The Minnesota Association for Justice Elects New President – Peter Schmit

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Last Friday, Twin Cities’ attorney Peter Schmit was elected President of the Minnesota Association for Justice (MAJ) at the association’s annual convention in Alexandria, Minnesota. Mr. Schmit's term will run for one year, from August 2015 to August 2016. Mr. Schmit pledged to use his term as President to help eliminate the barriers injured consumers face when seeking justice through our civil justice system - and to ensure the longevity of the Association dedicated to that goal.

The Minnesota Association for Justice is committed to our Constitution’s guarantee of justice for all and promotes that mission in all of its work. As President, Mr. Schmit will lead efforts to ensure that the right to a trial by jury is not undermined in the courts or at the State Capitol.  “Our mission is to protect everyone's access to the courts, not just powerful corporations. We oppose legislation that takes away our rights,” said Mr. Schmit.  "In addition to our legislative agenda, my Presidency will seek to connect our members in more meaningful ways.  Our annual convention theme of Paying it Forward speaks to the need for long-standing members of MAJ to mentor younger attorneys who are just starting out.  We all had a mentor that helped us see the importance of this association and I want to be sure that the tradition continues."

Mr. Schmit is a Partner and Chair of the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Group at Robins Kaplan LLP, a national law firm with headquarters in Minneapolis.  Mr. Schmit grew up on a small farm in Northern Minnesota, and that is where he learned the value of hard work and tenacity.  Mr. Schmit brings those skills to work every day as he fights for justice for those injured by improper medical care.  For the last 26 years, he has advocated for injured consumers and fought for those who are powerless.  He has been recognized numerous years as a “Minnesota Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers, is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association, and was inducted into the American Board of Trial Attorneys in 2013, and lectures and writes frequently on the subject of medical malpractice.

Mr. Schmit lives in Shoreview, Minnesota with his wife Phyllis and two children, Jared and Claire.

The Minnesota Association for Justice (MAJ) is a professional association of attorneys who represent Minnesotans wrongfully harmed or injured in personal, property or human rights. MAJ defends the rights guaranteed by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and Minnesota, foremost among them the right to a trial by jury, and advocates for public policy to enhance consumer rights and protection.

Reprinted with permission of the Minnesota Association for Justice, 2015