Minneapolis, MN 55402-3707
Phone: 612.333.3000
Fax: 612.333.8829
Bassford Remele is a full service litigation firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1882, the firm represents local, national and international clients in all areas of civil litigation and dispute resolution.
Press Releases
Bassford Remele Client Wins $30 Million Verdict
Date: Oct 9, 2006 — Minneapolis, MN
A BASSFORD REMELE team, including Bassford lawyers Lewis A. Remele, Jr., Boyd H. Ratchye and Frederick E. Finch was successful in persuading a Hennepin County District Court Jury to award more than $30 million in damages to its client, Ronald N. Zebeck for breach of contract.
The defendant, Metris Companies, Inc., a credit card issuer, fired Mr. Zebeck from his position as Chief Executive Officer in December, 2002. The company later claimed that they were recharacterizing plaintiff’s termination as “for cause,” thus forfeiting plaintiff’s benefits under a Change in Control Severance Agreement and other executive compensation agreements. Plaintiff was unable to obtain other suitable employment in the financial services industry following his termination.
The jury found that Metris did not have “cause” to terminate Mr. Zebeck’s employment under the terms of his agreements. The jury also found that the defendant maliciously defamed Mr. Zebeck but did not award separate damages for the defamation. Defendant was awarded $236,000.00 on a counterclaim.
Ronald N. Zebeck v. Thomas H. Lee, et al., Hennepin County District Court, No. EM04-722 (September 14, 2006).
Mr. Remele maintains a civil trial practice in both tort and commercial matters. He represents insurance companies in personal injury and coverage cases, and corporate clients in diverse commercial suits including employment, contracts, securities, and professional and fiduciary claims, including directors' and officers' liability, class actions, shareholder disputes, debtor/creditor, antitrust, products liability, and trusts and estate litigation. Mr. Remele also performs mediations and arbitrations and he is regularly selected by litigants and the courts to serve in all types of civil litigation. He is consistently named a "Super Lawyer" and was selected Best Lawyer in Minnesota by Minnesota Law & Politics in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Mr. Remele is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Bar Foundation and was recently inducted as a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers.
Mr. Ratchye is an experienced trial lawyer who focuses on cost efficient resolution of claims by trial, mediation or other ADR. He represents product manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers and owners, fixed base operators as well as architects, engineers, lawyers and manufacturers of asbestos and silica containing products, heavy construction equipment and infant car seats. He has tried and arbitrated many matters involving AIA contracts and the scope of work laid out for owners, architect engineers, prime contractors and subcontractors. He is listed twice in The Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Banking & Business Litigation, Personal Injury-Aircraft Manufacturer Defense) and Leading Minnesota Attorneys, and is a Top 100 Super Lawyer and Best Personal Injury Attorney as selected by Minnesota Law & Politics. [Mr. Ratchye retired from practice in 2007.]
Mr. Finch is an experienced trial lawyer who has practiced in the areas of employment and labor law, business torts, and related matters for more than 30 years. He is an active and enthusiastic leader of the organized bar. Among his many leadership positions, he has been President of the Hennepin County Bar Association, a member of the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association and has twice received the MSBA’s President’s Award for his exceptional contributions to the organization. He is the Minnesota State Delegate to the American Bar Association and has made substantial contributions to the profession as chair of the MSBA Rules of Professional Conduct Committee and the MSBA Task Force on the American Bar Association Model Rules.
Bassford Remele, A Professional Association, is a full service litigation firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1882, the firm represents local, national and international clients in all areas of civil litigation. The Bassford firm is a community of experienced and committed trial lawyers who embrace a professional approach to the practice of law, providing the highest level of legal expertise and advice.