Bret started with WSMB in 2009, while still in law school. During his time with the firm, he has had considerable experience working on large-scale, complex litigations and arbitrations, as well as transactional experience in the areas of intellectual property, music, new media, film/theater/tv, technology, and general corporate work, particularly focused on start-ups and growing, young companies. In addition to his legal practice, Bret is also an accomplished musician and songwriter, who continues to write and record, and to perform in the US and abroad.

Some examples of Bret’s litigation/arbitration experience include working on the teams that represented (i) a group of venture capital investors in foreign trial and international arbitration concerning disputes arising out of the purchase of a US-based technology company by a Norwegian public company; (ii) a publishing company in a contract dispute with of one of its authors; and (iii) a songwriter in a copyright infringement claim against a national fast-food chain resulting from music used in its advertisements. Prior to joining WSMB, Bret worked as a paralegal for Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, where he was on the team that secured $4.3 billion of AIG stock for Starr International Company. In addition, Bret has interned in the legal department of the New York City Council, advising City Council members on the legal ramifications of proposed bills, and under the former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator, Sandy (“A.M.”) Keith.

In addition to his day jobs in the legal profession, Bret has also continued to advance his music career, touring Europe, releasing an EP on an independent record label, and entering into a music publishing agreement with a British company currently sub-published by Sony in the United States. Bret has also worked extensively with talent agents and managers in various facets of the entertainment industry. Accordingly, Bret is able to offer media-and-entertainment-industry clients the unique perspective that comes from sitting on both sides of the table.

Bret graduated with honors from Columbia University and the University of Minnesota Law School.

* Not Yet Admitted