
David J. Warden (DJ)
Attorney & Co-Chair, Product Liability & Complex Torts
DJ is a Shareholder with the firm and prides himself on working collaboratively with clients to efficiently defend complex product liability cases and favorably resolve commercial disputes. To achieve these results, DJ thoroughly analyzes each case from its inception and creates a tailored litigation plan that incorporates his client’s business objectives.
DJ recognizes that business does not always run smoothly, and his devotion to learning each client’s business and their products ensures that he is best positioned to manage any problems should they arise. Armed with this knowledge, DJ regularly advises on preventative measures and risk management strategies in an effort to avoid future disputes and lawsuits. He also counsels clients on product safety issues, on-product warnings and labels, regulatory compliance, and recalls.
In his spare time, DJ enjoys fly-fishing with his three Labrador Retrievers and spending time with family. You are also likely to find him playing tennis and golfing throughout the Twin Cities.
Key Practice Experience
- Product liability defense
- Commercial and business litigation
- Consumer class actions
- Mass tort litigation
- Preventative measures and risk management counseling
- Fire and explosion cases
- Contract, warranty and UCC disputes
- Development of on-product warnings and labels, manuals, and recall policies
- CPSC and other regulatory investigations
- Insurance and subrogation defense
Key Industry Experience
- Recreational products and powersports
- Consumer products
- Personal transportation and micromobility
- Children’s products and toys
- Food industry litigation
- Medical device and pharmaceutical
- Real estate disputes and construction defect cases
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Industrial and agricultural equipment
- Trucking and transportation
- Sporting goods
Recognitions & Honors
- Listed in Minnesota Rising Stars
Publications and Presentations
- “Vaping Deaths: What Manufacturers and Retailers Need to Know about Current Laws and Regulations,” September 2019
- “7th Circuit Affirms CPSA Penalties Against Spectrum Brands, Inc.,” May 2019
- “Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle Nominated as Permanent Chairman of CPSC,” July 2017
- Contributing Author, Minnesota Chapter of ALFA Construction Law Compendium (2016-18)
Professional Associations
- ICPHSO (International Consumer Product Health & Safety Organization)
- DRI (Defense Research Institute)
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
- 19 NJL Attorneys on 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Fifteen NJLers on 2022 Rising Stars, Super Lawyers Lists
- Sixteen NJL Lawyers on 2021 Super Lawyers Lists
- Seventeen NJL Lawyers Listed in Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- The Importance of Social Media In Communicating Changes and Delays To Recall Remedies and Information
- How Manufacturers and Retailers Can Protect Themselves from Product Liability Exposure During COVID-19
- Adding More Deep Expertise, Nilan Johnson Lewis Welcomes Largest Group of Laterals in History, Promotes Experienced Associates to Shareholders
- Federal Courts Turn Away Challenges to FDA’s e-Cig Regulations
- Vaping Deaths: What Manufacturers and Retailers Need to Know about Current Laws and Regulations
- 7th Circuit Affirms CPSA Penalties Against Spectrum Brands, Inc.
- Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle Nominated as Permanent Chairman of CPSC