Minneapolis Minnesota Lawyer Kathryn Bennett

Katie Bennett

Partner
Deputy Chair, National Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Civil Rights Group

Katie Bennett is often described as a “passionate fighter” and tenacious civil rights attorney dedicated to the pursuit of justice. Katie focuses her practice on federal civil rights along with catastrophic personal injury cases, taking on formidable opponents such as police departments, insurance companies, and other powerful entities. Katie skillfully advocates for her clients throughout every phase of the legal process and is dedicated to seeking justice for those who have been harmed. She handles complex cases including jail suicides, police shootings, and excessive force cases, as well as personal injury actions and wrongful death cases where individuals have suffered serious injury or death.

From a young age, Katie was inspired by her father, a nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury lawyer, who fights in the courtroom on behalf of the less powerful and marginalized. At Robins Kaplan, she has been instrumental in litigating record-breaking cases and is a champion in uncovering patterns of corruption.

Katie’s clients value her empathy and understanding of the hardships they are facing. Her intelligent, strategic and organized approach both inside and outside the courtroom alleviates their anxiety and worry, allowing them to prioritize personal healing and their families’ needs.

In 2023, Katie secured a record $12.2 million settlement for a client who suffered severe injuries, including arm amputations, while incarcerated at Scott County Jail, the largest recovery in Minnesota for Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment claims against a jail. Katie also represented John Pope and Zoya Code and secured settlements totaling $8.875 million, following horrific grievances of use of excessive force by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Their interactions with Chauvin predated George Floyd's murder by three years.

Notably, she also represented Justine Ruszczyk and secured a multi-million-dollar settlement, exposing systemic issues within the Minneapolis Police Department. The case highlighted problems such as a code of silence, victim shaming, non-compliance with body camera policies, and the failure of command staff to discipline the officers, revealing a long-standing culture of misconduct.

Recognized for her outstanding work, Katie has been named an “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer for her role on the Kucera Trial Team, a “Rising Star” of the Plaintiff’s Bar by the National Law Journal, and a “Minnesota Rising Star” by Super Lawyers since 2015. She was also recognized with the “Elite Trial Lawyers Firm Award” in the Civil Rights category by the National Law Journal.

Katie's determination and leadership extends far beyond the courtroom. Her grit, tenacity and leadership became evident during her college years, when she was elected captain of the St. Olaf Women’s hockey team and named to the MIAC Women’s All-Conference Team. She continues to seek new challenges, both professionally and personally.

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, North Dakota

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