Steven Andrew Smith

Named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list for each of the last ten years, Steven Andrew Smith brings a high level of trial experience, attention to detail, and personal service to each of his cases. Steve’s devotion to his client’s cause and open-mindedness have earned him wide respect in the legal community.

With multiple plaintiffs’ verdicts in each of the last three decades, Steve is both familiar with and comfortable in the courtroom. Steve’s trial experience includes trials to verdict in sexual harassment, whistleblower, reprisal/retaliation, commission, contract, gender discrimination, marital status discrimination, disability, and wage and hour claims. In addition to his trial successes, Steve has litigated several notable cases having substantial effect on employees’ rights under state and federal employment laws.

Steve is often invited to lecture on employment issues both nationally and locally because of his easy-going demeanor and professionalism. He has also authored a number of articles on employment law issues such as sexual harassment in the workplace.

Admissions

• Minnesota Supreme Court
• 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
• U.S. District Court – District of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court – District of North Dakota

Education

• J.D. William Mitchell College of Law, 1995, cum laude
• B.A. Concordia College, 1990

Publications / Speaking Engagements

• “Drafting Noncompete Agreements: The Employee Perspective.” ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law 5th Annual Conference, 2011.
• “ADA Litigation.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, Panel, 2011.
• “Eighth Circuit Update.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2011.
• “The Effect of ADA Amendments on Litigation: Putting Theories into Practice.” Minnesota CLE, The New ADAA and the Proposed Regs, 2011.
• Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.: Senior Legal Fair (2010).
• What the New "ADA Shift" Means for Your Clients: The ADA Amendments, the “New” ADA Regulations and Stepped-up Enforcement, Minnesota CLE, 2010.
• "Employment and Labor Law" for specialist examination, Minnesota CLE, 2010.
• “Pleading Strategies in Employment Law Cases.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, Panel, 2010.
• “Eighth Circuit Update.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2010.
• EEOC Investigator Training, 2010.
• "How to Take the Depo of an HR Director." Labor and Employment Law at the U of ML, 2010.
• “What the Employment Attorney Needs to Know About Bankruptcy.” Minnesota CLE: Advanced Employment Issues, 2010.
• “Choosing the Claims, the Court and the Defendants.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, Panel, 2009.
• “Eighth Circuit Update.” Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2009.
• "Frieler v. Carlson Marketing Group, Inc. – Minnesota Now Accepts the Ellerth and Faragher Defense in Sexual Harassment Cases." Minnesota CLE, 2008.
• "Wage and Hour Class and Collective Panel." 34th Annual Labor & Employment Law Institute, 2007.
• "Class Actions, Emotional Distress Claims, Sanctions." 33rd Annual FBA Seminar: Recent Developments in Employment Law Panel, 2007
• 8th Circuit Update, Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2007.
• "Whistleblower and Retaliation Law." Minnesota CLE, 2007.
• "Valuing Damages and Analyzing Mitigation Efforts." Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2006.
• "Pennsylvania State Police v. Suders: What is a Tangible Employment Action?" NELA Sixteenth Annual National Convention, 2005.
• "Hot Topics in Employment Law for Employment Law Litigators." 31st Annual Federal Practice Seminar, 2005.
• "When a Current Employee Accuses Your Company of Wrongdoing – Managing the Situation and Avoiding Unlawful Retaliation." Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2005.
• "Can I Fire Her? Working Through 3 Tough Fact Scenarios." Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 2005.
• "FLSA Retaliation Cases: An In Depth Look at an Infrequently Used Claim." EEO Committee Midwinter Meeting, 2005.
• Part II of a Three-Part Trial Skills Workshop: "Witness Prep, Cross Examination, Trial Technology, Objections and Using Exhibits to Strengthen Your Case." Minnesota NELA, 2005.

Titles / Awards / Memberships

• Recipient of "2011 Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award" from the United States District Court - District of Minnesota
• Named to the Super Lawyers list, Minnesota Super Lawyers, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, and Twin Cities Business 2002-2011
• Named one of the “Top 40 Employment Law Lawyers,” Minnesota Law and Politics
• Named to the Super Lawyers list, Minnesota Law and Politics
• Named a “Top Lawyer,” Mpls./St. Paul Magazine
• Named in “Who’s Who in Employment Law,” Minnesota Law and Politics
• Received Martindale Hubble, AV® Preeminent™ rating
• American Bar Association Member
• Hennepin County Bar Association Member
• Minnesota State Bar Association Member
• Minnesota National Employment Lawyers Association Member
• National Employment Lawyers Association Member