Aalok K. Sharma

Aalok K. Sharma is a Stinson LLP commercial litigator who represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes lawsuits and disputes across the country. His practice covers trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract, negligence, warranty claims, consumer protection, and unfair trade practices. He also handles putative class actions and complex multi-party proceedings. His industry work includes gaming, sports, hospitality, resorts, and construction, with clients ranging from small businesses to large national companies and industry stakeholders.

Sharma earned a J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Accounting cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College. Before becoming an attorney, he worked as a certified public accountant in Washington, D.C., addressing technical accounting matters involving disclosures, revenue recognition, debt restructuring, and uncertain tax positions. His financial background informs litigation strategy and helps him evaluate legal disputes alongside the business, accounting, and regulatory issues that shape client decisions.

Sharma represents gaming and hospitality clients in litigation and regulatory matters involving sports betting, fantasy sports, iGaming, pari-mutuel racing, advertising claims, and consumer protection laws. He has handled trade secret and contract disputes, construction claims, and appellate matters before the Eighth Circuit and Minnesota Court of Appeals. He also represents professional and amateur sports teams in commercial matters and serves as Co-Chair of Stinson’s Sports and Entertainment Practice, combining disputes work with industry counseling.

Aalok K. Sharma is admitted in Minnesota and California and before the U.S. District Court for Minnesota and the Eighth Circuit. He teaches sports law as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and coaches its Sports Law Moot Court team. His practice combines commercial litigation, regulatory counseling, gaming, sports, and entertainment work, giving clients legal guidance informed by courtroom experience, industry knowledge, and a prior professional background in accounting and financial analysis.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Stinson LLP
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Sports Section Past Chair and Standing Committee Member, American Bar Association, Forum on Sports & Entertainment
• Vice President of Membership, Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (2016-2018)
• Outreach Captain for Minnesota and Membership/Public Relations Committee Member, Sports Lawyers Association
• Board of Directors, Past Chair, Governance Committee, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club Community Fund (2019-2023)
• Associates Board of Directors, Minnesota Zoo Foundation (2016-2020)
• Chair, Workplace Management Policy Committee, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
• Gala4Goals Host Committee, The Sanneh Foundation (2019-2020)

Licensed State

• Minnesota
• California

Education

• University of Minnesota
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• Birmingham-Southern College
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting Cum Laude

Awards & Badges