Former 3M Assistant General Counsel Norman Pentelovitch Joins Faegre Drinker Litigation Group

Faegre Drinker announced today that Norman Pentelovitch has joined the firm’s litigation group as a partner in the Minneapolis office. Pentelovitch joins from multinational company 3M where he was Director, Assistant General Counsel, Enterprise Risk Management.

Pentelovitch represents clients in high-risk litigation, internal investigations, and corporate crises involving significant financial, operational, and reputational exposure. He works closely with multinational business leaders and global in-house legal teams to assess risk, preserve strategic options, and, whenever possible, prevent disputes from escalating. A trusted advisor to clients, Pentelovitch translates complicated legal problems into practical business decisions and aligns individual case tactics with long-term strategic objectives.

“Norm’s experience both in private practice and as a senior in-house lawyer gives him a unique understanding of how companies assess litigation risk, manage exposure, and make business decisions,” said William Connolly, leader of the firm's litigation group. “He is an outstanding litigator and team leader who brings the judgment and strategic perspective clients need to navigate their most significant disputes and crises.” 

Pentelovitch has extensive experience litigating in state and federal courts, representing parties in complex commercial litigation, cross-border disputes, product liability and mass tort litigation, multidistrict litigation, class actions, government enforcement matters, and internal investigations. Drawing on his background as international coordinating counsel, he is particularly adept at managing matters spanning continents and requiring coordination among numerous internal and external stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome Norm to the Minneapolis office. Norm is well respected throughout the Twin Cities legal and business communities. He brings tremendous energy, a collaborative approach and a talent for bringing people together to solve complex challenges, making him a great fit for our clients and our culture,” said Lica Tomizuka, Minneapolis office leader.

Pentelovitch serves as president of the Hennepin County Bar Association, having begun a one-year term on July 1, 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from George Washington University and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center. 

Faegre Drinker’s litigation group offers national counsel services, on-the-ground litigation support, and local court relationships to help clients achieve their business objectives while minimizing disruption. With risk mitigation and litigation avoidance central to the group’s strategy, the team has an established track record of defeating claims at the pleading stage, at trial, and on appeal when litigation becomes unavoidable.