Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership | This website contains attorney advertising.

Elsa M. Bullard

Partner

Overview

Elsa Bullard leads clients through business litigation matters, especially complex contract disputes, defense of consumer claims and environmental litigation. She assists clients in a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing and the transportation industry, where she advises on cutting-edge issues related to autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the liability issues associated with the artificial intelligence used in these vehicles.

Commercial and Consumer Litigation

Elsa’s business litigation experience also includes:

  • Complex contract disputes
  • Class actions
  • Foodborne illness litigation
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) litigation
  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) litigation

Elsa is a keen strategist who develops case approach and merits arguments. She designs and oversees discovery plans that help clients manage the cost and burden of discovery. Elsa also represents clients during arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, including in a first-chair role. Her experience includes work for both plaintiffs and defendants, including several large plaintiff-side class actions.

Environmental Litigation

Elsa has assisted clients in major environmental matters involving perfluorochemicals (PFAS), oil spills and other alleged environmental damages. In the courtroom, she is skilled at cross-examining plaintiffs’ experts on complex scientific issues. When environmental disputes settle, Elsa has experience developing strategy, negotiating and overseeing large settlements.

Prior Experience

Prior to law school, Elsa served in the U.S. Army, leading a platoon in Germany and Kosovo and later serving as a Company Commander in South Korea.

Personal Interests

If there is snow, Elsa is finding every opportunity to get out cross-country skiing, including helping with her son’s club. Elsa also enjoys trail running, hiking, CrossFit, traveling, the Marvel Universe and all things outdoors.

Related Industries

Related Topics

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Clerkships

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Hon. Joan N. Ericksen, 2011-2012

Education

University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Minnesota Law Review (Managing Editor and Social Chair) (2011)

United States Military Academy at West Point
B.S. distinguished graduate, Regimental Commander (2000)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Elsa serves as a referee for conciliation court in Carver County.
  • Elsa is a member of a litigation team defending a death row inmate in his post-conviction appeal and habeas corpus petition.
  • Elsa also volunteers with Volunteer Lawyers Network on housing cases, including eviction expungement and rent escrow matters.

Professional Associations

  • Federal Bar Association — Minnesota Chapter (Director, 2014-20)

Civic Activities

  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Minnesota Chapter — Board Member, 2017-present (Executive Committee); JDRF One Walk (Co-Chair, 2018-20); Chapter President (2022-24)
  • Minnesota Youth Ski League on-ski volunteer (2018-23)
  • West Point Society of Minnesota — Minnesota Student Leadership Seminar (Chair, 2014-15)

Honors

  • Chambers USA — Minnesota, Litigation: General Commercial, "Up and Coming," 2022-24
  • Minnesota Lawyer — Up & Coming Attorneys, 2020
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers — 2024; Rising Star, 2018-21
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022-23
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2017
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.