Steven L. Schleicher
Partner
Overview
Steve Schleicher is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who concentrates his work on criminal defense, government and internal investigations, and high stakes civil litigation. He also serves as co-chair of Maslon's Government & Internal Investigations Group.
Steve has 24 years' experience as a trial lawyer, having spent his career as a prosecuting attorney before joining Maslon. A former federal prosecutor, he worked for 13 years in the U.S. Attorney's Office, serving as the Deputy Criminal Chief of the Special Prosecution Section (2014-2016) and as the St. Paul Branch Chief. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Steve worked at the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and Winona County Attorney's Office. Steve also has experience in military courts, having served as a JAG Corps Officer in the United States Army Reserve.
Throughout his career, Steve has prosecuted a diverse variety of criminal cases, including homicide, criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, assault, and other violent crime; complex narcotics conspiracies; racketeering; organized crime; fraud; money laundering, and civil rights violations. He has also had numerous jury trials and has conducted hundreds of investigations. In 2016, he served as a prosecutor on the Jacob Wetterling case and was recognized as an "Attorney of the Year" by Minnesota Lawyer for his dedicated work. Steve is often interviewed by the media for insight and commentary relating to high profile litigation matters. Most recently, he served as a commentator for the Mohamed Noor trial.
Experience
Government & Internal Investigations
- A former federal prosecutor, Steve has conducted hundreds of investigations on behalf of the United States, including complex fraud matters, money laundering, organized crime, and violent crime.
- Investigated a security company holding a multimillion-dollar contract at a major NFL venue on behalf of a worldwide venue management company.
- Investigated data security breach and complex intellectual property theft conspiracy on behalf of a major automobile manufacturer.
- Represents health care providers and pharmacies in investigations conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and other state and federal agencies.
Criminal Defense
- Represents clients accused of crimes in federal and state court, including complex financial crimes, fraud, narcotics violations, and all serious felony matters.
- Criminal Constitutional law expertise; obtained complete dismissal of “dark web” narcotics distribution charges on Fourth Amendment grounds.
- Respected criminal trial attorney with experience handling sensitive, high-profile criminal cases, including homicide, organized crime, and official misconduct.
- Experienced appellate advocate; successful practice before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court, and Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Business Litigation
- Served as liaison defense counsel for leading corn seed developer in Minnesota state court consolidated action involving over 65,000 individual U.S. corn growers and various entities that purchased, stored, transported, and exported corn grown in the U.S., along with a class of Minnesota corn growers alleging tort and consumer fraud claims against client.
Tort & Product Liability Litigation
- Represented leading medical device manufacturer in nationwide lawsuits involving both implanted and external medical devices in multiple state and federal courts across the country.
Honors
Presidents Award, Minnesota State Association of Narcotics Investigators, 2017
Julius E. Gernes Prosecutor Award, Minnesota State Bar Association Public Law Section, 2017
Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer, 2016
Arson Prosecutor of the Year, International Association of Arson Investigators, Minnesota Chapter, 2004