Karla M. Vehrs

Karla M. Vehrs is a partner in Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department and Managing Partner of the Minneapolis office. Karla represents financial institutions and other interested parties in disputes involving mortgage-backed securities, municipal and corporate bonds, and other complex matters. She works with clients to determine the prudent course of action for balancing business interests with litigation risks.

Karla's practice also encompasses complex commercial litigation on behalf of clients in other industries, including manufacturing, telecommunications, and real estate. Karla combines strong advocacy skills with a common-sense approach to clients' business needs to shape effective litigation strategies. Clients also turn to Karla for advice and advocacy on challenging operations issues before they reach the litigation stage.

Karla serves on the board of Pinky Swear Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to families experiencing childhood cancer, and is responsible for the board's strategic planning and governance initiatives. In addition, Karla volunteers as a pro bono lawyer for immigrants who have been the victims of crimes, human rights abuses, and trafficking.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association

Minnesota State Bar Association

Hennepin County Bar Association

Minnesota Women Lawyers

Recognition & Accomplishments

Named to The Business Journals' 2019 Influencers: Law list, which spotlights attorneys who are driving business for their employers, and for their clients, in cities across the country

Named to Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 2019 "40 Under 40" list, in recognition of professional excellence and outstanding community involvement

Minnesota Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2012-2018; Top Women Attorneys in Minnesota, 2016

Minnesota Lawyer, Up and Coming Attorney, 2013

North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2014

Leonard E. Lindquist Pro Bono Award, 2008

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, "Arbitration Today: the Trends, Pros, and Cons," Recent Trends in Government Investigations and Arbitrations, Ballard Spahr CLE, October 1, 2018

"Knowledge Sharing: How to Leverage the Leadership Experience of Your Fellow Members," TAGLaw Panel, Paris, France, May 5, 2017

"Enforcing Contracts in the Digital Age," TAGLaw Panel, Washington, D.C., October 25, 2016

Moderator, "Overcome and Lead," Access to Leadership event, June 1, 2016

Cross-Border Dispute Resolution," TAGLaw Panel, Edinburgh, Scotland, May 1, 2015

"Mid-Year Real Property Case Law Update," Hennepin County Bar Association, June 1, 2014

"Creating Distribution Networks that Work! Managing Franchise, Dealership, Distributorship and Sales Representative Relationships," Minnesota CLE, May 1, 2012

"Mid-Year Real Property Case Law Update," Hennepin County Bar Association, May 1, 2012

"MSBA Real Estate Institute – Case Law Update" Panel, January 1, 2012

"Mechanic's Liens and Lien Avoidance," Lindquist & Vennum Construction & Development Law Forum, May 1, 2011

"MSBA Real Estate Institute – Case Law Update" Panel, January 1, 2011

"MSBA Real Estate Institute – Case Law Update" Panel, January 1, 2010

Community Activities

Agent for University of Minnesota Law School Partners at Work annual fundraising campaign

Minnesota State Bar Association, Real Property Legislative Committee, 2007-2013

Leadership Twin Cities, Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2010-2011

The Advocates for Human Rights, Intern, 2004-2005, and Pro Bono Volunteer

Minnesota AIDS Project, volunteer, 2006

Board Memberships

Pinky Swear Foundation, Chair of Strategy and Governance Committee

University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2006)
Minnesota Law Review

University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A. 2002)

Languages

German

Spanish

Minnesota

Wisconsin

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit