State of Minnesota v. 3M Company

The Firm defended 3M in one of the largest environmental enforcement acts concerning alleged contamination of groundwater with perfluorochemicals “PFCs" in the surrounding suburbs of the Twin Cities.

Over an eight-year litigation campaign, the Firm led 3M’s defense against complex scientific, regulatory, and environmental claims. Just as jury selection got underway, the State and 3M reached an $850 million settlement, resolving all claims without any admission of liability or wrongdoing by 3M. The settlement funds continue to support clean water initiatives across Minnesota today.

The case remains one of the largest environmental enforcement lawsuits brought by a state against a single corporate defendant and the defense outcome continues to stand as a model for achieving a resolution which benefits public well-being and protects corporate interests.