
Leif Alan Nelson
Leif Nelson, born and raised in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area, is a graduate of Itasca Community College and Bemidji State University, cum laude. He graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1975.
Leif returned to Grand Rapids in 1976, after receiving an appointment as Assistant Itasca County Attorney, in which position he enjoyed extensive trial experience. He has also been involved in municipal law since that time.
Leif joined Murphy, Lano, Kalar and Murphy, LTD. In 1978; the office became Lano, Nelson, and O’toole, Ltd in 1981. His present trial calendar includes insurance, personal injury and general litigation. He was certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association in 1988 and continues to hold that certification.
Leif is a past President of the Itasca County and Fifteenth District Bar Associations. He is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and is a member of the civil law organization, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association.
Leif is A-V rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
- Leif has presented trials to jurors at least 140 times.
- Leif has written appellate briefs and has presented oral arguments 10 times to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and one time to the Minnesota Supreme Court
From the time I graduated from law school in 1975, my belief has been that I could provide the most service to my clients in a courtroom setting. I pride myself in efficiently obtaining needed facts for trial, preparing civil cases and – where appropriate – negotiating fair settlements for my clients. However, I am very comfortable and confident in going to the courtroom to try my client’s case.
Areas of Practice
- Probate Litigation
- Personal Injury
Litigation Percentage
- 90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Certified Legal Specialties
- Civil Trial Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association, 1988
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1976
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1976
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Minnesota, 1976
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
- J.D. - 1975
- Bemidji State University
- B.A.
- Itasca Community College
- A.A.
References
- Grand Rapids Loan Company
Honors and Awards
- A-V Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Itasca County Bar Association, Past President
- Fifteenth District Bar Association, Past President
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
Past Employment Positions
- Itasca County Attorney Office, Assistant County Attorney, 1976 - 1978
- Lano, Nelson, O'Toole & Bengtson, Partner, 1978 - 2011
Pro Bono Activities
- Volunteer Attorney Program, 2011 - Present