Brian T. Benkstein

Brian T. Benkstein is an attorney at Felhaber Larson who advises and represents employers in employment, labor, business law, and litigation matters. Drawing on prior experience as a healthcare executive, he provides management-side counsel across healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and financial services. He handles employee discipline, corporate restructuring, policy development, regulatory compliance, labor relations, discrimination claims, class action defense, and workplace disputes, while also serving as outside general counsel to business clients.

Brian earned his B.S., magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1994 and his J.D., magna cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law in 2002. He was admitted to practice in Minnesota in 2003 and is also admitted before the US District Court for Minnesota and the US Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Eighth Circuits, supporting his state and federal litigation practice matters.

Brian represents employers in jury trials, bench trials, arbitrations, and other contested proceedings. His litigation work includes discrimination matters, class actions, labor disputes, and business conflicts, while his counseling practice helps organizations address workplace policies, restructuring, employee relations, and compliance before disputes escalate. He also advises management on labor relations and negotiations, combining practical business judgment with litigation experience to help clients manage legal risk and operational challenges across industries.

Brian T. Benkstein is certified as a Labor and Employment Law Specialist in Minnesota by the Minnesota State Bar Association and belongs to the Minnesota State Bar Association. He regularly lectures on employment law topics and has presented for more than a decade at the Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute. He also provides pro bono legal services to the Chanhassen Athletic Association, where he previously served as president and remains involved today.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Felhaber Larson
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges