Brian Vander Lee Retains Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. Partners Philip Sieff and Chris Messerly

MINNEAPOLIS, June 22, 2012 – Brian Vander Lee has retained the lawyers who obtained justice for those who survived, and those who lost loved ones, when the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River in 2007. Philip Sieff and Chris Messerly, partners with the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller &Ciresi L.L.P., led a consortium of lawyers who provided free legal services to the majority of those on the bridge and ultimately helped obtain more than $77 million from the wrongdoers who caused the bridge to fall. The attorneys also contributed funds to help build the I-35W Bridge Memorial.

Sieff and Messerly represent Brian who presently lies in a Mercy Hospital bed. Brian suffered a skull fracture and brain injuries, which required two emergency brain surgeries. It is not yet known to what extent he may recover from his injuries that resulted from a severe beating on Saturday. The full extent of Brian’s medical expenses also are not yet known, but are expected to be overwhelming.

Philip Sieff states, “This is not the time to discuss who caused Brian’s catastrophic injuries. This is the time to pray for Brian’s recovery, and for his family.” Chris Messerly adds, “Now is not the time for justice, but we will make sure that the day comes for justice for this young father who was so badly beaten.”

Philip Sieff is widely recognized for representing seriously injured people and the families of those killed due to the wrongdoing of others. He focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, and wrongful death law.

Chris Messerly represents families and individuals who have been injured in cases involving medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability and other harm caused by wrongdoers.

Mr. Sieff and Mr. Messerly ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this most trying time. Please direct all inquiries to Brian’s attorneys. Philip Sieff and Chris Messerly can be contacted at 612-349-8500.