It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our esteemed longtime colleague and friend, Michael “Mike” Hutchens, on May 26, 2024.

Mike joined the firm in 1986, and quickly became a highly effective litigator. During his tenure, he chaired the firm’s Construction Law group and served a five-year term on the Management Committee. Mike dedicated his practice to complex civil litigation involving products liability, construction liability, and the defense of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Over the course of his exceptional legal career, Mike represented clients in more than 125 jury trials in both federal and state courts.  He was renowned across the nation as a formidable, go-to trial attorney for difficult, high risk cases.

Mike was recognized repeatedly for his professional achievements, by Best Lawyers in America®, which named him Defendant’s Lawyer of the Year in the area of Product Liability in 2016, and Chambers USA as a Leading Lawyer for Business: Construction. He was inducted into the International Society of Barristers and was a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel. For more than two decades, Mike was selected by his peers for inclusion in the Minnesota Super Lawyers® list.

Mike’s charm, wit, and remarkable legal mind are legendary and we will miss him dearly. Our condolences to Mike’s family, and to his many clients and friends.

You may view Mike’s obituary at this link.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4-7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55436. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at the Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403.