Brian W. Nelson
Brian W. Nelson
Senior Counsel
"My clients don’t just hire an attorney — they gain a committed partner who learns their goals, understands their industry, and delivers strategies focused on results."
Brian W. Nelson
Senior Counsel
"My clients don’t just hire an attorney — they gain a committed partner who learns their goals, understands their industry, and delivers strategies focused on results."
About Brian
Client service—and working directly with businesses to further their goals—is the reason Brian became a lawyer. As an attorney and advocate, he is committed to developing real, meaningful relationships with his clients, learning the details of their operations, and advising them on a course of action that puts their interests first throughout the challenging and arduous process of litigation.
Brian represents clients across a variety of industries in corporate transactions and legal disputes, from employment matters to complex multiparty litigation involving real property, commercial, and contractual claims. His practice focuses on commercial and real estate litigation and complex disputes, and he has played a vital role in securing substantial verdicts and settlements.
Areas of Focus
Experience
- Secured a settlement over half a million dollars for a small business owner in breach of contract litigation against a major multinational corporation.
- Protected a company's confidential information by representing the business in a trade secrets dispute against former employees who formed a competing venture.
- Appointed as class counsel for nearly 3,000 agricultural landowners, achieving relief against a natural gas pipeline company for breaching easements and state mitigation agreements.
- Contributed to obtaining a $34 million class action settlement for residential tenants against corporate residential landlord for misleading or unlawful lease provisions related to repair and maintenance obligations.
- Helped secure a $62.1 million class action settlement against vehicle manufacturer related to defective airbag control units.
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™, Commercial Litigation, 2023 – 2026; Corporate Law, 2023 – 2026; Litigation – Construction, 2023 – 2026
- Minnesota Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2017 – 2025
Credentials
Education
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law, JD, cum laude, 2016
- Hamline University, BA, cum laude, 2013
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- US Court of Federal Claims
- US District Court for the District of Minnesota
Interests
Brian loves to spend time with his family and his dog. When not working with clients, Brian enjoys playing hockey (as long as his knees will let him) and coaching goaltenders.
