View my contact information

Mike Berens and Tim Kelly started Kelly & Berens in May, 1989. They both had broad experience in civil litigation. They both had big firm backgrounds. They both had been federal court clerks. They both were University of Minnesota law graduates. They thought there was room in the Twin City legal community for experienced, well regarded trial lawyers interested in building a practice with an emphasis on conflict referrals. For Mike's part, the seed for the partnership was planted during a trial in Hudson, Wisconsin, when they represented co-defendants. Mike learned that they shared a philosophy that direct, simple, clear advocacy was best. That obfuscation - smoke and mirrors - to judge and jury was a bad practice. (Mike’s client won – Tim’s lost.)

The firm prospered. It has contributed to the development of the common law of Minnesota through a number of published appellate court decisions. It has proved itself capable of efficiently handling complicated business litigation. It is truly a small firm with a big firm practice, thus fulfilling the firm’s original objective. Mike is proud of Kelly & Berens, and of the lawyers and staff that have made it the fine law firm it is.

Nonetheless, for anyone interested in the personal side, retirement is wonderful. A full life can be built around the motorcycle, friends, the yard, walking, genealogy and reading.

Education:

• J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, 1959
  • Minnesota Law Review 1956-1958

• Recipient, Rotary Foundation Fellowship, London School of Economics, 1959-1960
• Law Clerk for the Honorable Harry A. Blackmun, United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1960-1961