Profile photo of David L. Lillehaug

David L. Lillehaug

Arbitrator Mediator Neutral Evaluator Special Master
Minneapolis, MN, United States

About

David L. Lillehaug entered private practice following a distinguished seven-year tenure as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. His professional background spans over four decades, including service as the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota and extensive experience as a private practice litigator. During his time on the bench, he authored over 140 opinions and participated in more than 600 cases, covering a vast array of legal subjects from complex commercial disputes to constitutional law. His career is marked by high-stakes litigation and leadership in both the public and private sectors.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Education Employment & Labor Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Associate Justice
Minnesota Supreme Court
Shareholder
2013–2020
Fredrikson & Byron
P.A.
Partner
2002–2013
Officer
and Shareholder
Zelle
Hofmann
Voelbel & Gette
LLP
1998–2002
United States Attorney
District of Minnesota
1994–1998
Executive Assistant to the Governor
State of Minnesota (1991)
Associate and Partner
Leonard
Street and Deinard (1982–1991
1991–1994)
Law Clerk
Hon. Harry H. MacLaughlin
U.S. District Court
District of Minnesota
1979–1981

Publications Leadership

  • Author, 'The 2013-2020 Minnesota Supreme Court: A Personal Perspective,' Mitchell Hamline Law Review (2021)
  • Speaker, 'Appellate Practice and Procedure,' various CLE seminars
  • Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Commission on the Selection of Justices (2011–2013)
  • Member, Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure
  • Presenter, 'Ethics in Government and Private Practice,' multiple professional forums

Positioning Takeaways

His background as a former Supreme Court Justice and U.S. Attorney makes him uniquely qualified for high-stakes appellate mediation and complex commercial arbitration. He offers a rare perspective from the highest levels of both the state judiciary and federal prosecution.

License & Certifications

  • Minnesota State Bar
  • United States District Court
  • District of Minnesota
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Eighth Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court

Education

J.D.
Harvard Law School
1979
B.A.
Augustana College
1976

Distinction

One of the few neutrals to have served as both a State Supreme Court Justice and a United States Attorney.

Reputation

He is regarded by legal professionals as a jurist with deep intellectual rigor and a practical approach to resolving intricate legal and factual conflicts. Peers note his ability to manage high-profile cases with neutrality and a thorough understanding of both state and federal judicial systems.