Art Boylan’s practice is devoted to handling complex litigation, with special emphasis on class action defense. He has litigated cases involving contract-based claims, business torts, consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, and securities claims.

Art was recently involved in the defense of a nationwide class action in federal court in Minneapolis. The case involved allegations of wrongdoing in connection with the marketing and sale of certain annuity products, and grew to be one of the largest class actions against an insurance company, implicating over 400,000 policies. Plaintiffs sought over $2 billion in damages. After a three-week trial, the jury found that the insurer’s conduct had not caused loss or damage to any class member. Judgment was entered in the insurer’s favor.

Art has made presentations relating to litigation strategies and to the Rules of Civil Procedure. He has also been named a Star Lawyer by Benchmark Litigation. In 2008, Art was named one of just 25 individuals recognized as Up and Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer.

Professional and Civic Activities

• Vice President, Membership, Federal Bar Association (2011-2012)
• Co-Chair, William Mitchell Alumni Golf Tournament (2008-2011)
• Vice President, Legal Education Committee, Federal Bar Association (2010-2011)
• Vice President, Monthly Meetings, Federal Bar Association (2008-2010)
• Committee Member, Legal Education Committee, Federal Bar Association (2007-2009)
• Co-Chair, William Mitchell Alumni Golf Committee, Annual Fundraiser for Student Award of Merit
• Task Force Member, Task Force on Diversity in Profession, Minnesota State Bar Association (2005-2006)
• Liaison, Civil Litigation Section Governing Council, Minnesota State Bar Association (2005-2006)

Selected Cases

BUSINESS LITIGATION

• Defended international importer and distributor in a multi-party breach of contract and business tort case. At a pre-trial mediation, a settlement was reached and Art’s client walked away for nothing.
• Defended international technology company on alleged breach of contract. After close to two years of litigation and on the eve of trial, Plaintiff agreed to dismiss the remainder of its claims, which were valued at more than $2 million.
• Defended Texas corporation in Federal Court in lawsuit alleging breach of contract and fraud. Obtained dismissal of lawsuit.
• Defended international manufacturer and importer in Federal Court in lawsuit alleging contract claims and violations of Minnesota statutes. After filing motion to dismiss, negotiated settlement for less than 7 percent of Plaintiff’s original demand.

CLASS ACTION DEFENSE

• Defended large financial institution in numerous class action lawsuits alleging violations of the state consumer protection statutes, unfair competition laws, deceptive trade practices and fraud.
• Defended nationwide class action alleging violations of the federal statutes. Obtained dismissal of lawsuit.
• Defended class action against student loan originator based on alleged breach of contract and violations of state consumer protection statutes. Before any discovery occurred, negotiated a favorable settlement for client.

Publications and Presentations

• Co-Author, “Chapter on Class Actions,” Minnesota Business Torts Deskbook
• Author, “Focus On: The Subprime Mortgage Market,” The Federal Lawyer, August 2008
• Panel Moderator, “The Mortgage Meltdown & Class Actions,” District of Minnesota Federal Practice Seminar, June 2008
• Panel Moderator, “Standards Developing in Electronic Discovery,” District of Minnesota Federal Practice Seminar, June 2007
• Speaker, “Electronic Discovery,“ Presentation to Clients, Leonard, Street and Deinard, September 2006
• Speaker, “What You Need To Know: Amendments to the Federal Rules,” In-House Presentation, Leonard, Street and Deinard, June 2006
• Author, “Losing Clarity in Loss of Access Cases: The Minnesota Supreme Court’s Muddled Analysis in Dale Properties, LLC v. State,” 29 William Mitchell Law Review 695, Fall 2002
   

Education

• J.D., magna cum laude, William Mitchell College of Law
       Editor, William Mitchell Law Review
• B.A., Political Science and English, Saint John’s University

Admissions

• State of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit