Michael M. Skram has been elected as O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P. A.'s Managing Shareholder, effective January 1, 2020. He succeeds Christopher E. Celichowski, who recently completed his fourth term as the firm’s managing shareholder.
Mr. Celichowski lauded Mr. Skram’s selection as Managing Shareholder. “From the moment he started here as a law clerk, Mike has exhibited intelligence, integrity, a curious and questioning spirit and a willingness to embrace change. His work ethic and leadership skills make him an excellent choice to lead the firm.” He added, “Mike’s membership on the selective International Association of Defense Counsel will help continue to elevate the firm’s regional and national presence and reputation. His devotion to his family, community service, and involvement also provide an excellent example to all our employees.”
Mr. Skram, a St. John's University (MN) alum and an honors graduate from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, joined O'Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl, P.A. as an associate attorney in 2004. He served on the Firm’s Management Committee and as the Corporate Secretary for the last three years. This will be his first time serving as Managing Shareholder. He stated, “I truly look forward to taking on an added leadership role at OLWK. I am excited about the opportunity to continue the work of our recent Managing Shareholders. I very much appreciate the trust my fellow shareholders, and firm as a whole, have shown in selecting me to lead our firm into a new decade.”
Licensed in both Minnesota and Iowa State Courts as well as multiple federal jurisdictions, Mr. Skram maintains a diverse litigation practice in both district and appellate courts. His peers outside the firm often trust him, an ADR neutral, to mediate and arbitrate disputes. Mr. Skram is a frequent author and presenter on litigation-related topics for professional organizations and clients. He has served on the board of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association and is an active member of the Defense Research Institute and the Primerus Defense Institute. In 2019, Mr. Skram was invited to join and became a member of the exclusive International Association of Defense Counsel.