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
So You Want to Rent to a Cannabis Business? Here’s What Property Owners Need to Know
I can’t count how many times a commercial property owner has called me and said something like, “Hey, I’ve got a solid tenant lined up—it’s a cannabis company. Anything I should be worried about?” Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? Yes—but maybe not in the way you...
Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in Minnesota?
Prenuptial agreements, also known as antenuptial agreements, are increasingly common in Minnesota, particularly for couples entering marriage with significant assets, business interests, children from prior relationships, or uneven earning histories. But despite their...
Estate Planning for Business Owners: Buy-Sell Agreement Importance
If you’re a business owner, there’s a good chance your company isn’t just something you own. It’s your source of income. Your retirement plan. Your legacy. In many cases, it’s up to 90% of a family’s net worth tied up in one illiquid asset . Which is exactly why...
Why Do I Pay Child Support With 50/50 Custody in Minnesota?
Parents are often surprised to learn that child support can still be ordered even when parenting time is split evenly. A common reaction is frustration: If we each have the kids half the time, why is anyone paying support at all? In Minnesota, the answer lies in how...
What Happens When a Parent Denies Parenting Time in Minnesota?
Few issues escalate family law disputes faster than one parent denying the other court-ordered parenting time. Whether it’s missed weekends, cancelled holidays, or extended periods of no contact, denied parenting time is not just a co-parenting problem, it is a legal...
Estate Planning for Business Owners: What Can Go Wrong Without a Plan
Recently, I was honored to give a presentation to the Financial Planners of America about a topic that brings together two areas of professional passion: estate planning and business law. I spend a lot of time talking with business owners who know they should deal...