Ben Kappelman

Ben Kappelman is a partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP with offices in Minneapolis and Missoula, where Kappelman focuses on complex dispute resolution, including intellectual-property, environmental, construction, employment, health-care, and real-estate lawsuits and disputes. The practice includes high-stakes disputes for clients in health care, manufacturing, construction, energy, and Native American matters. Kappelman works on matters that require careful review of the facts, governing law, and the client’s practical objectives. The work stays closely connected to the decisions, risks, transactions, or disputes that brought the client to counsel.

Kappelman earned a J.D., summa cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School in 2011 and a B.A. from Boston University in 2008. He later clerked for two justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. This academic background supports legal analysis, research, writing, and problem solving. The training also supports careful review of rules, records, documents, and options within the lawyer’s current practice.

Kappelman has experience with litigation involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, contract interpretation, employment issues, environmental disputes, health care, construction, and real estate. He practices in courts across the country and also maintains an active pro bono practice representing veterans and handling child-protection matters involving Native American families. This experience supports organized matter development and preparation for negotiation, transactions, administrative proceedings, trial, or appeal when required.

Ben Kappelman has received professional recognition for litigation and pro bono work, including 2026 honors from litigation publications. He serves on the board of PAI and remains active in professional and community organizations. The combination of education, prior roles, and current practice supports careful legal judgment and disciplined client service. The practice remains focused on the areas reflected in the lawyer’s current professional profile and clear guidance through the legal process.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
• Member, State Bar of Montana
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Board of Directors Chair, PAI (2026)

Licensed State

• Montana
• New York
• Maine
• Minnesota

Education

• Suffolk University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges