MJohnson@GreeneEspel.comDownload vCard
Education
- J.D., University of Chicago Law School, with honors (2003); Articles Editor, University of Chicago Legal Forum
- M.A., Purdue University, Philosophy (2000)
- B.A., Purdue University, with distinction, Philosophy (1998)
- Visiting Student, Oxford University, Mansfield College (1996-1997)
Experience
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Associate (2004-2005)
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, The Honorable Diana E. Murphy, Law Clerk (2003-2004)
Mark Johnson joined Greene Espel in 2005 after clerking on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and practicing at a large commercial law firm in Chicago. Mark’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, including contract disputes, trademarks and unfair competition, finance and securities litigation, international disputes, and products liability. When he is not assisting clients, Mark can often be found rowing on the Mississippi River, flying small airplanes, or spending time with his family.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Randall v. Bondex International, Inc., et al, Case No. 62-CV-09-096373 (Ramsey Cty. Minn. Dec. 18, 2009, amended Jan. 22, 2010). Mark Johnson and Larry Shapiro defended a distributor of construction equipment when a plaintiff claimed the company’s equipment exposed him to asbestos in the 1960s. At the plaintiff’s deposition, they obtained favorable admissions regarding the extent of the plaintiff’s exposure to the equipment in question. The plaintiff also unequivocally identified the manufacturers of the equipment. With that information, we expeditiously moved for summary judgment, and the district court dismissed all claims against our client.
Eastling and EFP, LLC v. BP Products North America, Inc., 0:07-CV-03691 (D. Minn. Oct. 8, 2008). Granting BP’s motion for summary judgment in case involving enforceability of restrictive covenant limiting the permissible uses of gasoline station property. The Eighth Circuit affirmed summary judgment, at 578 F.3rd 831 (8th Cir. 2009).
Vistar Corporation v. Bix Produce Company, LLC, 62-CX-07-2605 (Ramsey Cty. Minn. September 9, 2008).Dismissing product liability claims asserted against distributor on grounds that it was a “passive seller” of the goods in question, not a manufacturer, and granting summary judgment on claims for indemnity from upstream supplier of those goods.
Represented plaintiffs in LaRae Fjellman and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals v. Dr. Sanne Magnan and Diane Mandernach (Ramsey County District Court), challenging constitutionality of state law prohibiting massage therapist from having sex and marrying a former client within two years of ending the professional relationship. Robin Wolpert and Mark Johnson each testified in the Minnesota legislature and, ultimately, the governor signed a bill to change the law. The case was named one of the Lawsuits of the Year by Minnesota Law & Politics.
BAR ADMISSIONS
State Bar of Minnesota
State Bar of Illinois
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
PUBLICATIONS
“Legislate First, Ask Questions Later: Post-Enactment Evidence in Minority Set-Aside Litigation,” 2002 U. Chi. Legal Forum 303
“Judge Diana E. Murphy: Memories from the District Court,” Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association: Bar Talk, Vol. II, Issue 4, (May 19, 2009) (with Laura Provinzino)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PERSONAL INTERESTS
Minneapolis Rowing Club, Board of Governors
FAA Certified Private Pilot