Michael S Rowley

Partner

Michael primarily practices in commercial and residential construction. He has extensive experience representing all parties, including cities and school districts, private owners, design professionals, contractors and labor trades. His practice includes all aspects of construction, from contract review and drafting, to claims involving mechanics liens and bonds, to construction defects, contractual indemnity and insurance coverage. Michael has diverse experience in product liability defense, including such products as siding, curtain walls, sealants, and lubricating oil.

When not in the office, Michael can be found attending MNUFC games, and continuing to remodel and restore the stucco foursquare home he shares with his wife and two children in St. Paul.

Legal Assistant: Melony Siedow

Practice Areas:

My Philosophy

There are always two sides to every story. And in high-stakes litigation, there may be three or four! I believe the key to successfully representing my clients is to understand all angles of the case from every party’s perspective. Through a varied practice, I have represented clients on all sides. The ability to anticipate the claims and arguments allows me to help my clients manage risk and achieve results that work.

  • Super Lawyer badge for Michael Rowley
  • Award Winner, Five-Time “Super Lawyer,” 2014-2021

Notable Cases

Our work

  • Westfield Insurance Company v. Advanced Auto Transport, Inc., et al
    2021
    No Coverage Under Business Use Exclusion
    READ MORE
    Insurance Coverage and Advice

Professional and Civic Activities

  • Graduate, St. John’s University, 1991
  • Graduate, William Mitchell College of Law, 1994
  • Partner, Pfefferle Kane LLP, 2017
  • Partner, Terhaar, Archibald, Pfefferle & Griebel, LLP, 1999-2016
  • Law Clerk, Minnesota Court of Appeals, Honorable Judges R.A. Randall, Randolph W. Peterson, and Robert H. Schumacher, 1995-1998
  • Editor, William Mitchell Law Review, 1994
  • Award Winner, “Rising Star,” Minnesota Law & Politics, 2004, 2006
  • Award Winner, “Super Lawyer”, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2014 - 2022
  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Member, Board of Directors, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member, Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO)
  • Author, “Construction Contract Fundamentals” and “The Primary AIA Contract Documents,” presented at Foxmoor Continuing Education, 2020
  • Author, “Facilitating the Project with Effective Construction Contracting,” presented at Foxmoor Continuing Education, 2019
  • “Which Policy Applies? Priority of Insurance in Construction – Horizontal vs. Vertical Exhaustion,” presented at Minnesota State Bar Association, Construction Law Section, 2018
  • Author, “Which Law Applies? Choice of Law and Coverage,” presented at Minnesota State Bar Association, Construction Law Section, 2018