Responsibility

Defending Fire Claims, Litigation and Subrogation in Minnesota

We believe others should follow their legal obligations to you whether spelled out in written form or as recognized in the law. When those obligations are broken, we are here to review, collaborate, and assist you with a solution.

Our Team

john

John Neal

Attorney

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maryjo

Mary Jo

Paralegal

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bill

Bill Martin-Chaffee

Office Manager

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andy

Andy Chi

Technology

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Law-book

Philosophy

We are a boutique firm representing insurance clients in coverage, defense, and subrogation matters. We also represent individuals and businesses in matters involving fire and explosions, personal injuries, and damages. Our small-firm approach allows us to navigate the unique characteristics of each case, while devoting time and attention to our clients. From small to large losses, the journey with our clients starts with collaboration and leads us toward the goal and path of mutual conclusion.

Who We are

We are a former firefighter, law enforcement officer, military veteran, and sophisticated information technology professional.

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Fire Picture - White Bear Lake

Protecting our clients

Insurance Coverage

With the ever-evolving complexities of insurance and defense, we are committed to working with our clients to find solutions within the confines of the insurance policy, law, and unique facts of each case.

Insurance Subrogation

Insurance losses are time sensitive with respect to a successful subrogation. From putting boots on the ground immediately following a loss, investigating scenes, retaining and working with experts, putting opposing parties on notice, and generating comprehensive settlement packets, our team is situated to help our insurance clients navigate the intricacies of subrogation losses from small to large.

Product Defects

Losses and damages can occur from defective products or the actions of third parties, among other things. Sometimes those losses can be significant. We assist clients in navigating the complexities often involved in determining the origin and cause of losses with the goal of reaching an answer for that loss and holding those accountable for their actions.

Insurance Defense

With the ever-evolving complexities of insurance and defense, we are committed to working with our clients to find solutions within the confines of the insurance policy, law, and unique facts of each case.

Contact details

Location

9157 Athman Rd,, St Cloud, MN 56301

Email

info@nealpllc.com
john@nealpllc.com

Phone

(507) NEAL-LAW
John: (612) 716-1505

Send us a message

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Copyright © 2024, Neal Law LLC. All Rights Reserved.

john

More information about John

Prior to practicing law, John served as a judicial law clerk for two years. He graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa School of Law where he was a member of and published author for the Iowa Law Review. Prior to law school, John served as an investigator for Georgetown University Law Center’s Criminal Justice Clinic in Washington, D.C.

John is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Instructor, as well as a former on-call firefighter. John practices in various areas of law with a focus on insurance and fire litigation.

John grew up in the Sandhills of Nebraska. His mother still lives on the ranch that has been in the family for over 125 years. When not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

Education

University of Iowa – J.D., with Distinction; Iowa Law Review
Iowa State University – B.S. & B.A., with Honors and Distinction
Elk River Fire Academy – FF1, FF2, HazMat & EMR
National Fire Academy – Fire Investigation Interview and Testimony

Certifications and Licenses

Minnesota Supreme Court; Minnesota Federal Court
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) – National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII) – National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
Youth Firesetter Prevention and Intervention Specialist – National Fire Academy (FEMA) (Inactive)
Firefighter I – Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (Inactive)
Firefighter II – Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (Inactive)
HAZMAT – Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (Inactive)

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyer 2023, 2024
Super Lawyers – Rising Star 2016, 2017
Minnesota Association of Farm Mutual Insurance Companies (MAFMIC) Volunteer of the Year Award (2018)

Committees and Memberships

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee on Fire Investigation Units – Principal (2019-Present)
MAFMIC Policy Committee (2012-Present)
MAFMIC Editorial Committee (2012-Present)
Wright County Fire Investigation Team (2019-Present) (Inactive)
Albertville Fire Department (2017-Present) (Inactive)

Professional Affiliations

International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) – Minnesota Chapter
National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
      ◦ Product Liability & Fire Science Litigation Committee
Minnesota State Bar Association
Stearns-Benton County Bar Association
Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association

Published Works

Striking Batson Gold at the End of the Rainbow?: Revisiting Batson v. Kentucky and its Progeny in light of Romer v. Evans and Lawrence v. Texas, 91 Iowa L. Rev. __ (2006).
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace: A Practical Guide, Bloomberg BNA (2014) – reviewer for Iowa and Nebraska.

bill

More information about Bill

Bill has been an Administrative Manager since 2006 after obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at St. Cloud State University. He volunteers with a number of organizations in the St. Cloud Community including Big Brothers Big Sisters with concentrated efforts in Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Bill grew up on a farm in Hinckley, Minnesota and served in the Minnesota National Guard with one deployment to Bosnia in 2003 before moving to St. Cloud in 2004.

Bill now resides in Annandale, Minnesota with his husband and two children where he enjoys reading, skiing, beekeeping, winemaking, and grilling.