Kathleen’s long list of record-setting verdicts and settlements reflects a life dedicated to advocating for people dealing with pain, suffering, and loss caused by medical negligence. She began her career as a Registered Nurse—where she also advocated for patients’ needs to obtain the best care—but quickly realized she could combine her passion for science, medicine and patient advocacy in a different way by becoming a lawyer.
Her practice focuses on helping individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of medical negligence. Kathleen’s work has had a particular emphasis on children born with birth injuries, birth-related trauma, cerebral palsy, and other serious medical injuries.
Kathleen was selected for membership in many prestigious, invitation-only trial lawyer organizations and serves as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Attorneys, the International Society of Barristers, the American Bar Foundation, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, for which she was elected Dean in 2019. She is also certified by the Civil Litigation Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Civil Trial Specialist.
Kathleen is an active member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, serving as past president, and the American Association for Justice, formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. In 2007, Kathleen served as the national president of this organization. She was a member of their Board of Governors for 29 years, served multiple terms on their Executive Committee, as well as chairing the organization’s educational arm for several terms. In 1999, she was honored with the association’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her firm, Ciresi Conlin, is noted for its trial expertise and in handling complex legal matters and crises. Striving to be a force for good in both the courtrooms and communities, Ciresi Conlin represents all dimensions of society. The firm takes on high risk cases with small, agile teams comprised of some of the world’s most talented and creative lawyers.
Kathleen also devoted countless hours to the broader community through her work as a legal educator and leader and as a board member of Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company.
Last updated August 2019
