Ben Erickson: Iowa Trial Attorney & Civil Litigator

When businesses and individuals face high-stakes legal challenges, they require counsel equipped to go to court.

As a Partner and lead trial attorney in the Grefe & Sidney litigation division, Ben Erickson has built a reputation for excellence in both state and federal courts. From defending local businesses in commercial disputes to navigating complex medical malpractice and class action lawsuits, Ben provides aggressive, strategic representation designed to protect his clients’ interests and secure the best possible outcome.

Trial & Appellate Advocacy in Iowa

Ben brings concrete, hands-on courtroom experience to every dispute. He prepares cases for verdict, not just settlement.

• Active Trial Experience: In the last 5 years alone, Ben has first-chaired 7 trials to verdict.

• Appellate Authority: Ben’s advocacy extends beyond the trial court, with extensive experience presenting oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the Iowa Supreme Court, and the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Representative Iowa Litigation Successes

Ben’s willingness to fight for his clients is backed by a track record of definitive courtroom victories. Exemplar results include:

• Commercial Litigation Defense Verdict: Served as first-chair counsel defending a local business against multiple claims, including consumer fraud, unjust enrichment, and negligent bailment. Ben secured a complete defense verdict and successfully won a favorable monetary judgment on his client’s counterclaims.

• High-Stakes Injury Defense: First-chaired a jury trial defending against an alleged severe closed-head injury where the plaintiff sought over $2 million. Ben successfully mitigated damages, resulting in a total verdict of just $2,000.

• Medical Causation Defense Verdict: Secured a “zero” jury award as first-chair counsel in a $500,000 trial. Successfully navigated complex medical causation and expert testimony to win a total defense verdict, even with a conceded breach of the standard of care.

• Early Dismissals & Summary Judgments: Consistently saves clients time and money by successfully obtaining summary judgments in complex defamation, premises liability, and insurance coverage disputes.

Professional Recognition, Memberships & Speaking