Trial-tested perspective.
A resolution-focused practice.
A complex civil litigator who tried civil lawsuits for more than 30 years, Brett Olander now limits his practice to Mediation, Arbitration, and Special Master work. He is certified as a civil trial specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA).
His courtroom background informs a practical, carefully prepared approach to dispute resolution. Brett has mediated more than 6,000 disputes, bringing a broad perspective to the legal issues and the people involved.
Professional recognition
Brett holds Fellow or Distinguished Fellow status in the invitation-only American College of Civil Trial Mediators (ACCTM), American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and Litigation Counsel of America (LCA).
He was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 edition, Tier One for Mediation.
He has held Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating for 35 years—the highest rating for legal ability and ethics.
For 28 consecutive years, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters / Super Lawyers. He has appeared on Minnesota’s “Top 100” Super Lawyer list at least 11 times.
Advancing Minnesota’s civil justice system
In 2026, Brett received the Advocate Award from the MSBA Civil Litigation Section for his extensive contributions to the advancement of Minnesota’s civil justice system.
In 2005, the MSBA honored him for pro bono representation of family victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon. He has also been asked to testify before the Minnesota Legislature three times on civil justice and insurance issues.
A resource for lawyers and industry professionals
Widely considered a “lawyer’s lawyer,” Brett has been retained on multiple occasions as an expert witness in torts and insurance-related matters. Since 1989, he has provided annual case-law updates in torts and insurance practice to lawyers and industry professionals.
Leadership and community service
Brett has been active in community and professional leadership throughout his career. He currently serves as president and board chair of Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), which provides civil legal services to people living in poverty across 33 Minnesota counties.
His past service as president or board chair has included the following professional organizations:
- Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota (ACTLM)
- MSBA Civil Litigation Section
- Minnesota Board of Legal Certification
- MSBA Civil Trial Certification Board
- MSBA Judicial Elections Campaign Conduct Committee
Education and early experience
Brett graduated from Mitchell Hamline Law School while working full-time and paying his own way, without student loans or other debt.
He graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota, where he walked on and played men’s basketball under head coach Jim Dutcher.
Today’s practice
Brett’s work is now limited to serving as a mediator, arbitrator, or Special Master. Contact him directly to discuss the matter, scheduling, and the appropriate scope of an engagement.
Discuss a matter with Brett