Keith E. Sjodin
Communicator
"Listen to the client more than you talk. This is a skill that you have to develop and not everyone gets it. Good people skills are very important."
Some clients are hoping for a big recovery, some really want their day in court, and others just want to get on with their lives. With all of them, Keith Sjodin seeks to manage expectations and help all of his clients level the legal playing field.
Keith has supported the growth of Melchert Hubert Sjodin ever since he joined the firm right out of law school in 1975. In that time, he's practiced in many areas of law but has focused entirely on personal injury and workers compensation since the early '80s. Keith leads the firm's Litigation practice group and has served as its Managing Partner for more than 20 years.
His strengths lie in strong negotiation skills honed from more than 30 years of practice. Rather than always playing the antagonist, Keith tries to keep communication flowing. "When you have to take a stand for clients, disagreements with other attorneys or claim adjustors are inevitable, but it doesn't have to get personal. At the end of the day you can go into the hallway and shake hands and ask your opponent about their family. I've done that many times."
This approach has served Keith and his clients well over the years to move toward a positive resolution, whether through mediation, arbitration or trial. "I always keep in mind that, while the final outcome for each client will be different, my goal is a positive result for the client," he says.
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation
Education
B.A., magna cum laude, University of Minnesota, Duluth; J.D., cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School
Career Notes
- Career in law since 1975
- Managing Partner of Melchert Hubert Sjodin
- Member of Minnesota State Bar Association, American Association for Justice and Minnesota Association for Justice
- Former President and member of Eighth District Bar Association
- Two terms on Minnesota Supreme Court Standing Committee for the Administration of Arbitration under the Minnesota No Fault Automobile Insurance Act
Personal Notes
- Charter member of Waconia/West Carver Rotary Club and member of Rotary District Youth Exchange Committee
- Active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Waconia
- Proud grandfather
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