Attorney Profiles

Jeffrey R. Anderson
St. Paul, Minnesota

Managing Partner
phone	651-227-9990
fax	(651) 297-6543
email	Email Me

A tireless champion for the disadvantaged for 33 years and going strong.

Jeff Anderson is a nationally known trial lawyer and is widely recognized as a pioneer in sexual abuse litigation and as a champion of the underdog. He has tried over two hundred and fifty jury trials to verdict and has earned a reputation as a tireless champion of civil rights of children and the under-privileged. He has represented thousands of survivors of sexual abuse by authority figures and clergy. Noted for his optimism, energy and compassion for his clients and their causes. He is credited with being instrumental in exposing a large scale coverup of pedophile priests in the early 1980's. One of the first trial lawyers in America to publicly and aggressively initiate suit against religious organizations and hold them responsible by utilizing the American civil justice system. His uncompromising advocacy for change and justice has resulted in several punitive damage verdicts to both punish and deter the corporate officers and church hierarchy from concealing and protecting child molesters.

Anderson's tireless advocacy extends outside the courtroom where he is a frequent lecturer, survivors' advocate, and author advocating for legislative and judicial protection of children and the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. He has received many awards and recognitions for his trial advocacy and skills.
For more information about Jeff's 33 years as a "champion of the underdog" please see the information below.

"LET ME NOT BE AFRAID TO DEFEND THE WEAK BECAUSE OF THE ANGERS OF THE STRONG, NOR AFRAID TO DEFEND THE POOR BECAUSE OF THE ANGER OF THE RICH."
Jeff

My greatest reward in this struggle has been the inspiration and strength I have drawn from my clients in the last twenty-seven years of outspoken advocacy. I am distinguished and honored by the conviction and courage of each of them and stand beside them in partnership for prevention, healing, social changes and justice, say Anderson.

His courtroom advocacy has resulted in over one dozen multi million dollar verdicts for his clients and his advocacy has played a significant role in legislative changes public policy and public awareness. In addition to seeking and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients, Anderson has been credited and recognized as utilizing both innovative and aggressive strategies in preventing childhood sexual abuse and in protecting the civil rights of vulnerable adults, children and the underprivileged.

Areas of Practice:: Workplace Harassment & Discrimination; Sexual Abuse; Serious Personal Injury and Wrongful Death; Professional Malpractice

Certification/Specialties:: American Board of Trial Advocates; Diplomate, Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy; Diplomate, Civil Trial Specialist, Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota; Civil Trial Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association; Examiner for National Board of Trial Advocacy; Diplomate, National Board of Professional Liability Attorneys

Bar Admissions:: Minnesota, 1975; Wisconsin, 1984; Illinois, 2004; Colorado, 2006; U.S. District Court District of Minnesota; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1984; U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 1984; U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court

Education:: William Mitchell College of Law, St Paul, Minnesota, 1975
J.D.; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1970
B.A.
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Honors: With Honors; Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, 1966

Published Works:: "Statutes of Limitations in Sex Abuse; Victimizing the Victim", The Minnesota Trial Lawyer, Spring, 1988; "Sexual Misconduct of Clergy, Affirming the Church's Responsibility", American Bar Association Press, July, 1990; "Clergy Malpractice, the Sins of the Father Visited Upon the Church", The Minnesota Trial Lawyer, Fall, 1990; "Outlook, Sexual Abuse by Clerics", American Association for Justice Negligence Reporter, Vol. 7, No. 1, February, 1992; "Visiting the Sins of the Father Upon the Church; A View From the Victims' Lawyer", American Bar Association Press, National Institute of Tort and Religion, December, 1992; "Litigating Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases: The Plaintiffs' Perspective", California Trial Lawyers Association, Forum, Volume 24, Number 5, June, 1994; "Negligent Hiring, Retention and Supervision", Chapter in 1994 Employment Law, 1994; "Proving Emotional Distress Damages Pitfalls and Possibilities-From the Horse's Mouth,", Minnesota Trial Lawyers Magazine, Winter, 1996; "Proving Emotional Distress Damages Pitfalls and Possibilities-From the Horse's Mouth,", Nevada Trial Lawyers Magazine, NTLA Advocate, May/June, 1997; "In Trial, Expect the Unexpected-My Scariest Moment in Court,", Trial Magazine, Journal of the American Association for Justice, February, 1999; "When Clergy Fail Their Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Healing and Justice,", ATLA Press, February, 2003; "The First Amendment-Churches Seeking Sanctuary for the Sins of the Fathers,", Fordham Urban Law Journal, Vol. XXXI, January, 2004; When Clergy Fail Their Flock: Litigating the Clergy Sexual Abuse Case, 91 AM. JUR. Trials, 2004

Representative Cases:: S.P. v. Richard F. Mitchell. Westwood Lutheran Church and Evangelical Covenant Church of America. Court File No. 88-14213 ((State of Minnesota, Hennepin County District Court); K.E. v. Robert Hoffman and Robbinsdale School District No. 281, 452 N.W.2d 509 (Minn. Ct. App. 1990); A. J. v. Redeemer Covenant Church and Rev. Albert Magnuson. et al.. Court File No. PI 91-23829 (State of Minnesota, Hennepin County District Court); Oelschlager v. Magnuson. et al.. Court File No. 92-03468, 528 N. W.2d 895 ((State of Minnesota, Hennepin County District Court); Samarzia v. Missouri Synod Redeemer Lutheran Church. Court File No. C8-91-602147, 531 N. W.2d 897 (Minn. Ct. App. 1995); Samarzia v. Missouri Synod Redeemer Lutheran Church, 555 N. W.2d 325 (Minn. Ct. App. 1996); In Re Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Litigation. Court File No.: C2-92-11759 (State of Minnesota, Ramsey County District Court); Starks and Fields v. Minnesota Police Recruitment System and 36 Member Municipalities. Court File No. EM93-00219 (State of Minnesota, Hennepin County District Court); Jones v. Yellow Freight Systems. CourtFileNo. 19-C7-98-7 880 ((State of Minnesota, Dakota County District Court); Ouenroe. et al. v. The Order of St. Benedict of the Roman Catholic Church a/k/a St. John's Abbey, et al.. Court File No.: CO-02-002764 (State of Minnesota, Stearns County District court); Cowles v. Cowles. CourtFileNo. 02-11146 (State of Minnesota, Hennepin County District Court); Scott v. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a/k/a the "Mormon Church." et al. (State of Oregon, Multnomah County Circuit Court); John V. Doe v. Holy See, Archdiocese of Portland, the Order of Friar Servants (United States District Court, District of Oregon); James and Joh Howard v. Catholic Bishop; John T. Doe v. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Diocese of Winona; Scheffler v. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Wiser v. Gary Downing; Berry v. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, a/k/a Jehovah Witnesses (Superior Court); Jane Doe v. The Church of Latter Day Saints and George Tilson (Salt Lake County District Court); Doe v. Young and The Church of Latter Day Saints (Salt Lake County District Court); Herrity, et al. v. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Diocese of Jefferson City, and Archdiocese of Dubuque; Knotek v. Diocese of Joliet; Doe and Kaczmarz v. Cardinal George and Archdiocese of Chicago; Mallinger and Spahn v. Crosiers, Court File No. 62-Cl-06-004460; John V. Doe v. Holy See. Archdiocese of Portland, the Order of Friar Servants, File No. CV 02-430 JE (United States District Court, District of Oregon); Gomez v. Holy See. The Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Salesians of Don Bosco and Father William Burke (Pinellas County Circuit Court); John Doe 64 v. Holy See, et al., File No. 02 CV 3902 (Mahoning County, Ohio); John T. Doe v. Most Rev. Anthony J. O'Connell. Holy See. Roman Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, et al., File No.02CC-001538 FCV (Circuit Court of St. Louis County)

Classes/Seminars Taught:: Lecturer, "Civil Liability for Sexual Exploitation,", Minnesota Tort Law Institute, Minnesota Bar Association, 1988 - Present; Lecturer, "Legal Representation of Male Victims of Sexual Abuse,", 5th Annual Sexual Abuse Treatment Conference, 1990 - Present; Lecturer, "Civil Liability for Sexual Conduct by Clergy, Plaintiffs Perspective,", National Institute on Tort and Religion, American Bar Association, 1989 - Present; Lecturer, "The Legal System: The Challenge of Justice for All,", Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference, College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, June 7, 1989 - June 8, 1990; Lecturer, "The Erosion of Individual Rights and Liberties,", National Conference Individual Liberties, Minnesota Civil Liberties Union Foundation, 1985 - Present; Lecturer, "Liability for Sexual Misconduct of Clergy,", American Bar Association, 1990 - Present; Lecturer, "Employment Law Claims, The Plaintiffs Perspective,", Minnesota State Bar Association, 1990 - Present; Presenter, "Sexual Abuse Litigation - A Plaintiff Attorney's View,", Council of School Attorneys Seminar and Annual Convention, January 11, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Insurance Coverage for Employment Claims, Plaintiff Strategy,", Minnesota State Bar Association, February 21, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Punitive Damages and Respondeat Superior, From the Horse's Mouth,", Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, Employment Law Section, 1991 - Present; Presenter, "Legal and Treatment Issues of Male Victims Litigating Against Offenders,", Male Survivor Conference, 1990 - Present; Presenter, "Proof of Psychological Injury,", American Association for Justice Annual Convention, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Strategies; Negligent Hiring, Retention and Supervision.", pper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Sexual Abuse By Clergy: Drowning In The Unholy Sea,", Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, August 17, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Redress: A Creative Approach With David McCann and Roger Tucker,", National Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 6th National Conference, Focus on Child Abuse, Stop the Hurt, 1991 - Present; Instructor, Lecturer, "From the Civil Litigators Perspective,", Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Training and Development, Advanced Child Abuse Investigations, 1991 - Present; Lecturer, "Visiting the Sins of the Father Upon the Church; A View From the Victim's Lawyer,", First Annual National Conference, Victims of Clergy Abuse Linkup, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "It's Never Okay,", Second National Conference on Sexual Misconduct By Clergy, Psychotherapists and Health Care Professionals, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "Liability for Sexual Misconduct of Clergy, the Plaintiffs' View,", National Institute of Tort and Religion, American Bar Association, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "Practical Tips on Handling a Case Against a Charitable, Religious or Non-Profit Institution,", National Institute American Bar Association, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "Recovery of Damages for Psychological Injury,", Minnesota State Bar Association, January 27, 1993 - Present; Lecturer, "Liability for Sexual Misconduct of the Clergy", American Bar Association, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "Practical Tips on Handling a Case Against a Religious or Non-Profit Organization,", Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, American Bar Association, 1992 - Present; Lecturer, "Handling The High Visibility Cases,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, February 3, 1993 - Present; Lecturer, "Psychological Injury- Proof, Pitfalls and Possibilities,", Minnesota State Bar Association, 1993 - Present; Lecturer, Personal Injury Damages: Calculating, Proving, Disputing Conference; Emotional Distress and Psychological Injury Claims, Minnesota State Bar Association, August 11, 1994 - Present; Lecturer, Sex Abuse Cases in the 90's, Proving Psychological Injuries in Sex Abuse Cases, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, June 9, 1994 - Present; Guest Lecturer, "Jury Selection in Psychological Injury Cases - Building Rapport and Revealing Damages,", The Masters Series, Professional Education Resource Center, May 24, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "Winning at Mediation,", 2th Annual Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "Winning Employment Tort Cases,", National Employment Lawyers Institute, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "From the Pulpit and Other Exalted Perches,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, December 1, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "Winning at Mediation,", Third Annual Institute, Minnesota State Bar Association, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "Demonstrative Litigation Techniques," "Advanced Discrimination Issues,", Minnesota State Bar Association, November 16, 1995 - Present; Lecturer, "Cutting Edge in Damages,", Minnesota State Bar Association, November 21, 1996 - Present; Lecturer, "Whether When and How to Use the Media,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, 1996 - Present; Lecturer, "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Strategies of Proof and Persuasion for an Injury that Can't Be Seen,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, 1997 - Present; Lecturer, "Inequality and Use of Testing in Industry and Government,", Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, 1997 - Present; Lecturer, "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Proving It - Pitfalls and Possibilities,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, February 19, 1998 - Present; Lecturer, Medical Malpractice, Unseen Injury, Institute of Legal Education, April 23, 1998 - Present; Guest Lecturer, "One Mans Search and Discovery of Meaning of Life and Law,", William Mitchell College of Law, 1999 - Present; Lecturer, "Litigating In The Employment Arena-Litigation Strategies,", Minnesota Institute of Legal Education, March 7, 2000 - Present; Lecturer, "Advanced Techniques in Voir Dire, A Demonstration,", National Employment Lawyer Eleventh Annual Convention, 2000 - Present; Guest Lecturer, "Advanced Trial Civil Litigation, Art of the Opening Statement,", Humphrey's College and School of Law and San Joaquin County Bar Association, June 26, 2000 - Present; Speaker, "Sexual Abuse by Clergy: Drowning in the Unholy See,", 23rd Annual (FFRF) Freedom From Religion Foundation, September 16, 2000 - Present; Lecturer, ABA Labor and Employment Law Seminar, United States District Court, District of Minnesota, October 26, 2000 - Present; Lecturer, "Enlightenment Banishing Ignorance by Lighting the Torch of Justice and Knowledge-Our Jury System.", National Organization of Women (NOW) Annual Convention, 2002 - Present; Lecturer, "Winning in the Courtroom and in the Court of Public Opinion,", Minnesota Public Defenders Annual Conference, 2002 - Present; Lecturer, "Trying the Case in the Courtroom and in the Court of Public Opinion: the Moral Imperative,", DRI: Sexual Torts, October 25, 2002 - Present; Lecturer, "When Clergy Fail Their Flock-Some Reflections on the Dimensions of Denial,", Immanuel Lutheran Church Forum-Adult Education Series, January 19, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "When Clergy Fail Their Flock. Innovative Strategies for Prevention, Healing & Justice,", American Association for Justice, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "How Did our Most Trusted Institutions Become Fugitives from Truth and Justice?", Minneapolis Rotary Club, February 21, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "To March Into Hell for a Heavenly Cause,", Linkup 11th Annual Healing Conference, February 22, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "Imperatives for Protection, Recovery and Justice-the Seismic Shift,", Survivors Network Minnesota Symposium-Keynote; Lecturer, "The Mission and the Movement-A Call to Action,", First National Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) Annual Convention, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "Recognizing Strength and Resilience Road to Recovery,", 10th Annual International Male Survivors Conference, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "Innovative Strategies in Civil Litigation for Recovery Vanquishing the Shame,", National Crime Victim Bar Association Conference, 2003 - Present; Lecturer, "Growing Solutions Now,", Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests West Coast Conference, October 18, 2003 - Present; Speaker, "The Coming of the Second Reformation on the Shoulders of Martin Luther, Bill Wilson and Martin Luther King, Jr.", Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests Annual Conference, June 12, 2004 - Present; Lecturer, "The Reclamation and Declaration of Power and Recovery Through Litigation,", 22nd Annual International Conference, 2004 - Present; Lecturer, "Insights from the Survivor's Advocates a Primer for Police", Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association Annual Conference, 2004 - Present; Lecturer, "Civil Litigation-Strategies for Protection and Recovery,", Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests 2005 National Conference, 2005 - Present; Lecturer, "Best Practices in Sex Crimes Investigations,", Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association, 2005 Fall Conference, 2005 - Present; Lecturer, "Lest We Forget", St. Paul Branch National Association, February 9, 2006 - Present

Honors and Awards:: Top 100 "Super Lawyers" in Minnesota, 2004 - 2006; Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyers", 2003 - 2006; "Attorney of the Year," by Minnesota Lawyer, 2003 - Present; Top 40 Employment Lawyers. Who's Who in Employment Law, 2003 - 2005; "Kudos For Those Who Made A Difference,", 1990 - 1991; Leading Attorneys in Minnesota, 1995 - Present; "Super Lawyer" by American Research Corporation, 1997 - 2006; William Mitchell College of Law Centennial Celebration Alumnus Award; Advocacy Award, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, 1996 - Present; Best Lawyers in America, Who's Who in America, National Register; Annenberg School of Journalism Scholarship Award, Northwestern University; Million Dollar Advocates Round Table; Best Lawyers in Minnesota Employment Law by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine; "Super Lawyer", Personal Injury as Selected by Peers, 1996 - 2006; "Super Lawyer", Employment Law Selected by Peers, 1999 - 2003; Distinguished Service Award in Hospitality Industry; Awarded Best New Business for 2000; Rivertown Inn "Premier Inn of the St. Croix Valley,", 2000 - Present; "Minnesota Trendsetters,", 2001 - Present; Top Lawsuits by Minnesota Law and Politics, 1998 - 2004; Advocacy Award by National Organization of Women; Million Dollar Advocates Forum; Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rated A+

Professional Associations and Memberships:: Trial Lawyers for Public Justice; Member; Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association; Member; American Association for Justice; Member; American Bar Association; Member; Illinois State Bar Association; Member; Ramsey County Bar Association; Member; Washington County Bar Association; Member; New York State Trial Lawyers Association; Member; Wisconsin State Bar Association; Member; American Bar Association, Tort and Religion Sections; Member; Minnesota Bar Association; Member; Board of Professional Liability Attorneys; Member; Minnesota Employment Lawyers Association; Member; Rivertown Restoration Society; Member; American Civil Liberties Union; Member; Minnesota Civil Liberties Union; Member; National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect; Member; National Association of Counsel for Children, American Coalition for Abuse Awareness; Member; St. Croix Valley Bed & Breakfast Association; Member; Stillwater Chamber of Commerce; Member; Inns of the Valley Chamber; Member; Stillwater Bed and Breakfast Association; Member; Professional Innkeepers Association of America; Member; Survivors Network Minnesota; Member; National Crime Victims Bar Association; Member; American Association for Justice; Leaders Forum

Past Employment Positions:: Reinhardt and Anderson, Founding and Managing Partner, 1980 - 2002; Jeffrey R. Anderson, P.A., Sole Practitioner, 1975 - 1980; Ramsey County Public Defender, Part time Public Defender Representing Indigents, 1975 - 1982; Legal Assistance of Ramsey County, Investigator, 1973 - 1975

Fraternities/Sororities:: Alpha Tau Omega

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