Attorney at Law

Steve is a principal at the firm, and further is a litigation and appellate attorney with over 20 years of experience. Steve has successfully represented clients in various state and federal district and appellate courts, and arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Forum and FINRA. He handles a wide array of cases, with a focus on construction matters, business advising and litigation, and appellate practice. As a former law clerk for the district court and Minnesota Court of Appeals, Steve gained unique insight into the judicial decision-making process that has allowed him to work with clients to deliver cost-effective legal solutions that maximize the outcome for clients.

Since 2014, Steve has been recognized by Minnesota Law & Politics as a Super Lawyer for his construction practice. This is a designation given to only five percent of lawyers in the State of Minnesota. Steve has counseled and represented project owners and developers, design professionals, contractors, and subcontractors throughout all phases of the construction cycle from contract drafting, review and negotiation, loss prevention and risk management, dispute resolution, and, when necessary, through litigation and appeals.

In addition to his construction practice, Steve represents individuals and businesses in matters involving contract issues, noncompete agreements, severance agreements, wrongful discharge and whistleblower claims, insurance coverage, real estate, mortgage and mechanic's lien foreclosures, civil RICO claims, business defamation, and claims under Minnesota’s consumer protection statutes, such as the Deceptive Trade Practices and Fraudulent Transfer acts.

As a respected appellate attorney, Steve has regularly appeared before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He previously served on the Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure and is a past Chair of the MSBA Appellate Practice Section Governing Council. He has handled appeals involving design-professionals, mechanic’s liens, mortgage foreclosures, insurance coverage, land-use issues, and various commercial and business disputes. Steve also regularly consults with other attorneys regarding appellate procedure, appealability, record and issue preservation, and overall appellate tactics and strategy. Steve has given a number of continuing legal education programs on various aspects of successful appellate advocacy.

sbuterin@droellaw.com
612.998.3498

Education

• Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A.
• Hamline University School of Law, J.D.
• Mitchell Hamline School of Law,
  • Certificate in Cybersecurity and Privacy Law

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Wisconsin
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• United States District Court for District of Minnesota
• United States District Court for Western District of Wisconsin

Legal Associations (Past and Present)

• Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Construction Law Section (member)
  • Appellate Practice Section Governing Council (member and Past Section Chair)
• Hennepin County Bar Association (member)
• Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure (past member)
• Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society (former Board member)

Pro Bono Activities

• Volunteer Attorney, Appeal Self-Help Clinic sponsored by Minnesota Law Library and MSBA Appellate Practice Section, Minnesota Judicial Center, (2019 – present)

Awards and Recognition

• Recognized as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine (2014-2020)
• Recognized as a Rising Star by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine (2004-2008)

Law Clerk

• First Judicial District - Hon. Patrice Sutherland (retired)
• Minnesota Court of Appeals - Hon. R.A. (Jim) Randall (retired)