Tom Nelson Begins Term as President of the Minnesota State Bar Association

07.16.2019

Stinson LLP Partner Tom Nelson recently began his year-long term as president of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), and received an expansive featurein the bar's monthly publication, highlighting his practice and years of public service. 

"[Nelson] has effectively held two careers simultaneously for decades—one as a successful, award-winning attorney focusing on business litigation and “door law” (as in, whatever walks through the door)," writes author Amy Lindgren, "and another as public servant, donating thousands of hours to groups as seemingly divergent as Global Rights for Women, the Givens Foundation for African American Literature, the Landmark Center, the American Swedish Institute, and many others." 

Nelson began his career as a teacher, founding High School in the Community, an innovative public high school in New Haven, Conn. After earning his J.D. from the University of Connecticut Law School, Nelson served two terms as a law clerk to Judge Thomas Meskill of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, assisting with cases in New York City. He returned to his home state of Minnesota not long after, and joined Stinson's predecessor firm of Leonard Street and Deinard in 1997.

Since that time, Nelson has built a significant design and construction, and business litigation practice, defending high profile supply contract disputes, construction claims, insurance, reinsurance and class action litigation. He has defended products ranging from trucks to table saws to exploding electrical switch gear. 

"I'm honored to serve the MSBA, and look forward to a productive year as president," said Nelson. "There are multiple opportunities for attorneys across the state to connect and support one another, to improve access to the judicial system and to contribute to our communities."

Nelson plans to focus his presidency on the sharing the importance of bar membership, as well as the values of the bar association, encouraging members to embrace the organization's ability to lead, speak for, support and connect attorneys across the state. 

"We're grateful for everything Tom has done for the firm, for the profession and for the community," said Mark Hinderks, Stinson's managing partner. "I have no doubt that Tom will do a phenomenal job as bar president. His enthusiasm and drive are truly exceptional."

Beyond his practice, Nelson has been involved with bar associations for years, serving as at-large member of the MSBA Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council since 2015, founding their Arts Law Committee, and serving as a delegate to Cuba behalf of the MSBA in 2013. Additionally, Nelson is a past president of the Hennepin County Bar Association.

Nelson's community service throughout the years has included tenures with the American Swedish Institute, City of Bloomington Charter Commission, The Givens Foundation for African American Literature, Global Rights for Women and Minneapolis Arts Commission. The firm recognized Nelson with Stinson's 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award for his work within the firm and in the community.