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Steven Andrew Smith
About Steven
Biography
Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law in Minneapolis by Best Lawyers for the past two years, named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the last eight years, named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list for each of the last 20 years, and elected as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Steven Andrew Smith brings a high level of trial experience, attention to detail, and personal service to each of his cases. Steve’s devotion to his client’s cause and open-mindedness have earned him wide respect in the legal community.
With over 25 years of trial experience in state and federal court, Steve brings skill and attention to detail to each of his individual employment cases. Steve’s trial experience includes trials to verdict in discrimination, whistleblower, reprisal/retaliation, commission, contract, disability, sexual harassment, and wage and hour claims. In addition to his trial successes, Steve has litigated several notable cases having a substantial effect on employees’ rights under state and federal employment laws.
Steve is often invited to lecture on employment issues both nationally and locally because of his easygoing demeanor and professionalism. He has also authored a number of articles on employment law issues. Steve was honored as the recipient of the 2014 Karla Wahl Dedicated Advocacy Award, given for “ceaseless and courageous efforts” to protect and advance the rights of Minnesota employees.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 30 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Nichols Kaster, PLLP
80 S Eighth St #4600, Minneapolis, MN, 55402-2242
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Steven Andrew Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
2 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Posted by Joy | December 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Truly Positive Experience
I was dealing with a difficult and awkward legal issue regarding a former employer. Steve and his team were incredibly helpful, guiding me through the process with expertise and patience. My initial conversation with Steve cemented the fact that he and Nichols Kaster were the best solution, and he ...
Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Wow. Just WOW
Steve is that kind of (really good) lawyer you see on television. He's witty, sharp as an X-Acto knife, charismatic, tenacious, and driven to ensure justice and support his clients. He's truly the kind of lawyer anyone would wish to have. He consistently blew me away with how quickly he'd transition ...
Steven Andrew Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Like me, Mr. Smith has handled all types of employment law cases for many years. As a sole practitioner, I love to associate with larger firms with more resources in complex group or class actions. Steve Smith is on my short list, of attorneys I will co-counsel with."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2011
Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, United States District Court - District of Minnesota
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2004
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2003
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
N/A
Named to Best Lawyers in America List, Best Lawyers in America
N/A
Top 40 Employment Law Lawyers, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
N/A
Top Lawyer, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
N/A
Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
N/A
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
Who's Who in Employment Law, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Partner, Nichols Kaster, LLP
Associations
American Bar Association
Member
National Employment Lawyers Association
Member
National Employment Lawyers Association (Minnesota chapter)
Member
Hennepin County Bar Association
Member
Minnesota State Bar Association
Member
Education
1995
William Mitchell College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Concordia College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
West LegalEdcenter
Unlawful Deductions on Wages in the Service Industry: A Case Study
2013
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Employment Law Mediation From All Sides
2013
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
When the Interactive Process Fails: The Fight Over ADA Reasonable Accommodation
2013
Pro Se Project Seminar
Exiting Your “Comfort Zone” and Entering the “Employment Zone”
2013
Minnesota CLE
Employment & Labor Law: Federal and Minnesota
2013
Fulbright Forum
Avoiding Litigation: Preventing Blunders in Employment Terminations
2013
Federal Bar Association Pro Se Project Seminar
Employment and Civil Rights Seminar
2012
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Top Ten Mistakes Employers Make When Dealing with Pregnant Employees
2012
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Eighth Circuit Update
2012
Minnesota CLE
Age Discrimination – The Current Legal Landscape in a Nutshell
2012
Minnesota CLE
Employment Law Series: Top 10 Mistakes Employers Make When Dealing With Pregnant Employees
2012
Dorsey & Whiteney Presentation
Mediation of Employment Cases
2012
ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, Annual Conference
Show and Tell: Best Practices for Handling Government Investigations
2011
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
ADA Litigation-Panel
2011
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Eighth Circuit Update
2011
Minnesota CLE
The New ADAA and the Proposed Regs: The Effect of ADA Amendments on Litigation: Putting Theories into Practice.
2011
ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law 5th Annual Conference
Drafting Noncompete Agreements: The Employee Perspective
2010
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Pleading Strategies in Employment Law Cases-Panel
2010
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Eighth Circuit Update
2010
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.: Senior Legal Fair
Senior Legal Fair
2010
Minnesota CLE: Advanced Employment Issues
What the Employment Attorney Needs to Know About Bankruptcy
2010
Minnesota CLE
What the New "ADA Shift" Means for Your Clients: The ADA Amendments, the “New” ADA Regulations and Stepped-up Enforcement
2010
Minnesota CLE
Employment and Labor Law for specialist examination
2010
Labor and Employment Law at the U of ML
How to Take the Depo of an HR Director
2010
EEOC Investigator Training
Investigator Training
2009
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Choosing the Claims, the Court and the Defendants- Panel
2009
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Eighth Circuit Update
2008
Minnesota CLE
Frieler v. Carlson Marketing Group, Inc. – Minnesota Now Accepts the Ellerth and Faragher Defense in Sexual Harassment Cases
2007
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Eighth Circuit Update
2007
Minnesota CLE
Whistle Blower and Retaliation Law
2007
Annual Labor & Employment Law Institute
Wage and Hour Class and Collective Panel
2007
Annual FBA Seminar
Class Actions, Emotional Distress Claims, Santions
2006
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Valuing Damages and Analyzing Mitigation Efforts
2005
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Can I Fire Her? Working Through 3 Tough Fact Scenarios
2005
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
When a Current Employee Accuses Your Company of Wrongdoing - Managing the Situation and Avoiding Unlawful Retaliation
2005
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Hot Topics in Employment Law for Employment Law Litigators
2005
National Employment Lawyers Association (Minnesota chapter)
Witness Prep, Cross Examination, Trial Technology, Objections and Using Exhibits to Strengthen Your Case
2005
National Employment Lawyers Association
Pennsylvania State Police v. Suders: What is a Tangible Employment Action?
2005
EEO Committee Midwinter Meeting
An In Depth Look at an Infrequently Used Claim
Languages
English