Attorneys

Jeffrey W. Coleman is a licensed structural engineer who has served as corporate counsel to an architectural, engineering, interior design and construction firm. An authority on concrete construction law, he is the author of Legal Issues in Concrete Construction (1st and 2nd eds., 2014, CAM Publishing).

Lars C. Erickson has practiced law since 1996, representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers, architects and engineers in a myriad of cases involving complex legal issues.

Michael P. Katz has served as corporate counsel for an architectural, engineering, interior design and construction firm as well as deputy general counsel to a division of the nation’s largest heavy/highway contractor.

Ben Kirk’s practice is focused on construction and real estate, with particular focus on construction defect litigation. Ben represents general contractors, subcontractors, developers, architects and engineers in transactional matters and litigation. He also has extensive experience representing homeowners’ associations in transactional matters and litigation.

Devin J. Murphy has practiced law in Minnesota since 2001 and in Wisconsin since 2007. He represents clients for a wide range of construction law matters, from assisting contractors with contract drafting and negotiations, to resolving disputes during project operations, to defending project claims after completion. His additional experience working with insurance companies and their insured contractors in construction defect litigation assures his clients will receive legal counsel and representation that addresses any need from project start to finish, and any disputes that arise long after the project is completed. Mr. Murphy also handles general liability matters, including auto liability, premises liability, catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Insurance companies often retain him to defend first-party claims as well, such as underinsured and uninsured claims, property damage claims, breach of contract and bad-faith claims. In addition to handling litigation cases through trial, Mr. Murphy also handles appeals, and has achieved successful results in numerous appellate cases, including arguing cases before the Minnesota Supreme Court. Mr. Murphy enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids and three dogs. He mentors confirmation youth through St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and serves as a Senior Member in the Skyhawk Squadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Education B.S, criminal justice, California State University – Sacramento, Sacramento, CA J.D. William Mitchell College of Law – St. Paul, MN

John Trout led a concrete repair construction company before becoming an attorney, giving him firsthand experience as both a contractor and a subcontractor.