Overview
Elsa Bullard leads clients through business litigation matters, especially environmental litigation, defense of consumer claims and contract disputes. She assists clients in a variety of industries, including the transportation industry, where she advises on cutting-edge issues related to autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the liability issues associated with the artificial intelligence used in these vehicles.
Environmental Litigation
Elsa has assisted clients in major environmental matters involving perfluorochemicals (PFAS), oil spills and other alleged environmental damages. In the courtroom, she is skilled at cross-examining plaintiffs’ experts on complex scientific issues. When environmental disputes settle, Elsa has experience developing strategy, negotiating and overseeing large settlements.
Consumer and Commercial Litigation
Elsa’s business litigation experience also includes:
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) litigation
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) litigation
- Trade secrets litigation
- Contract disputes
Elsa is a keen strategist who develops case approach and merits arguments. She designs and oversees discovery plans that help clients manage the cost and burden of discovery. Elsa also represents clients during arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, including in a first-chair role.
Past Experience
Prior to law school, Elsa served in the U.S. Army, leading a platoon in Germany and Kosovo and later serving as a Company Commander in South Korea.Services & Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Clerkships
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Hon. Joan N. Ericksen, 2011-2012
Education
University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Minnesota Law Review (Managing Editor and Social Chair) (2011)
United States Military Academy at West Point
B.S. distinguished graduate, Regimental Commander (2000)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Other Perspectives
- Business Torts: A Fifty-State Guide
Contributing Editor, 2017 edition - Insufficient Government Protection: The Inescapable Element in Domestic Violence Asylum Cases
Minnesota Law Review, Vol. 95
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Elsa is a member of a litigation team defending a death row inmate in his post-conviction appeal and habeas corpus petition.
- Elsa also volunteers with Volunteer Lawyers Network on housing cases, including eviction expungement and rent escrow matters.
Professional Associations
- Federal Bar Association — Minnesota Chapter (Director, 2014-20)
Civic Activities
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Minnesota Chapter — Board Member, 2017-present (Executive Committee); JDRF One Walk (Co-Chair, 2018-20); Chapter President (2022-24)
- West Point Society of Minnesota — Minnesota Student Leadership Seminar (Chair, 2014-15)
Honors
- Chambers USA — Minnesota, Litigation: General Commercial, "Up and Coming," 2022
- Minnesota Lawyer — Up & Coming Attorneys, 2020
- Minnesota Super Lawyers — Rising Stars, 2018-19
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2017