Phillip Gainsley, Minneapolis Attorney

"Excellent Attorney, gets the job done. I don’t think he likes losing! I’m sure he has a lot of feathers in his hat. Terrific person in general!"

-K.B.

Advocating for families and businesses since 1966.

Phillip Gainsley has been practicing law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and throughout the state for over 40 years. He is an AV® Preeminent™ attorney, holding the highest available rating in the legal profession. He is licensed to practice in state and federal courts.

Phillip is dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters regarding:
• Commercial Litigation
• Family Law
• Professional negligence, including legal malpractice

Contact Us

80 South Eighth Street, Suite 900
Minneapolis, MN  55402

phillip@gainsleylaw.com
Phone: 612-337-9527
Fax: 612-337-9027

 

“Thank you so much for what you did for my mother. We are very grateful for your excellent service.”
- P.E.

Areas of Practice

  • Legal Malpractice

  • Professional Negligence

  • Family Law

  • Complex Commercial Litigation

  • Commercial Litigation

  • Residential and Commercial Real Estate

  • Complex Business Litigation

  • Defamation

  • Eminent Domain

  • Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

 

Recent Activity

Successfully represented several claimants in legal malpractice litigation, involving underlying:
• failed real estate transactions
• contract disputes
• litigation negligence
• conflict of interests
• drafting errors

Successfully represented plaintiffs in a complicated United States Patent-related litigation in a matter with over 70,000 documents and numerous fact- and expert witnesses.

Successfully represents plaintiffs in wrongful employment termination cases (including violations of Minnesota Human Rights Act) and in closely-held corporation disputes resulting in statutory buy-outs and stock redemptions.

Successfully represents independent contractors and commissioned salespersons wrongfully terminated.

• Resolved real estate disputes involving encroachment easements, boundary lines, disclosures, and homestead designations.
• Successfully represents home-owners in moisture infiltration claims.
• Recently been awarded judgments in excess of $3,500,000 for clients in an action involving life insurance sales abuses.

Established Minnesota Law

 

• Child removal from the state in custody proceedings Gordon v. Gordon, 339 N.W.2d 269 (Minn. 1983)
• “Fairness” doctrine in Minnesota antenuptial agreements McKee-Johnson v. Johnson, 444 N.W.2d 259 (Minn. 1989)

Guest Lecturer

 

Lectured on his significant cases at the University of Minnesota Law School, William Mitchell College of law and University of St. Thomas School of Law, and for the past five years has spoken at the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm annual retreats.

“No matter what happened, or what the other attorneys said or did, Phil offered constant, unwavering support. He was always the advocate.”
- C.P.

 "It was fun and comforting watching you work through the process. Your many years of experience showed through, and I am completely convinced that you were the right person for the job." 

- R.M.

“In the past year, I've been so lucky to have you as my lawyer to represent me, and I have been so grateful to have you to guide me - how to handle things wisely, how to walk me through all difficult and stressful situations. To be honest, Phil, words cannot express how much I appreciate your help, your patience, and your efforts. Because of your professional support I have my half parenting time back, and my daughter can stay in the same school. Because of your professional logic analysis, and your skillful, powerful fighting approach I can keep my current house, and the have ability to survive in the USA and to be able to start a new life here again.”

- A.Z.