and demanded that he leave. Kalla refused several times.  

Keesling then put her hands on Kalla’s back as he turned away in an attempt to get him out of the apartment. Kalla swung his right elbow hard into Keesling’s chest and kicked Keesling’s leg, leaving a bruise. 

Keesling continued to tell Kalla to leave. She even told Kalla that she had COVID-19 and coughed in Kalla’s face. Kalla, who was wearing a mask, hit Keesling on the side of her face and head with such force that Keesling stumbled and nearly fell. The impact broke the skin behind Keesling’s left ear. Kalla also called Keesling a “f***ing b****.” 

Kalla was charged with misdemeanor fifth-degree assault. He pleaded guilty to screaming profanities in Keesling’s face while causing Keesling to have imminent fear of bodily harm, which is fifth-degree assault. 

The day after, Andrea Broen, attorney at Hennepin County Adult Representation services who represented Keesling, was sitting in Hennepin County housing court. Kalla allegedly approached Broen, who was in the presence of other lawyers and clients, and shouted about Keesling, shaking his finger in her face.  

Regarding the physical assault of Keesling and shouting at Broen, the petition states that that it “had no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, burden, harass, and intimidate” in violation of Rule 4.4(a), MRPC. The petition also states that Kalla’s “criminal fact of fifth-degree assault towards an opposing party in litigation reflects adversely on respondent’s fitness as a lawyer in violation of Rule 8.4(b), MRPC.” 

Kalla was admitted to the practice of law in Minnesota in 2003. He has been disciplined twice before: once with a public reprimand and once with an admonition. In 2013, Kalla was publicly reprimanded for representing clients on both sides of a lawsuit at the same time without getting the clients’ informed consent in writing. In 2023, Kalla was admonished for communicating directly with an opposing party known to be represented by counsel. 

Kalla has 20 days to answer the allegations. A decision about discipline is forthcoming from the Minnesota Supreme Court.