Ann Motl and Evan Nelson Selected as 2021 'Up & Coming' Attorneys by Minnesota Lawyer

Maslon is pleased to announce that Ann Motl and Evan Nelson, attorneys in Maslon's Litigation Group, have each been named a 2021 "Up & Coming Attorney" by Minnesota Lawyer. The recognition highlights lawyers who have distinguished themselves by their professional accomplishments, leadership in the community, and commitment to the profession in their first decade of practice.

Ann has made an extraordinary impact in her early career, both through her IP litigation and product liability defense work on behalf of business clients and her deep commitment to DEI advancement, community service, and pro bono representation. Distinguished by a degree in mechanical engineering, she offers skilled counsel to clients on a variety of technological/legal issues, including intellectual property litigation and product liability defense. Her intellectual property practice is bolstered by qualification as a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Ann has extensive experience in patent pre-suit analysis, discovery, and dispositive briefing. In her products liability practice, she is involved in all stages of litigation, with a focus on developing technical strategy related to recalls of Class III medical devices.

Notably, she is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, particularly in the legal industry. Ann is currently in the early stages of working with aligned colleagues to create a Minnesota bar association for lawyers with disabilities, with hopes to launch in fall 2021. In addition, Ann serves on professional panels, writes and publishes articles, represents those with disabilities pro bono, and gives a powerful voice to the experience of a person living with a disability.

Evan has distinguished himself early in his career through impactful work and extraordinary contributions—including dedicated representation of business clients and exceptional work on high-profile pro bono matters. Evan focuses his practice on property rights—from making sure landowners get just compensation when their property is condemned to representing trustees and beneficiaries in trust disputes. As testament to his commitment to this area of work, Evan is secretary of the Minnesota Eminent Domain Institute, a nonprofit corporation comprised of Minnesota attorneys who practice in the areas of eminent domain and relocation law. With other members of the Institute, Evan co-authored an amicus brief submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court in support of property owners’ rights in an eminent domain action; in September 2020, the court rejected the government's argument and sided with property owners’ rights. In addition, Evan represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, insurance coverage, and product liability defense litigation.

Evan has made pro bono representation a cornerstone of his practice, whether representing a veteran deprived of medical benefits, a prisoner on death row, or the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness in challenging Minnesota's first copper-sulfide mine. He approaches his cases with passion, an incredible work ethic, and excellent litigation skills.

To read a full list of honorees, go to: 2021 Up & Coming Attorneys. 

To read the full magazine issue, go to: 2021 Up & Coming Attorney's Magazine.