The American Lawyer Speaks with Lewis Brisbois Partners, Vice Chairman About New Minneapolis Office

September 19, 2019

Life Sciences Co-Chair Wayne “Pete” Swayze, Minneapolis Managing Partner Michelle R. Gilboe, and Vice Chairman Bob Smith recently spoke with The American Lawyer about Lewis Brisbois’ new Minneapolis office. The firm announced the new location in a press release on September 18.

Minneapolis, Minn. (September 19, 2019) – Life Sciences Co-Chair Wayne “Pete” Swayze, Minneapolis Managing Partner Michelle R. Gilboe, and Vice-Chairman Bob Smith recently spoke with The American Lawyer about Lewis Brisbois’ new Minneapolis office. The firm announced the new location in a press release on September 18.

The article, titled “Lewis Brisbois Opens in Minneapolis With Products Liability Group,” focuses on the new team’s experience in the life sciences space, a practice that received a boost at the firm earlier this year with the addition of a ten-person team that included Mr. Swayze.

“As Lewis Brisbois’s strategic growth continues, 2019 just got even more exciting with the addition of Michelle and her colleagues and our expansion into the Minnesota legal market,” Mr. Swayze told The American Lawyer, adding “This is a particularly compelling initiative for us as we expand our practice group.”

Ms. Gilboe confirmed the importance of building that practice in the new office, stating “One of my goals in opening the office here in Minneapolis is to grow the life sciences practice.” She added that she plans to add more lawyers to her team quickly.

Mr. Smith, who is also chair of the firm’s Toxic Tort & Environmental Litigation Practice, spoke with The American Lawyer candidly about the firm’s reasons for opening up in Minneapolis.

“We have had our eye on Minneapolis for a long time. It’s a major center for industry, many large corporations are there and many of our national clients have legal needs in Minneapolis,” Mr. Smith said.

He also gave insight into the firm’s general strategy for making inroads into new cities and communities.

“Our plan every time we open up an office is to become a leader among the local law firms in the community,” said Mr. Smith

As for future growth, Mr. Smith stated: “We have our eyes on several cities at all times, but we’re patient. The key to our success is that we’re going to have quality people come in because one bad link in the chain can be very damaging.”

Read the full article here (subscription may be required). This article was also published in The Legal Intelligencer under the headline “Lewis Brisbois Grows Phila.-Based Life Sciences Practice With New Minneapolis Office.” Additional coverage available at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (subscription may be required).

To learn more about career opportunities with Lewis Brisbois in Minneapolis, please contact Ms. Gilboe directly.