Lommen Nelson obtains landmark vaccine decision.

Sheila Bjorklund, a partner at Lommen Nelson, has obtained a landmark decision in the thimerosal vaccine litigation. The decision is the first in the country on when the statute of limitations begins to run in cases alleging that childhood vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal caused or triggered autism. In the landmark case of Setnes v. HHS, Judge Bohdan Futey, of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, recognized that the onset of autism is insidious and may not become manifest until there is enough evidence for doctors to reach the diagnosis. In cases where the symptoms develop insidiously over time, as with autism, and the child’s behavior cannot be readily connected to an injury or disorder, the court may rely on the child’s medical or psychological evaluations for guidance in ascertaining when the “manifestation onset” occurred. Ms. Bjorklund is a member of the Autism Petitioners’ Steering Committee which is composed of attorneys from across the country who have filed claims on behalf of children claiming injury due to receipt of childhood vaccines. The Petitioners’ Steering Committee is currently working with medical and scientific experts regarding the legal causation between vaccine components such as thimerosal and autism. For more information on this issue, contact Sheila Bjorklund at 612-336-9312, 800-752-4297, or sheila@lommen.com.

Phil Cole listed among Top 10 Minnesota lawyers.

Phil Cole, president of Lommen Nelson, is among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Minnesota! Two other partners -- Bob King and Roger Stageberg -- are among Minnesota’s Top 100 Attorneys; all as determined in conjunction with the Super Lawyer selection process conducted by “Minnesota Law & Politics,” “Twin Cities Business Monthly” and “MPLS-St. PAUL Magazine.” Phil Cole is a litigator, practicing both in the areas of commercial litigation and personal injury litigation; Bob King is also a litigator, practicing primarily in the area of personal injury litigation, including medical malpractice litigation; and Roger Stageberg is a corporate and securities law attorney. The firm’s other super lawyers include Kay Nord Hunt (appeals), Reid Lindquist (litigation), and Stephen Rathke (litigation). Scott Nelson has previously been selected as a Super Lawyer and is also a perennial Super CPA.

Roger Stageberg advising on leveraged buy-out by German businessman.

Roger Stageberg, the head of Lommen Nelson’s corporate department, who focuses on merger & acquisition transactions, is currently advising a Frankfurt, Germany businessman on the refinancing of his leveraged buy-out of a Houston, Texas industrial firm. Approximately $7.3 million of mid-term debt financing is being provided by a Houston-based mezzanine/venture capital firm. This is the second refinancing of the leveraged buy-out transaction which was originally closed in October, 2000, with $6 million of short-term debt financing and $13 million of primary bank debt. The Houston law firm that has assisted the Houston industrial firm for many years will assist with the documentation. (These relationships were set in place prior to the firm joining ILN.) The closing of the refinancing is anticipated to occur in mid-October.

Civil trial specialist joins Lommen Nelson as shareholder.

Robert J. (Bob) King, Jr. has joined Lommen, Nelson, Cole & Stageberg, P.A. as a shareholder. Mr. King adds 20 years of experience in personal injury, products liability, aviation accidents and medical malpractice litigation to Lommen Nelson’s Minnesota and Wisconsin practice. Mr. King is certified as a civil trial specialist by both the MSBA and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is the secretary for the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota, a board member of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and a fellow of the international Society of Barristers. He has been selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America and is one of the Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers for 2003. Mr. King works directly with clients or associates with other counsel. Mr. King may be reached at 612-336-9348, 800-752-4297, or bob@lommen.com.

Kay Nord Hunt teaches appellate law at St. Thomas.

Kay Nord Hunt is an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas Law School this fall. She is teaching appellate law.

Scott Nelson teaches at Carlson School of Business.

Scott M. Nelson is an adjunct professor for a Personal Finance Planning course at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota in the Spring of 2004. He will be assisting in the estate planning portions of the curriculum.

Lommen Nelson attorneys have been published in a number of magazines this year

Including John James’ article, “Managing a Growing Company’s Taxes,” in the 2003 Business Journal Growth Guide; Sherri Ulland’s article, “So You Want to Be on Board,” set for publication in October 2003 edition of UpSize Minnesota; and Stacey DeKalb was quoted in an article on non-compete agreements, “Take Care When Leaving Firm to Start Own Business” in the April 2003 edition of Upsize Minnesota.

Expert meteorological services offered.

Attorney and meteorologist! Chris Grote, an attorney with Lommen Nelson, is also a meteorologist and has been called upon to provide expert meteorological analysis and trial testimony. Mr. Grote has substantial television “stage” experience as a weatherman. He worked in both professions until electing to devote full time to his legal practice this past winter. Mr. Grote is available for expert services in personal injury, construction cases or other litigation involving weather issues. Lommen Nelson will move up in 2003!

Lommen Nelson’s Minneapolis, Minnesota office will be moving to the 20th floor of the IDS Center in January 2003. The new address will be 2000 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. The telephone numbers will remain the same: 612-339-8131 and 800-752-4297.

Lommen Nelson’s Hudson, Wisconsin office will also be moving all operations to the second floor of the Grandview Professional Building. That address will remain the same: Grandview Professional Building, Suite 210; 400 South Second Street, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016. The telephone number remains the same: 715-386-8217.