William D. Harper

William D. Harper is the founding partner and currently Of Counsel at Harper & Peterson, P.L.L.C., where he brings decades of experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. He is widely recognized for his leadership, litigation success, and dedication to client advocacy in plaintiff and professional liability matters.

Mr. Harper earned his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law in 1977 and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota in 1972, with majors in English, Humanities, and Studio Arts. He has been a licensed attorney in Minnesota since 1977 and is admitted to practice in federal and appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

A certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 1986 and a Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Trial Specialist since 1988, Mr. Harper has maintained his certifications through rigorous recertification. His legal work has been recognized consistently, earning him the Super Lawyers designation from 1994 to 2023 and multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors by Minnesota Lawyer.

Mr. Harper has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association and Dean of the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota. He has also contributed significantly to legal scholarship and education through articles, book chapters, and seminar presentations.

William D. Harper’s professional excellence has earned him membership in prestigious legal organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers. He continues to uphold the principles of service, integrity, and excellence, offering invaluable counsel in complex litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Harper & Peterson, P.L.L.C
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Washington County Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Minnesota Association for Justice
• Member, American Board of Trial Lawyers
• Member, National Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, International Society of Barristers
• Member, American Creativity Association
• Member, American Arbitration Association
• Member, Justice Amdahl Inn of Court
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• Hamline University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges