Robins Kaplan Adds Leading Civil Rights, Personal Injury Attorneys to Minneapolis Office

Robins Kaplan LLP announced today that leading civil rights and personal injury attorneys Robert Bennett, Katie Bennett, Andrew Noel, and Marc Betinsky have joined the firm’s Minneapolis office.

Together the group has more than 75 years of experience representing clients in a wide range of cases, including personal injury and civil rights cases that have changed the legal landscape. The team’s recent work has captured national attention in litigation seeking redress for civil rights violations and police misconduct, police shootings, and prison neglect and abuse. Their most noteworthy victories include a 2019 landmark settlement of $20 million with the City of Minneapolis on behalf of the family of Justine Ruszczyk, who was shot by a Minneapolis police officer in July 2017.  It was the largest settlement of a case involving a fatal police shooting nationwide. The group also secured a $3 million settlement in the fatal police shooting death of Philando Castile.

“This group of experienced and talented lawyers—top-tiered in every sense—is an exciting addition to our firm,” says Peter Schmit, Chair of Robin Kaplan’s National Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Group. “Their work in the area of civil rights law has been transformative and we look forward to what our combined capabilities can bring to ensure justice for all of our clients.” 

The group’s work is consistently celebrated by the legal community, with Robert Bennett named an “Attorney of The Year” by Minnesota Lawyer six times and as one of Minnesota’s top 100 Super Lawyers three times. He and Andrew Noel are perennial “Super Lawyers” and Katie Bennett has been named a “Rising Star” since 2015. Andrew and Katie have also been named an “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer.

Collectively, Robert, Katie, Andrew, and Marc have obtained over $100 million on behalf of victims.  Robert and Andrew worked in collaboration with attorneys from Robins Kaplan to help secure over $54 million on behalf of the victims of the Minneapolis 35W bridge collapse. “Having worked with Robins Kaplan on the 35W bridge collapse, I am familiar with the tireless determination and dedication the attorneys have for fighting on behalf of clients,” said Robert Bennett. “I am confident that our shared objective of seeking justice for those who need it most will enable us to further elevate Robins Kaplan’s profile as a powerhouse trial firm.”