Aaron D. Sampsel
Top rated Professional Liability attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Christensen Sampsel PLLC
Practice areas: Professional Liability, Business Litigation, Business & Corporate; view more
Licensed in Minnesota since: 2016
Education: Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2021 - 2026 Call today:
612-473-1200
Free Consultation Christensen Sampsel PLLC
305 N 5th AveSuite 375
Minneapolis, MN 55401 Visit website
Details
Aaron D. Sampsel is the Managing Attorney and a Shareholder with the firm of Christensen Sampsel PLLC. He routinely represents lawyers, law firms, and judges related to professional responsibility and legal ethics. Aaron also manages the firm's associate attorneys on business litigation, corporate transactions, consumer law, real estate, and intellectual property matters.
Aaron earned his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2016. While in law school, he earned a CALI Award and Dean's List honors. He served as a staff member for William Mitchell Law Review, Vol. 41, and on the editorial board for Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Vol. 42. Since graduating from law school, Aaron has given numerous CLEs on legal ethics and professional responsibility. He has also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline.
Aaron is admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He has appeared in trademark matters before the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Before his career as an attorney, Aaron worked in the consumer deposit compliance and retail banking industry.
Aaron sits on the Minnesota State Bar Association's Professional Regulation Committee. He is also a member of the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers and the American Bar Association's Center for Professional Responsibility.
Practice areas
Professional Liability: Defense, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Consumer LawFocus areas
Business Formation and Planning, Business Organizations, Consumer Protection, Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Limited Liability Companies
- 40% Professional Liability: Defense
- 20% Business Litigation
- 20% Business/Corporate
- 20% Consumer Law
First Admitted: 2016, Minnesota
Professional Webpage: https://christensensampsel.com/team/aaron-sampsel/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Admitted to State of Minnesota, 2016.
- Admitted to U.S District Court, District of Minnesota, 2016.
- Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, 2016.
- Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 2017.
- MSBA Rules of Professional Regulation Committee, Member (2019-present).
- Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, Member (2016-present).
- American Bar Association, Center for Professional Responsibility, Member (2016-present).
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Member (2016-present).
- Hennepin County Bar Association, Member (2016-present).
- Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Member (2016-present).
- National Organization of Bar Counsel, Member (2017-2018).
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Obtained favorable disposition on behalf of respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving alleged conflict of interest, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of national securities consulting firm in contract litigation, 2025
- Secured dismissal with prejudice on behalf of client in litigation involving ADA claims and state reporting laws, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of minority shareholder client in shareholder dispute, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of national supply chain and logistics provider in contract litigation, 2025
- Successfully defended attorney client in guarding against disclosure of attorney-client communications and protected work product in consumer rights litigation, 2025
- Obtained favorable disposition on behalf of respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of failure to supervise, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of consumer client against real estate investment company involving breach of contract, consumer fraud, and alter ego liability, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of client in shareholder dispute involving allegations of oppression and misappropriating company assets, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of national studio design contractor in contract litigation, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of property owner in contested partition and quiet title action, 2025
- Obtained dismissal of ethics complaint against respondent attorney for allegations involving non-communication, improper fee agreement, and lack of candor toward tribunal, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of association client in contract litigation, 2025
- Obtained favorable decision at summary judgment on behalf of association, narrowing contract and other claims for trial, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of client in boundary dispute litigation, 2025
- Obtain favorable disposition on behalf of respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of dishonesty and failure to follow court order, 2025
- Obtained favorable decision on motion to compel on behalf of consumer against judgment debtor for judgment debtor's post-judgment discovery sanctions, 2025
- Obtained favorable disposition on behalf of respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of non-communication, lack of diligence, and improper fee agreement, 2025
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of client in personal property dispute, 2024
- Obtained favorable disposition of ethics complaint on behalf of respondent attorney involving allegations of dishonesty and failure to follow court order, 2024
- Obtained favorable recommendation for admission to the Minnesota State Bar on behalf of bar applicant client with questions concerning character & fitness, 2024
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of consumer client in EFTA matter, 2024
- Successfully defended against Defendant financial institution's motion to dismiss Plaintiff's EFTA-related claims, 2024
- Obtained dismissal of ethics complaint on behalf of respondent attorney involving allegations of unreasonable contingency fee and improper fee sharing, 2024
- Negotiated favorable loan modification on behalf of national manufacturing client in commercial debt matter, 2024
- Negotiated resolution of commercial debt on behalf of debtor, 2024
- Negotiated favorable resolution of contract dispute on behalf of national utilities contractor, 2024
- Obtained favorable disposition defending respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of violating court procedure, 2024
- Obtained dismissal of ethics complaint against respondent attorney involving allegations of undue influence and conflicts of interest, 2023
- Obtained dismissal of ethics complaint on behalf of respondent attorney involving allegations of improper conflict of interest, 2023
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of plaintiff in improper foreclosure and FDCPA matter, 2023
- Negotiated favorable settlement on behalf of national manufacturer defendant in contract action, 2023
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of homeowner client in wrongful foreclosure and FDCPA action, 2023
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of plaintiff in shareholder dispute, 2023
- Successfully overcame inquiry of client's trust account overdraft resulting in dismissal without further investigation, 2023
- Obtained favorable disposition defending respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of incompetence and non-communication, 2023
- Obtained judgment on behalf of homeowners in construction defect matter, 2023
- Obtained affirmance on behalf of attorney expert witness from Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals of order dismissing civil rights action and imposing sanctions, 2023
- Obtained favorable disposition defending respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of non-communication and delay, 2022
- Obtained favorable disposition defending respondent attorney in disciplinary proceeding involving allegations of non-communication, lack of diligence, and failure to obtain client authority regarding settlement, 2022
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of defendant in contract action to enforce asset purchase agreement, 2022
- Successfully defended travel agent client in copyright action, 2022
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of majority owner in shareholder dispute, 2022
- Successfully defended client attorney against priority challenge to their attorney lien, 2022
- Obtained temporary injunction on behalf of plaintiffs in improper mechanic's lien matter, 2022
- Successfully overcame inquiry of client's trust account overdraft resulting in dismissal without further investigation, 2022
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of defendant in copyright infringement matter, 2022
- Negotiated resolution of commercial debt on behalf of debtor to less than 1% of the claimed debt due, 2022
- Successfully defended motion to dismiss client's FDCPA claim in wrongful foreclosure matter, 2022
- Negotiated resolution of commercial debt on behalf of creditor for 100% of the debt owed, 2022
- Obtained order protecting disclosure of attorney-client communications and work product of former attorney in charitable trust litigation, 2021
- Obtained dismissal of claims, and awarded sanctions against plaintiff, on behalf of attorney expert witness in federal civil rights action, 2021
- Successfully defended regional retailer in trademark infringement action, 2021
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of national manufacturing client on claims of consumer fraud and price gouging, 2021
- Successfully overcame inquiry of client's trust account overdraft resulting in dismissal without further investigation, 2021
- Represented attorney in successfully establishing and enforcing attorney lien in commercial property transaction, 2020
- In court trial, successfully litigated breach of fiduciary duty and related claims on behalf of plaintiff arising from defendant's fraudulent investment scheme, 2020
- Successfully overcame inquiry of client's trust account overdraft resulting in dismissal without further investigation, 2020
- Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of plaintiff in breach of contract action to enforce membership subscription agreement, 2020
- Represented attorney in defeating an attorney lien claim of prior counsel for failure to follow notice requirements of lien statute, 2020
- Obtained preliminary injunction for trademark infringement on behalf of national client related to the sale of consumer goods, 2018
- Obtained dismissal of foreclosure action for creditor's failure to provide accurate reinstatement quotes to mortgagor, 2017
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of defendant on claims of trademark infringement, false advertisement, declaratory relief, and trademark cancellation, 2017
- Successfully overcame descriptiveness refusal by USPTO in trademark registration proceeding on behalf of manufacturing client, 2017
Transactions
- Represented majority shareholder in redemption/buy-out of their interest in regional real estate development company, 2025
- Represented national consulting agency in corporate formation, 2025
- Represented regional construction supply company in corporate restructuring, 2025
- Represented law firm in corporate restructure and redemption of departing shareholder, 2025
- Represented national manufacturing client in corporate restructuring and revisions to its employment practices & policies, 2025
- Represented association in restructuring corporate governance, 2025
- Represented non-profit association in revising governing structure, 2025
- Represented property development firm in corporate restructure and asset purchase, 2025
- Represented regional design studio in corporate restructure, 2025
- Represented regional consulting company in negotiating scope of work for services provided to national food wholesale company, 2025
- Represented national consulting company for wholesale consumer goods in negotiating master services agreement and statement of work, 2025
- Represented national consulting company in negotiations of master services agreement and statement of work, 2024
- Represented regional designer in corporate formation and asset purchase, 2024
- Represented regional contractor in corporate restructuring and equity buy-in of new members, 2024
- Represented real estate investment group in corporate formation and asset purchase, 2024
- Represented national retail wine chain in negotiation of commercial lease, 2023
- Represented regional event & hospitality provider in negotiation of commercial lease, 2023
- Represented landowner in negotiation of land lease to non-profit, 2023
- Represented law firm in corporate restructuring, 2023
- Represented member in acquisition of equity shares of $5+ million spirits company, 2023
- Represented acquiring law firm in its merger with another law firm, 2023
- Represented real estate developer in restructuring debt obligation, 2023
- Represented buyer in purchase of $2 million manufacturing company, 2023
- Represented chemical producer in corporate restructure, 2022
- Represented national spirits manufacturer in trademark licensing and co-existence agreements, 2022
- Represented chemical producer in negotiating supply contracts with distributors, 2022
- Represented advertising company in negotiations of master services agreement and statement of work, 2022
- Represented seller in sale of $1.2 million commercial property, 2021
- Represented majority shareholder in successful buyout of remaining members, 2020
Pro bono / Community Service
- MSBA North Star Lawyer (providing 50+ pro bono hours in 2024), 2025
- MSBA North Star Lawyer (providing 50+ pro bono hours in 2023), 2024
- MSBA North Star Lawyer (providing 50+ pro bono hours in 2022), 2023
- MSBA Fourth District Ethics Committee, Volunteer Investigator, 2018
- FDIC Money Smart Junior Banking Ambassador Program Volunteer, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 2011
Educational Background
- Juris Doctor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Adjunct Professor of Law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law (2018-2023); Lawyer as Business Owner, Civil Procedure, Deals and Disputes Resolution, Foundations of Practice, Transactions and Settlements
- Author, “Ethics and Professional Responsibility” Minnesota DWI Deskbook, 4th ed., Minnesota CLE July, 2025
- Presenter, "A Year in Review: Update on Attorney Discipline Matters in 2024" Minnesota State Law Library CLE Series July, 2025
- Presenter, "A Year in Review: Update on Attorney Discipline Matters in 2024" Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2025
- Presenter, "A Year in Review: Update on Attorney Discipline Matters in 2023" Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2024
- Author, “Ethics in Practice: Technology, Flat Fees, and Reporting Obligations” VI Magazine - Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers August, 2023
- Presenter, "Ethical Issues Involved in Representing Student Athletes and Athletic Organizations" MSBA's Sports, Law, and Entertainment Section May, 2023
- Presenter, "Ethics for the Public Lawyer: Duty of Candor," Minnesota Attorney General's Office April, 2023
- Presenter, "Ethics Year in Review: 2022," Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2023
- Presenter, "Ethics, a Year in Review," Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2022
- Presenter, "Ethics Developments in 2020: A Year in Review," Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2021
- Presenter, "2019 in Hindsight: Ethics Case Law Update," Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series February, 2020
- Presenter, "Your First Ethics Complaint: What Not to Do," 2019 New Lawyers Leadership Conference November, 2019
- Author, “Professional Quandaries and Quagmires – Attorney Liens: What You Can and Cannot Claim” Minnesota Lawyer Sept. 30, 2019
- Presenter, "Tips & Tricks for DEC Chairs in Ethics Investigations,” Annual District Ethics Committee Chairs Symposium May, 2019
- Presenter, “Ethics and the Duty to Report,” Ramsey County Attorney’s Office CLE April, 2019
- Presenter, “Major Ethics Developments in 2018,” Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series April, 2019
- Presenter, “Ethics & Fee Agreements - Practice Management Pointers,” Collaborative Community Law Initiative CLE December, 2018
- Presenter, “The Ethics Refresher for Family Law Practitioners,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - MN Chapter November, 2018
- Presenter, “Disciplinary Update: A Synopsis of Recent Discipline Cases,” 10th Judicial District Annual Judicial Clerk CLE October, 2018
- Presenter, “Ethics: Lessons Learned from the Mistakes of Others - A Synopsis of Recent Discipline Cases,” Minnesota CLE Webcast August, 2018
- Presenter, “Top 20 Things All Criminal Law Attorneys Should Remember About Ethics,” 2018 Criminal Justice Institute August, 2018
- Presenter, “Top 20 Things All Probate & Trust Attorneys Should Remember About Ethics,” 2018 Probate & Trust Law Section Conference June, 2018
- Presenter, “Major Ethics Developments in 2017,” Anne W. Grande Law Library CLE Series May, 2018
- Presenter, “Ethics Update for Family Law Attorneys,” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - MN Chapter April, 2018
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Editor, Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Vol. 42
- Staff Member, William Mitchell Law Review, Vol. 41
Honors
- CALI Award Recipient
- Dean's List
- Burton Award Nominee
Industry Groups
- Legal
Selections
6 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2021 - 2026
