With over 60 years of dedicated service, Meshbesher & Spence has established itself as a pillar of excellence in the legal community. Founded by the renowned trial attorney Ron Meshbesher, our firm’s legacy is steeped in a tradition of unwavering commitment to justice and client advocacy. Throughout our storied history, we’ve navigated countless milestones and challenges, shaping the legal landscape in Minnesota and beyond.
The Origin of Meshbesher & Spence
The founding of Meshbesher & Spence began in 1961, when the great Minnesota trial attorney Ron Meshbesher entered private practice with Michael (“Micky”) Robins in downtown Minneapolis. Micky brought a focus on corporate practice while Ron continued his renowned trial practice. In 1963, Ron and Micky were joined by Ron’s brother, Ken Meshbesher, and his partner Joel Kirshbaum to establish Robins, Meshbesher, & Kirshbaum, laying the foundation for what would become a renowned general practice firm focused on trial work.
Then in the mid-1960’s, the newly founded firm cemented their place in downtown Minneapolis lore with the building of their iconic building at 1615 Park Avenue. With its distinctive curved walls and large round-topped windows, the building has stood as the firm’s headquarters since 1966 and served as a focal point of its growth. Then in the late 1960’s Russ Spence who originally began work as a firm investigator, finished law school and joined the firm full time as a practicing lawyer.
New Faces and Continued Success
In the early 1970’s the firm Robins, Meshbesher, & Kirshbaum was incorporated as Meshbesher, Singer, & Spence, Ltd. when Micky Robins moved to California to practice entertainment law, Joel Kirshbaum moved to Arizona, and Gerald Singer – childhood friend of Ron Meshbesher – joined the practice as a business and family lawyer.
The firm’s reputation then soared in the 1970’s as Ron Meshbesher represented defendants in numerous high-profile cases such as the Elizabeth Congdon murder case and the Piper kidnapping case, greatly expanding the firm’s presence and recognition. As the firm’s reputation grew, so did its practice areas, expanding to include criminal defense, business litigation, and personal injury, its commitment to providing exceptional legal representation remained steadfast. Then, in the 1980’s with lawyer advertising now in the clear the firm adopted its trademarked “The Lawyer You Choose Makes a Difference” which is still known and used today.
The Arrival of Meshbesher & Spence
The arrival of 1990 saw the retirement of Gerald Singer, leading to the Meshbesher & Spence name as we know it today. By then, the firm had expanded its personal injury practice, including focus on medical malpractice as well as mass tort litigation, grown to over 20 attorneys, and held offices in numerous cities including St. Paul, St. Cloud, Rochester, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Maplewood, and Woodbury at different times in addition to its main office at 1616 Park Avenue.
The 1990’s also saw the torch passed forward again, with the retirement of esteemed partners Russ Spence and Ken Meshbesher after decades of trial success for their clients. Entering the new millennium, Meshbesher & Spence reaffirmed its dedication to personal injury practice, while phasing out business litigation and general litigation. Later, in 2021 the firm added workers compensation to better round out our successful personal injury practice.
Our Present and Future Commitment
Today, Meshbesher & Spence boasts a team of 18 attorneys across offices in Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Cloud, continuing the tradition of hard work and compassionate advocacy established by Ron Meshbesher and his partners over 60 years ago.
As Meshbesher & Spence looks to the future, its commitment to excellence and its clients’ well-being remains steadfast, ensuring that the legacy of legal advocacy continues for generations to come.
We pride ourselves on being available when you need us. If you need to speak with us at any time, please do not hesitate to call or email for immediate assistance. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends. We look forward to assisting you. Meshbesher & Spence: Minnesota’s First Call for a Personal Injury Attorney®.