Attorney Stephen Foertsch of Bruno Law.

Stephen Foertsch

Managing Partner

Request a Consultation with Stephen

Stephen has quickly become a well-known criminal defense attorney throughout Minnesota, known for his thorough and thoughtful defense of his clients and his personable presence in front of a jury. He has deftly and effectively defended all levels of charges, from complex financial crimes and highly publicized murder charges, to annoying traffic tickets. Stephen prides himself on working hard for his clients, finding holes in government cases that are invisible to others while empathizing with his client's situation.

Stephen Foertsch
Rated by Super Lawyers


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Stephen Foertsch
Rated by Super Lawyers


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Stephen Foertsch
Rated by Super Lawyers


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Stephen Foertsch
Rated by Super Lawyers


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Licenses and Education

Licenses
  • Minnesota District Court, 2013
  • United States District Court, District of Minnesota, 2017
  • United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 2018
Education
  • William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., 2013
  • St. John’s University, B.A., 2009

Distinctions

  • Selected by peers as a "Super Lawyer" in Super Lawyers Magazine, 2024
  • Selected by peers as a "Rising Star” in Super Lawyers Magazine, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023
  • Top Lawyers, 2022, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine
  • Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
  • Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • 10 Best Attorneys in Minnesota, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • Former Adjunct Professor, Mitchell Hamline College of Law
  • William W. Thompson Professionalism Award
  • Monthly Column, Criminal Law Notes & Trends, Co-Author, Bench and Bar of Minnesota
  • "Think Locally, Act Globally," The Hennepin Lawyer, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Member

More About Stephen

Stephen graduated from William Mitchell College of Law, where he was awarded the William H. Thompson Award for Professionalism and was selected as one of the school’s top oral advocates to represent William Mitchell nationally in moot court and mock trial competitions. Stephen clerked full-time throughout law school and graduated early. He says, “I also managed to get Sammi to date me, which was a monumental feat on its own.” Stephen later returned to Mitchell Hamline as an adjunct professor. Prior to law school, Stephen graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Stephen took over as a managing partner for Bruno Law in 2022, in recognition of outstanding client services and courtroom results since he joined the firm in 2017. Prior to that, Stephen was the lead criminal defense attorney for a reputable Minnesota law firm, after clerking for the Honorable William H. Koch in Hennepin County. He writes a monthly column for Bench & Bar magazine, he has taught continuing legal education classes on jury selection, case law developments, expungement, officer-involved shootings, DWIs, and forfeitures. He has been published in the Hennepin Lawyer magazine and writes a monthly column in the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association's Police Journal. He is active in organizations such as the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Stephen lives in Minnetrista with his wife, Samantha, their three children, Brooks, Colette, and Beau, along with their dog, Penny Sue.


Testimonials

Stephen, You were able to preserve my dreams and goals that I have had for so long and were able to do it when any betting man would have said "it will never happen." I know you worked your ass off for this one. In my eyes, I will forever be in debt to you. I truly believe no other lawyer could have done what you accomplished for me.
- M.H.
I don’t think there are enough words to express how much your hard work and kindness has meant to us. You have helped give [D.G.] his confidence, happiness, his life back.
- A.G.
I could not have survived this without you and your outstanding knowledge, skill and support.
- A.J.
Stephen’s professionalism, knowledge, and communication were outstanding throughout my case. Stephen not only won the case, resulting in dismissal of all charges with expungement, but kept me completely informed throughout the process. As a result of Stephen’s exemplary representation and the outcome of the case, I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone.
- L.J.
You were a voice of encouragement and calm in a time when I needed it more than I ever have. Thank you for being far more than an attorney. You will always have my gratitude.
- B.S.
Stephen, I cannot thank you enough for all the help you have offered since we met. You really live up to your reputation. God bless you. Your passion, talent, and integrity far exceeded any expectations.
- M.W.

tephen Foertsch was named to the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.
Stephen Foertsch was named one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Minnesota by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.

The rest of our team

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