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Eric D. Olson

Eric D. Olson

Senior Counsel
Phone:612-672-3298

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 a pre-filing claim resolution. He has represented clients at trial and in arbitration proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. 

He 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, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and filmmaking industries in matters ranging from simple breach of contract cases up to and including large class and collective actions. He has researched, written and argued motions, prepared and responded to discovery requests, and conducted and defended depositions in corporate disputes, including consumer and class actions. Eric has also advised clients on discovery issues in complex litigation and overseen the review and production of large data sets. 

In addition to his litigation work, Eric has deep experience managing litigation risk and controlling spend from a client’s perspective. Prior to joining Bowman and Brooke, he spent nearly four years as the general counsel of the North Dakota University System. In this role, he acted as the primary legal officer for the State Board of Higher Education and North Dakota University System. Eric was responsible for managing litigation risk, supervising outside counsel and ensuring legal compliance within the university system.

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. 

 

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia, 2010
  • District of Columbia, 2011
  • Minnesota, 2017
  • North Dakota, 2019

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court District of North Dakota
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 2010

    Executive Editor, American Criminal Law Review

    CALI Excellence for the Future (Church-State Law)

    Pro Bono Pledge Honoree

  • Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A., 2007

    magna cum laude

    Dean's List

    Major: Philosophy & Political Science

Professional Associations

    • North Dakota State Bar Association
    • Big Muddy Bar Association
    • North Dakota's Gateway to Science
      Board Member, 2023
    • National Association of College and University Attorneys

Recent News, Events and Blogs


Speaking Engagements

  • "The In-House Lawyer’s Guide to Settling Cases Efficiently and Cost-Effectively," Co-Presenter, ACC Minnesota, June 2024
  • "Emerging Litigation in AI and PFAS," Co-Presenter, Life Sciences Hot Topics CLE Seminar, February 2024
  • "Litigation Implications of AI and Digital Assets," Presenter, State Bar Association of North Dakota, June 2024
  • "Contract Warranty as Litigation Strategy," Presenter, Big Muddy Bar Association, October 2023
  • "IT Contract Terms and Negotiation," Presenter, North Dakota Association of IT Professionals, March 2022
  • "Contract Negotiation Strategy Workshop," Facilitator, North Dakota Core Technology Services, January 2022
  • "Sovereign Contracting: The State as Business Partner," Presenter, North Dakota Association of County Attorneys, October 2021
  • "Free Speech, Freedom of Expression, and Academic Freedom in North Dakota," Moderator, North Dakota University System Annual Meeting of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Councils, June 2021
  • "Accessibility in the Digital Workplace," Presenter, North Dakota University System Digital Accessibility Conference, March 2020
  • "Getting to Yes: Public Sector Contract Negotiation," Facilitator, North Dakota University System Core Technology Services, June 2019
  • "The Future of Non-Competition Agreements: An EPIC [Systems] Discussion," Presenter, Shepherd Speaks CLE, October 2018
     

Publications

  • "Part 3 of 3 – Understanding the Supreme Court’s Latest Decisions on the Federal Arbitration Act," Co-Author, Minnesota Lawyer, October 2024
  • "Part 2 of 3 – Understanding the Supreme Court’s Latest Decisions on the Federal Arbitration Act," Co-Author, Minnesota Lawyer, August 2024
  • "Understanding the Supreme Court's Latest Decisions on the Federal Arbitration Act: Smith v. Spizzirri," Co-Author, Minnesota Lawyer, July 2024
  • "FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Non-Compete Clauses — And Legal Challenges Have Already Been Filed," Co-Author, Legal Alert, April 2024
  • "The Practical Effects Of Justices' Arbitration Exemption Ruling," Co-Author, Law360, April 2024
  • "EPA Issues Enforceable Limits for PFAS in Drinking Water," Co-Author, Legal Alert, April 2024
  • "FTC Proposes Banning Non-Compete Clauses, Putting Trade Secrets and Confidential Information at Risk," Co-Author, Legal Alert, February 2023
  • "The Supreme Court Delivers an Epic Blow to Employee Class and Collective Actions," Author, Email Alert, June 2018
  • "Bans on Salary History Inquiries Raise Concerns for Employers," Author, Email Alert, April 2018
  • "DOJ Files Suit to Enjoin Health Insurance Industry Consolidation," Co-Author, Email Alert, August 2016
  • "Antitrust Implications of Recent FTC Patent-Related Agreement," Co-Author, Email Alert, August 2015
  • "Recent Appellate FTC-Related Cybersecurity Ruling," Co-Author, Email Alert, August 2015
  • "Consider Making an Offer of Judgment: Encouraging Settlement and Laying the Foundation to Receive Attorneys’ Fees," Author, Email Alert, July 2015
  • "The Federal Trade Commission Acquiesces to Georgia CON Laws," Co-Author, Email Alert, April 2015
  • "Implications of Recent Class Action Filings Related to Contact Lenses," Co-Author, Email Alert, March 2015
  • "Ninth Circuit Upholds Antitrust Ruling in Merger of Healthcare Providers," Co-Author, Email Alert, February 2015
  • Halverson, Andrea C. & Eric D. Olson, False Statements and False Claims, Annual Survey of White Collar Crime, 46 AM. CRIM. L. REV. 555 (2009)