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
Employment Type Claims Allowed to Proceed Based on Actions of Independent Contractor
In Soto v. Shealey and Swift Transportation (August 2, 2018) Federal District Court Judge Tunheim allowed claims for negligent selection, negligent supervision, and negligent entrustment to go to trial regardless of whether or not the owner operator of a truck under...
U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Minnesota’s Revocation on Divorce Statute
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling assures that Minnesota’s revocation-on-divorce statute will operate to revoke all pre-divorce beneficiary designations to the ex-spouse, even on insurance policies entered into before the enactment of the Uniform Probate Code (UPC)....
Attention Zealous Advocates: Don’t Forget Your Shield – Protecting Your Practice and Avoiding Traps in Legal Ethics and Malpractice Claims
Lauren Nuffort presented at the 2018 Trial Techniques Seminar in Duluth from August 16 to 18, 2018. She spoke with Danielle Parry from Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance on the topic, "Attention Zealous Advocates: Don't Forget Your Shield - Protecting Your Practice...
Autonomous Vehicles: Threat or Opportunity
Let’s face it, our industry has been slow to adapt in the technology revolution we find ourselves in today. We operate in a capital-intensive, low-margin, fragmented industry, with a low barrier to entrance. Large and small carriers have been able to co-exist through...
Substitute Parent: What to Consider When Choosing a Guardian
I spend a lot of time talking to clients about property, but at its core estate planning is about family. Clients want to ensure that their family will be taken care of. For parents of young children, the most important family decision is the selection of a guardian....
Marc Johannsen Honored by Boy Scouts of America
Marc Johannsen recently was recognized by the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his volunteer work when he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. This nomination-only award is the highest award a council can bestow upon a volunteer and recognizes...