Michael E. Keyes / Retired
Former Areas of Practice: Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage, Professional Liability, Securities Litigation
Michael E. Keyes / Biography
Prior to his retirement, Mike Keyes was an experienced commercial litigator who focused in the areas of professional liability, securities fraud and complex business litigation. He represented partnerships, corporations and individuals throughout the United States in accountant liability, securities fraud class actions, shareholder disputes, contract disputes, and insurance coverage. He was responsible for all phases of the litigation process including first chair of jury trials, arbitration, mediation, appeals, work budgeting and investigation of claims.
Mike represented numerous clients in class actions alleging securities fraud and represented clients in business disputes in the manufacturing, technology, real estate, grocery, gaming, and financial industries. He delivered CLEs regarding deepening insolvency and also developed a comprehensive approach to the defense of securities fraud class actions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Mike has been committed to pro bono work through representation of asylum applicants, 9-11 victims, Katrina victims, the public defender’s appellate project and through the Children’s Law Center.
Education
- Arizona State University, B.Mus., magna cum laude, 1980
- University of Missouri, M.A. 1986
- University of Kansas, J.D., Order of the Coif, 1988
News + Articles
Tales From the Trenches From the Defense Perspective
The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly presented challenges to the way we operate in both our personal and professional lives. In the legal setting, perhaps the most challenging is how we conduct jury trials during this time. With that in mind, what issues should...
Be open to opportunities you never imagined – even in retirement
At the end of 2020, and after 32 years at Lommen Abdo, I retired from the practice of law! I will remain as “of counsel” to help where needed, primarily in bankruptcy litigation. My life has been an amazing journey from the grade school girl who dreamed of being a...
The Federal Estate Tax – What to Expect With a Biden Presidency
A frequent concern for estate planning clients is how to avoid owing estate taxes at their death. Because the estate tax has become a political issue, some of these clients are also concerned about how the election results might impact the estate tax. The following is...
Lommen Abdo Announces Passing of One of Our Own
With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of one of our own, Larry Rocheford. Please keep Larry's family in your thoughts and prayers. View his obituary and comments shared by his colleagues, friends and family: StarTribune LinkedIn As a...
Appellate Arguments by Zoom
Nearly every attorney has now been affected in some way by the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Appellate attorneys have largely been lucky compared to their trial-level colleagues because most appellate work is uniquely well-suited for a remote environment. After...
Beware the Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Legislation
Recently I represented a client seeking to uphold a default divorce judgment she obtained after her ex-husband failed to respond to the summons and petition in Minnesota. Both parties completed extensive briefing on the ex-husband’s motion to vacate the judgment, but...