Minneapolis Office

Ronald Meshbesher (1933-2018)

“I am a lucky guy… for many years I’ve had the privilege and honor to seek justice for thousands of people. In doing so, I’ve never lost sight that the cause is the clients and I am their advocate.”

After more than 57 years of practicing law and 85 years of life, it is with deep sadness that we announce our founder, colleague and friend, Ron Meshbesher, passed away on June 13, 2018.

Ron Meshbesher, one of the most well-known and well-respected lawyers in Minnesota, was the founder of Meshbesher & Spence. His unique experience in both civil and criminal courts was unparalleled. He began practicing law at the age of 24 in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor, where he tried 45 felony cases in his first three years with a 92% conviction rate. He founded this private practice in 1961, and continued his track record of success throughout his 50-year career at Meshbesher & Spence.

Ron earned his stellar national reputation as counsel in many highly publicized criminal defense cases in Minnesota criminal courts in the 1970’s and 1980’s, including the Elizabeth Congdon murder case, the Piper kidnapping case (which still remains the largest unsolved kidnapping case on FBI record), the Dave Forbes hockey assault trial, and countless others. All of these cases resulted in acquittals, or in the case of Forbes, a hung jury.

Ron’s accomplishments in the civil courtroom were equally impressive. He tried all types of civil cases, including personal injury, will contests, copyright infringement, medical and legal malpractice, and class action, setting multiple state records for the settlements and verdicts he won for his clients.

Ron was recognized as a top lawyer by his peers and by the press in nearly every legal publication in the country, and earned Distinguished Service or Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and the American College of Trial Lawyers.

More impressive, however, are the countless lives Ron changed throughout his celebrated career. The attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence are following Ron’s example of hard work, integrity, and persistent dedication to excellence.