Atty. Chad J. Stepan
Chad Stepan serves as Chair of the firm’s Catastrophic Loss Practice Group. Chad focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including fires, explosions, structural failures, mechanical failures, product failures and other catastrophic losses and construction-related incidents across the United States.
Profile Summary
About Chad J. Stepan at a glance
Chad J. Stepan is a Partner based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, practicing at Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on personal injury, product liability, and insurance. Admitted to practice in Minnesota (1997) and United States District Court, District of Minnesota Illinois (2001). Educated at University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., 1997) and University of Minnesota (B.A., 1994). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Chad Stepan serves as Chair of the firm’s Catastrophic Loss Practice Group
- Chad focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including fires, explosions, structural failures, mechanical failures, product failures and other catastrophic losses and construction-related incidents across the United States
- He has handled numerous multi-million dollar claims, including major industrial explosions and fires, and construction and design matters
- Chad investigates these incidents and provides defense and recovery representation
- This work includes providing professional liability defense for architects, engineers, and other design professionals, as well as defense for contractors, subcontractors, product manufacturers, owners and operators
- Chad is also an instructor and speaker on topics that concern his practice
- Chad is an Adjunct Instructor at the ATF’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where he presents courses on evidence issues (spoliation), convergence of science and law (process engineering), courtroom testimony and techniques, depositions, and regulatory matters (OSHA and Chemical Safety Board)
- The courses also involve instruction of moot court trials
- In addition, Chad serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland where he presents a course on spoliation and changes to NFPA 921, and a course on origin and cause investigation and courtroom testimony and techniques
- The courtroom techniques course involves instruction of moot court trials with a focus on expert witnesses and trial examination
- Chad is General Counsel for the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
- He is also a guest lecturer for state chapters of the IAAI and at the IAAI International Training Conference
- Chad has also made a number of presentations to design professionals and others in the construction industry
- Outside the office, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and keeping a close eye on Minnesota sports teams
- Accolades •Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America in the area of Litigation - Insurance, 2025, 2026 •International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) President's Award •Recognized as a Rising Star, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011 Professional Certifications & Special Training •Certified in Propane (CETP) •Proboard Certified Hazardous Materials Technician (29CFR 1910.120(q)) •Certified in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) •NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) •“Fire Pattern Persistence in the Presence of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)”, In Conjunction with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute’s Study of the Effectiveness of Fire Service PPV, Northbrook, Illinois, January 2015 News •Aug 21, 2025 Meagher + Geer congratulates its 23 attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in 2026 •Aug 15, 2024 Meagher + Geer congratulates its 25 attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers •Sep 10, 2014 Stepan, Iverson and Bridges on Faculty of the 31st Annual Fire Investigation Training Conference Events •Apr 24, 2019 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) Arson for Prosecutors Course What to Expect from the Defense, presented by Meagher & Geer attorney Chad Stepan •Oct 16 - 22, 2018 Chad Stepan to speak at the ATF/IAAI sponsored program on 'Complex Fire Investigations for the Insurance Industry' •Nov 16 - 17, 2017 The Convergence of Science and Law and Mock Trial Testimony Courses
Practice Areas Explained
Chad J. Stepan's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Chad J. Stepan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Chad J. Stepan is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Minnesota →
Chad J. Stepan is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Minnesota →
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
Chad J. Stepan is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Minnesota →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Minnesota
Practicing law in Minnesota. Legal matters in Minnesota are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Minneapolis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Minnesota state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Minnesota brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Minnesota courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Minnesota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Minneapolis or all attorneys in Minnesota.
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