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Schaefer Whiteaker is a seasoned litigation attorney focusing his practice on commercial, construction, product liability and toxic/mass tort litigation. He thrives in the courtroom meticulously defending clients of all sizes. He has significant experience representing clients from manufacturers to construction companies.  

Schaefer’s background includes case management, strategy development, trial preparation, dispositive and discovery motion practice as well as conducting and defending depositions of fact and 30(b)(6) witnesses. He has participated in more than a dozen civil trials as first and second chair and previously defended hundreds of clients in court as a public defender.

Before joining Bowman and Brooke, Schaefer practiced as a civil litigation attorney, developing extensive knowledge of complex commercial matters. His years in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, the second largest in the country, gave him vital and varied courtroom experience.

Mentorship is important to Schaefer; he has spent years training younger attorneys, summer associates and law clerks. He demonstrated his leadership beyond the courtroom, serving four years as a Commissioned Officer in the Army National Guard. 

Outside of the office, Schaefer enjoys cooking for his friends and family. If he isn’t cooking at home, he is exploring the food and culture of Minneapolis with his spouse and their dog Beau. 

 

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 2023
  • Arizona, 2020
  • Wisconsin, 2025

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court District of North Dakota
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Tax Court

Education

  • California Western School of Law, J.D., 2020

    President/Dean Search Committee, Student Representative

    Academic Excellence Award

    Distinguished Advocate Awards

    Gordon and Holmes Oral Advocacy Scholarship Recipient

    Diane Ethics Award

    Judicial Extern, Superior Court of San Diego, Honorable Gregory Pollack

  • Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 2014
    Major: Public Health Studies

Professional Associations

    • Hennepin County Bar Association
    • Minnesota Lavender Law Association
    • Federal Bar Association
    • American Constitution Society
      —Minnesota Lawyer Chapter Board Member

Recent News, Events and Blogs


Speaking Engagements

  • "The Law of the Great Outdoors – Resolving Access Problems with Recreational Property," Co-Presenter, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, June 2025
  • "Tactical Empathy=Productive Results," Presenter, Minnesota Trucking Association NextLeader’s Course, March 2025
  • "Why Consent is Like Drinking Tea," Presenter, Arizona Army National Guard, August 2016 - February 2019

Judicial Clerkships

  • Maricopa County, Office of Public Defense, 2020