also known as David B. Kempston
I graduated from Westmont College in 1989, with a degree in English Literature and then attended the University of Minnesota Law School--graduating Magna Cum Laude and Order of the Coif in 1992.
As a fledgling attorney I first worked at an insurance defense firm in Minneapolis. There, I tried a jury case and handled a variety of insurance related matters--my primary focus being worker's compensation defense.
Since 1996, I've worked at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, exclusively representing injured workers. I have tried over 485 worker's compensation cases. I have also argued before the MN Worker's Compensation Court of Appeals over 30 times and I have argued before the MN Supreme Court three times.
I spent five years at the University of St. Thomas Law school, Minneapolis, as a adjunct professor, teaching a class on workers compensation. And I have written 3 books, That's Why They Call it Practicing Law (2017), Lessons Learned on the Run (2020), and The Last Run (2026)--all available through Amazon.
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Chat withState: Minnesota
Acquired: 1992
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3340 Northdale Blvd NW #140, Minneapolis, MN, 55448
3340 Northdale Boulevard. N.W., Suite 140, Coon Rapids, MN, 55448
312 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Randy | March 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Work comp case
I was very pleased with how Dave handled my work comp case. From the initial meeting I felt confident I was dealing with an attorney who was extremely competent and knowledgeable in what needed to be done to achieve the result I was hoping for. I was not disappointed! Dave did the legwork, kept ...
Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Looking for an excellent work comp lawyer? Look no further!
Workers compensation can be an overwhelming process- and for those inexperienced in the court system, it can feel downright hopeless to navigate alone. This is why I am so grateful to have been referred to David! Mr Kempston takes the time to truly understand his clients situations and communicates...
Posted by anonymous | June 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
workers compensation
i strongly recommend The Law office of Thomas Mottaz. David Kempston was very knowledgeable, answering all my questions very quickly and completely. i am very happy with the outcome on my case.
Posted by Shelley | April 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Excellent Workers Compensation Attorney, the BEST!
I am very thankful that I found David Kempston to represent me in my Workers Compensation claim. I was assaulted at work by a client and my employer wanted to blame arthritis for me needing to have surgery. Mr. Kempston knew the law and was extremely helpful with his knowledge and experience. I would...
Posted by Sarah | December 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Back Injury Case
David has been working with me for almost two years now. He is always on top of my case- good communication, prompt responses, follows up between parties if there has been lingering time in between actions/and or communications. He remembers A LOT of details, and I have been impressed by how he keeps...
"David is one of the most formidable opponents I face in my workers' compensation defense practice. He is a consummate professional, skilled trial lawyer and passionate advocate for his clients. Quite simply, David is at the top of his field and a credit to his profession."
Workers compensation lawyer
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Anoka County Lawyer of the Year, Anoka County Bar Association
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Mpls Work Comp Law- Claimants "Lawyer of the Year", Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2007
Top 100 MN Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2006
Top 100 MN Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2004
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2003
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2002
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2001
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2000
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2000
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
1999
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
1989
Arthur Lynip Award for Outstanding English Literature Student, Westmont College
1988
Arthur Lynip Award for Outstanding English Literature Student, Westmont College
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1996 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Thomas D Mottaz
1900 - Present
Associate, Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law
1992 - 1996
Attorney, Gilmore, Aafedt, Forde, Anderson, & Gray, PA
1996 - Present
Anoka County Bar Association
1992 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association
affirmed
affirmed
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2017
That's Why They Call it Practicing Law
2017
Customer Service Tips from a Plaintiff Lawyer
2017
Presenting at Hearing: Preparation and Performance
2017
That's Why They Call it Practicing Law
2017
Tales from the Dark Side
2017
That's Why They Call it Practicing Law
2016
Tales from the Dark Side- Decisions, Decisions
2015
Co-Chair
2014
Proving whether the Injury "Arose Out Of" Employment after Dykhoff
2014
Understanding the Basics of Minnesota Workers' Compensation
2014
Sharpen Your Skills- A Workers' Compensation seminar: Working With Your Opponent
2013
Analysis of 2013 Changes to MN Work Comp Law
2012
Medical Benefits
2012
Time and Project Management
2012
Legal Ethics
2011
Intervention: Practice Tips and Strategies
2010
Co-Chair
2010
Client Relations
2020
2017
English