Bruce Jones focuses on appellate court matters and serves as co-head of the firm's appellate advocacy practice. Acting on behalf of clients of all sizes, Bruce brings his specialized knowledge and experience to appeals in a variety of federal and state appellate courts in a broad array of subject areas, including product liability, drugs and medical devices, consumer fraud and the environment. In addition to briefing appeals and presenting oral arguments, Bruce has extensive experience in appellate motion practice, in pursuing and resisting petitions for extraordinary writs of mandamus and prohibition, and in seeking and opposing discretionary appeals.

Bruce also frequently serves as a pre-appellate consultant to litigants in state and federal trial courts, providing advice and guidance on topics relating to anticipated appeals and drafting and arguing motions, jury instructions, and other arguments directed to preserving issues for appeal.

Recent representative appellate decisions in cases Bruce briefed and/or argued include:

• Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 125 S.Ct. 1788 (2005). Amicus brief in litigation of federal preemption under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
• Brunswick Corporation v. Genmar Holdings, Inc., 2008 WL 2340363 (Minn. App. 2008). Challenged sua sponte grant of summary judgment on amount of damages.
• City of Brooklyn Center v. Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., 635 N.W.2d 236 (Minn. App. 2001). Amicus brief in appeal from arbitration over discharge of police officer.
• Hardin v. BASF Corp., 397 F.3d 1082 (8th Cir. 2005). Defended dismissal of claims based on federal preemption.
• Mortellite v. Novartis Crop Protection, Inc., 460 F.3d 483 (3rd Cir. 2006). Defended dismissal of claims based on federal preemption.
• Peterson v. BASF Corp., 618 N.W.2d 821 (Minn. App. 2000), subsequent appeal after remand, 657 N.W.2d 853 (Minn. App. 2003), aff'd, 675 N.W.2d 57 (Minn. 2004), cert. granted, vacated, and remanded, 544 U.S. 1012 (2005), reaff'd after remand, 711 N.W.2d 470 (Minn. 2006). Challenged jury verdict of $65 million awarded in consumer fraud class action.
• Stringer v. Minnesota Vikings Football Club, LLC, 705 N.W.2d 746 (Minn. 2005). Defended judgment for Minnesota Vikings in wrongful death matter.
• Vess v. Ciba-Geigy Corp. USA, 317 F.3d 1097 (9th Cir. 2003). Defended dismissal based on failure to adequately plead consumer fraud violation.
• Welfare of Children of N.F. and S. F., Parents, 749 N.W.2d 802 (Minn. 2008). Represented guardian ad litem in appeal concerning statutory definition of physical abuse.
• Wyeth v. Natural Biologics, Inc., 395 F.3d 897 (8th Cir. 2005). Defended judgment against defendant in trade secret theft case.

Bruce has also devoted considerable time to defending toxic tort and other products liability claims. He has administered and defended hundreds of asbestos cases pending in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, coordinating asbestos pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, and court and attorney communications on behalf of over 30 different companies.

Bruce has substantial experience in the defense of insurance coverage cases, particularly those involving product liability, toxic tort and environmental claims. Bruce has defended clients in a wide variety of other areas, including construction, real estate, and legal and accounting malpractice.

Representative clients for whom Bruce has handled litigation or potential litigation matters include:

• Cargill, Inc.
• Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
• Novartis Pharmaceutical
• Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
• E.I. duPont de Nemours
• BASF Corporation
• Brunswick Corporation
• TIC, The Industrial Company
• En Pointe
• M.A. Mortenson Co.
• Minnesota Vikings Football Club
• The Home Insurance Co.

Professional Recognition

Clerkships

Trade Organizations

• Minnesota State Bar Association - Appellate Section, Executive Council, 2000-2006
• Minnesota Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure Advisory Committee, 2008-
• Minnesota Juvenile Rules Committee, Expedited Appeals Subcommittee, 2008
• Warren E. Burger Inn of Court - President, 2000-2001
• American Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association