Thomas H. Priebe

Attorney at Law

“I work closely with clients to develop a legal strategy that incorporates their goals with the facts and law. This gives me the ability to effectively advise my clients every step of the way, so we can obtain the best possible outcome, whether that be before a dispute arises, during litigation, at trial, or on appeal. “

Thomas H. Priebe

Attorney at Law

“I work closely with clients to develop a legal strategy that incorporates their goals with the facts and law. This gives me the ability to effectively advise my clients every step of the way, so we can obtain the best possible outcome, whether that be before a dispute arises, during litigation, at trial, or on appeal. “

Thomas H. Priebe

Tom Priebe joined Hellmuth & Johnson as a partner in the firm’s litigation group. His practice is focused on employment, construction, business, and other commercial litigation matters. Tom has extensive experience in multiple, diverse areas of law, including insurance coverage, indemnification and contribution, professional negligence, civil rights, commercial and contractual disputes, real property arbitrations, and providing general employment advice to employers.

Tom began his career as a litigator at firms throughout the Twin Cities. He has successfully litigated numerous civil lawsuits and arbitrations as lead counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants. Tom’s experience includes first-chairing bench trials and jury trials, and arguing multiple cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. He works closely with his clients and is dedicated to obtaining the best outcome, whether that be before litigation starts, at trial, or on appeal.

Tom received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, where he was a part of the William Mitchell American Association of Justice Trial Team. Tom is licensed to practice in Minnesota state courts and United States District Court of Minnesota.

EXPERIENCE

  • Lead counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of different cases concerning, among other things, employment discrimination/retaliation, business disputes, construction defects, personal injury, contract disputes, land-use disputes, negligence, and professional negligence.
    • Representation has included pre-litigation negotiations, arbitrations, and state and federal lawsuits.
  • Represented numerous employers against claims of discrimination and retaliation in state and federal court.
  • Lead counsel on a week-long jury trial, several bench trials, and numerous arbitrations.
  • Represented both employers and employees in charges submitted to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and EEOC.
  • Represented both employers and employees in dozens of unemployment hearings.
  • Represented general contractors, subcontractors, and developers in multi-party construction defect cases.
  • Represented several different professionals in administrative proceedings.
  • Briefed and argued dozens of motions in both state and federal court.
  • Briefed and argued multiple appeals at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
  • Defended claims of public-accommodation discrimination.
  • Lead counsel for plaintiff in wrongful death case against municipality.
  • Lead counsel for plaintiff in appeal from municipality’s denial of land-use permit.
  • Lead defense counsel on numerous multi-party construction defect cases.
  • Drafted several employment handbooks.
  • Drafted numerous contracts for marketing companies, contractors, and employers.
  • Provided routine employment and labor law advice to multiple employers.
  • Experienced in many other different areas of the law including criminal law, shareholder disputes, real property arbitration, personal injury, school and municipal law, employment investigations, civil rights, open meeting laws, and breach of contract.

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Real Estate, 2021-2024
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers® – 2024
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star® – 2022-2023

EDUCATION

  • William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2013

  • University of Minnesota Duluth, B.A., 2009

ADMISSIONS

  • Minnesota State Courts

  • United States District Court for the District of Minnesota

CONTACT INFORMATION

Direct: 952-460-9223

PRACTICE AREAS

ASSISTANT

Amanda M. Kunkel