Richard C. Landon

Richard Landon is an appellate and trial attorney known by his colleagues and clients as an authority in the courts and legal system. He makes it his priority to thoroughly understand the matters at hand. "Whether it's a problem, issue, dispute, or disagreement, I dedicate myself to examining the situation from all angles. This entails considering the client's perspective, the opponent's perspective, and the neutral court's standpoint. By doing so, I ensure that I am well-prepared to advocate effectively and achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients."

A distinguished trial and appellate lawyer with more than 10 years of experience, Richard Landon advocates for clients in complex legal disputes. He co-leads the Lathrop GPM appellate group, helping to guide a talented team of appellate lawyers, ensuring that the firm consistently delivers high-quality appellate services. His experience encompasses both trial and appellate litigation, making Richard a formidable asset in any matter. He serves clients in a variety of industries, including higher education, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail distribution, as well as working extensively with franchisors.

As a trial lawyer, Richard possesses the acumen to meticulously prepare cases, build compelling arguments, and persuasively present them before a judge or jury. His ability to think on his feet and adapt to evolving circumstances ensures clients are always represented with unparalleled diligence and strategy.

On the appellate side, Richard's proficiency in reviewing and challenging trial court decisions provides a critical layer of legal protection. He expertly navigates the intricacies of appellate law, identifying potential errors in trial proceedings and crafting cogent, impactful appeals. This combination of trial and appellate skills maximizes the chances of success at every stage of litigation and offers clients comprehensive legal support.

Richard represents clients with a wide array of complex legal issues, including:

• Antitrust and unfair competition claims
• Commercial disputes
• Constitutional issues including First Amendment claims
• Discrimination claims
• Distribution
• Fiduciary litigation
• Franchising
• Non-compete agreements
• Probate appeals and will contests

For franchisors, in addition to litigation, Richard advises clients on antitrust issues in product distribution and franchising. He provides counsel and employee training on pricing issues and other supply practices, and how to apply state dealership and franchise relationship laws. Richard also helps enforce post-termination rights and defends against claims by sales representatives for unpaid commissions and wrongful termination.

Clients benefit from Richard's thorough understanding of the law and his tactical versatility. His commitment to justice, relentless pursuit of favorable outcomes, and dedication to clients' best interests make him an exceptional advocate, ensuring that every case he handles receives the highest level of attention.

Before joining the firm, Richard was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Michael J. Melloy for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

Litigation

• Represented a religious university in a dispute against state government regarding the free exercise of religion.
• Represented a national fitness franchisor against claims of improper disclosures to its franchisee.
• Represented the dealer of wireless services in a tortious interference dispute against its competitor and former sub-dealer.
• Obtained an $8.5 million judgment after a six-day bench trial representing an agricultural supply store in a dispute over a failed merger.
• Obtained a defense verdict for a railroad in a three-day jury trial against a contractor seeking $1 million for breach of contract.
• Obtained dismissal for a heavy equipment dealer and auction services provider against a Sherman Act conspiracy claim.
• Obtained summary judgment for a national equipment manufacturer on statutory wrongful termination claims brought by a former dealer.
• Successfully defended a national furniture manufacturer against unfair business practices and contract claims in a suit by a terminated dealer.
• Obtained trial verdict for public transportation contractor after a two-week trial in a public-bidding challenge from a losing bidder.
• Successfully defended a heavy equipment distributor against price discrimination and breach of contract claims by a terminated dealer.
• Represented former employees in the transportation logistics industry in a two-week trial involving allegations of trade secret misappropriation, tortious interference, and violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
• Successfully defended a heavy equipment dealer in a two-day bench trial for a negligent repair claim.
• Represented a national restaurant franchisor in arbitration against claims of state franchise law violations.
• Represented national hotel franchisors in suits involving franchise termination and allegations of state franchise law violations.
• Represented a national fitness club franchisor in arbitrations seeking damages for premature terminations by franchisees.

Appellate

• Prevailed in the Cruz-Guzman v. State landmark decision before the Minnesota Supreme Court confirming that segregated schools can violate the Legislature's obligation under the Education Clause of the Minnesota Constitution even if not the result of intentional state action. Three years earlier, successfully reversed the Court of Appeals dismissal on jurisdictional grounds on behalf of plaintiffs suing the State of Minnesota for failure to provide an adequate education in Minneapolis and Saint Paul public schools, as required by the Minnesota State Constitution. 
• Obtained affirmance from the Sixth Circuit of a summary judgment for an agricultural distributor in a dispute regarding warranties for seed, herbicide and fertilizer. 
• Obtained affirmance from the Eighth Circuit of a dismissal for a University in a dispute against a dismissed former student.
• Obtained affirmance from the Eleventh Circuit of a summary judgment for an equipment dealer in a dispute regarding an alleged conspiracy to boycott.
• Obtained affirmance from the Minnesota Court of Appeals of an $8.5 million judgment and piercing of the corporate veil. 
• Obtained affirmance from the Sixth Circuit of a judgment on the pleadings for the licensor in a dispute regarding contractual royalties. Reversed Court of Appeals decision invalidating public procurement contract for municipal bus services. 
• Obtained affirmance by the Minnesota Supreme Court of a ruling that the client was not responsible for organizational conflicts of interest regarding a publicly bid governmental contract. 
• Obtained affirmance of the judgment on the pleadings in patent dispute by invalidating asserted patents as directed to the ineligible subject matter and defending the ruling in the Federal Circuit. Represented corporate owner of ethanol facility in appeal regarding former minority owners' claims related to a squeeze-out merger.
• Represented the decedent's family members who successfully challenged estate documents as the product of undue influence.
• Represented a neighborhood association in an Eighth Circuit appeal challenging the environmental review of a public transportation project.
• Represented an office products vendor in the Seventh Circuit appeal of the dismissed False Claims Act complaint.
• Represented an agricultural farm before the Minnesota Supreme Court in a challenge to the assessment of unemployment insurance tax based on wages paid to temporary foreign visa workers.
• Represented a Defendant challenging the jurisdiction of the state court to review a fraudulent transfer claim outside of bankruptcy court.
• Obtained affirmance of a franchisor's dismissal from putative class action regarding overpayment of sales tax.
• Represented sons against the estate of their father for breach of fiduciary duty managing a trust.

WHEN ASKED …

Why did you become a lawyer?

With a strong foundation in rhetoric and debate, I transitioned into law from an academic background. My passion lies in dissecting complex legal concepts, simplifying them, and effectively communicating these ideas to clients and courts. This approach ensures a clear understanding of the issues, facilitating informed decision-making and striving for the most favorable client outcomes.

What do you do outside of work?

In my personal time, I cherish moments with my wife and our son. I have a deep-seated passion for reading and storytelling, with a particular interest in history. My decade-long experience working in bookstores during my youth solidified my love for literature, no matter the genre. Our family shares a mutual affection for books, which continues to enrich our lives.

• Minnesota State Bar Association, Member

• American Bar Association, ABA Forum on Franchising

• Hennepin County Bar Association

• Minnesota State Bar Association, "North Star Lawyers," 2014, 2016-2018, 2023

• Minnesota Lawyer, "Attorneys of the Year," Group award for Cruz-Guzman v. State of Minnesota, 2018
  • Minnesota Lawyer, "Up & Coming Attorney," 2019