Scott Benson of Briol & Benson Minnesota

Scott Benson

Member

Clients who seek exceptional oral advocacy for their most important cases turn to Scott Benson.  A seasoned trial lawyer, Scott has argued hundreds of motions, tried numerous cases to verdict or award, and advocated for clients on appeals.

Scott joined Briol & Benson in 1998. His practice focuses in the areas of minority shareholder litigation, complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, marital dissolution, and personal injury. He has represented clients before trial courts and arbitration panels throughout the country, securing millions of dollars in recoveries on their behalf. Scott has worked on several cases involving the appointment of a Special Litigation Committee. Scott has also served as counsel to Special Litigation Committees and has written and lectured about their proper use.

Outside the courtroom, Scott has volunteered his time serving on boards and commissions, singing in operettas, and racing triathlons.  Scott served two terms on the Minneapolis City Council, representing Ward 11.  He was a nine-year board member of the Hennepin Theatre Trust, chairing the HTT Board for two years and then co-chairing the HTT’s capital campaign.  Scott sat on OutFront Minnesota’s Board for several years and chaired OutFront’s Political Action Committee.  He is currently President of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club.  Scott sings operettas with the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company and has raced in over 30 triathlons, including sprint, Olympic, and half Ironman distances.

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 1989
  • Saint Olaf College, B.A., cum laude, 1983

Bar & Court Admissions

  • State of Minnesota
  • State of Wisconsin
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • Minnesota Bar Association
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • District of Columbia Bar Association
  • Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

Academic Appointments

  • Adjunct Professor
    • Saint Olaf College, 2003 – 2004
    • Taught seminar-level courses in local government policy, finance, and politics
  • Adjunct Professor of Law
    • Hamline University Law School, 1992 – 1995
    • Taught Insurance Law and Professional Responsibility

Recent Articles and Lectures

  • Joseph A. Pull and Scott A. Benson, When First Strikes Should Be Out: The Premature Special Litigation Committee, 16 U. St. Thomas L. J. 69 (2019)
  • Scott A. Benson, Mark J. Briol, and Joseph A. Pull, Minnesota CLE, Minority Shareholder Litigation – Direct vs. Derivative Claims and Special Litigation Committees (2019 and 2020)

Awards & Accomplishments

  • Super Lawyer from 2011 to 2021 by Minnesota Super Lawyers© as published by Mpls-St. Paul and Twin Cities Business Magazines.*‡
  • Elected to the Minneapolis City Council from Ward 11 for two terms.

* According to the Minnesota State Bar Association, as of February 2022, there were more than 27,000 licensed attorneys in Minnesota.