Eric Olson concentrates his litigation practice in commercial litigation, construction, product liability, toxic tort and mass tort defense. He regularly defends manufacturers in complex product liability litigation, including some of the largest multidistrict litigation in the federal courts. Eric has extensive experience in developing innovative strategies in complex litigation, often resulting in resolution before a claim is even filed. He has first-chaired several trials and participated in nearly two dozen more.
Eric has defended clients of all sizes, from the largest businesses and manufacturers in the country to smaller local businesses and individuals across the legal landscape. Eric has represented clients in the financial, agricultural, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and filmmaking industries in matters ranging from simple breach of contract cases up to and including large class and collective actions. Additionally, Eric has represented manufacturers and retailers of industrial, construction, and consumer products in asbestos litigation for over a decade, including cosmetic talc, insulation, brake pads, piping, plumbing equipment, and heavy equipment. He also has experience litigating environmental claims, including water, soil, and air contamination, and advises manufacturers on regulatory compliance with federal and state PFAS regulations. Eric specializes in working with expert witnesses and developing scientific, medical, and economic defenses for his clients.
In addition to his litigation work, Eric has deep experience managing litigation risk and controlling expense from a client’s perspective. Eric spent nearly four years as the general counsel of the North Dakota University System where he was responsible for managing litigation risk, developing policies, supervising outside counsel, and ensuring legal compliance within the university system. He is also a Chancellor of the United Methodist Church and is a legal advisor to both the episcopacy and affiliated entities.
Eric also devotes his time to serving his community; he currently sits on the board of his local children’s science museum and a nonprofit devoted to supporting the growing North Dakota film sector.