Overview
Sybil is a formidable lead trial attorney who navigates clients through high-stakes business disputes with strategic precision and a track record of successful outcomes.
Sybil brings extensive first-chair trial and arbitration experience to complex commercial litigation. Described as “brilliant, responsive” and “a go-to solution for complex disputes” (Chambers USA), she has earned recognition as "Attorney of the Year" three times from Minnesota Lawyer. Her meticulous contract analysis and persuasive advocacy have secured favorable outcomes in disputes including breach of contract claims, complex business torts, and post-acquisition disputes. Her commanding courtroom presence and tactical approach have made her a counsel of choice for multifaceted disputes across jurisdictions nationwide.
Sybil's intellectual property litigation practice complements her contract expertise, and she is adept at explaining technical concepts to judges and juries alike. She led the first complete defense victory in a Covered Business Method (CBM) proceeding before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and has successfully resolved copyright and trademark disputes for clients.
Beyond her litigation practice, Sybil is a nationally-recognized educator and public speaker. She speaks around the country on topics including the elimination of bias, legal writing, and trial practice. Her award-winning training programs have earned acclaim from clients including Fortune 100 companies, government institutions, and law firms. Her leadership in advancing diversity has been recognized with the Hennepin County Bar Association's Excellence Award and as a Minnesota Lawyer Diversity & Inclusion Honoree.
Sybil serves on the board of the Infinity Project and the board of the Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School.
EDUCATION
- J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, Order of the Coif; Senior Notes Editor, Vanderbilt Law Review
- B.A., Smith College
EXPERIENCE
- Law Clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, The Honorable James M. Rosenbaum
- EMILY’s List, Political Research Deputy
ADMISSIONS
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- State Bar of Minnesota
AFFILIATIONS
- Federal Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Minnesota Women Lawyers
Sybil's Practice Areas
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Elections and Redistricting
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel takes on attacks to voting rights and democratic institutions—and wins. We take on lawsuits to tackle voter suppression, election subversion, and districting issues.
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Commercial Litigation
Explore Practice AreaOur business litigation practice embraces the wide variety of commercial disputes facing private and public companies today. Areas of particular expertise include intellectual property, antitrust, securities, employment, professional liability, and construction disputes.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Explore Practice AreaOrganizations regularly call on Greene Espel to help comprehensively assess their workplaces’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and craft strategic, legally compliant solutions to address their goals and objectives.
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Copyright Litigation
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel is frequently called upon to protect copyright interests as well as defend against claims of copyright infringement.
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Patent Litigation
Explore Practice AreaFrom lead medical-device companies to major high-tech manufacturers, clients turn to Greene Espel to represent them in significant disputes involving patents and other intellectual property rights.
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Trademark Litigation
Explore Practice AreaFrom premier brand-owners to niche device manufacturers, clients seek Greene Espel’s counsel in complex disputes involving trademarks.
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Mediation
Explore Practice AreaThe Greene Espel mediation team leverages decades of high-stakes litigation experience to deliver efficient, practical dispute resolution—understanding what drives successful outcomes because we've fought these battles in court. As Minnesota Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals, we also meet the state's certification requirements for alternative dispute resolution.
Sybil's Recognition & Awards
- 2023 Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer
- 2021 Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer
- Listed in POWER 30: Business Litigation by Minnesota Lawyer (2021)
- 2020 Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer
- Selected to Super Lawyers list, Minnesota Super Lawyers (2022-2025)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2021-2025)
- Listed in Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business-The Client's Guide (2020-2025)
- Hennepin County Bar Association Excellence Award for Advancing Diversity and Inclusion (2019)
- Selected to Rising Stars list, Minnesota Super Lawyers (2013-2019)
- 2018 Diversity & Inclusion Honoree, Minnesota Lawyer
- Recognized as Minnesota State Bar Association North Star Lawyer for pro bono service (2016)
- Recognized as Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer (2015)
- Vanderbilt University Law School
- 2L Mock Trial Champion and Top Litigator Award Recipient
- Best Brief Award 2006
- Scholastic Achievement Awards: Conflicts of Law, Professional Responsibility, and Legal Writing
- Smith College
- Andrew C. Slater Prize for Excellence in Debate
Sybil's Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Collaborative Community Law Initiative, Board Member (2017 - present)
- Infinity Project, Board Member (2012-2015)
- Smith College Alumni Association, Member