We mourn the passing of our friend and partner, James D. Steiner. Jim was a prominent Minneapolis attorney and a partner in our office. He is survived by his wife, Gwyn; children, Brian (Julie), Lisa (Aaron) Starke, John (Amy), Jon (Ivonne) Gulenchyn; grandchildren, Andrew James and Colton David; and sister, Lynn (Tom) Osborn.
A gifted trial lawyer, Jim spent his entire career at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. His practice included the areas of trial and appellate property insurance, products liability and personal injury. Jim managed the general litigation department from 1984 to 1991.
He also was the founder and director of the nationally recognized Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi/NITA Trial Advocacy program and chairman of the firm's professional development committee. He never stopped mentoring young lawyers.
Over the years, Jim was an outstanding lawyer who combined intellect with common sense and was a champion for his clients. In April 2011, Jim was honored by the University of Minnesota's The Minnesota Law Review with its "2011 Distinguished Alumni Award" for his contributions to both the legal profession and to society as a whole.
Jim retired in 2001 after 30 years with the firm. Enjoying his retirement, he took several cruises with his wife, Gwyn, to Alaska, the Baltic and the Caribbean. They wintered in Florida where Jim was active with non-profits including the Marco Island Rotary Club and the Guadalupe Center were he recently provided two "good luck" rockers for immigrants and displaced people. Jim also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA.
We will miss Jim who was an invaluable contributor and friend to our firm and our community.
