Overview:
This event is a must-attend for private company board members and aspirants directors looking to strengthen their governance skills while understanding and protecting both their companies and themselves from legal risks. You’ll gain actionable insights from experienced panelists, learn best practices for risk oversight, and leave better equipped to navigate the complexities of board service.

“Managing Litigation Risk as a Corporate Board Member.” is co-sponsored by the Center of Law and Business at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. By participating in this session, CLE credit is available.

Parking:
Parking will be available on campus.

Registration:

Members: $35
Non-Members: $70

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Panelists

Scott Stence Senior Vice President Executive Risk

Scott Stence is the Senior Vice President of Executive Risk at Brown & Brown's Minnesota property and casualty division. In this role, he provides management and professional liability solutions for public companies, private entities, and financial institutions. His extensive experience in executive risk management and underwriting has been instrumental in delivering tailored risk management solutions to clients across various industries. Before joining Brown & Brown, Scott held senior executive risk underwriting positions at CNA and Nationwide.

Scott holds a degree in Finance from the University of Iowa. 

Jim Seifert Fafinski Mark & Johnson

Jim Seifert is a seasoned attorney and executive with over 30 years of experience specializing in manufacturing, technology, and business strategy. As head of FMJ’s Manufacturing practice group and a Shareholder in the General Corporate & Business and Mergers & Acquisitions groups, he brings extensive expertise in domestic and cross-border transactions, financings, intellectual property, litigation, board governance, and risk management. Recognized nationally for innovative dispute resolution strategies, Jim also has deep knowledge of global regulatory, safety, environmental, and government relations operations. 

Before joining FMJ, Jim served as in-house counsel for five public companies, including as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Tennant Company, Bemis Company, and Ecolab, Inc. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame (BA), Creighton University (JD), the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering (MS), and the University of Minnesota (MPH). Dedicated to public service, he has served on the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Advisory Board, the TPT – Twin Cities PBS Board, and in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He currently sits on the board of Nuvera, Inc., where he chairs the Governance Committee and serves on the Audit Committee.

Jim Zappa Attorney, Corporate and Legal Executive

Jim Zappa is an experienced attorney, Fortune 125 senior executive, and governance leader with over 30 years of experience advising boards, leading legal and compliance functions, and shaping corporate strategy. Currently Senior Counsel at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Jim previously served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at CHS Inc., where he led legal, corporate secretary, compliance, internal audit, government affairs, and stewardship teams, while also serving as board counsel. He played a key role in developing the company’s first enterprise sustainability framework and gained direct governance experience as a board member of Ventura Foods, LLC, a joint venture of CHS and Mitsui.

Before CHS, Jim spent 15 years in senior legal roles at 3M Company, including as Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President & Associate General Counsel for International Operations, where he worked closely with the board on governance, risk oversight, and executive compensation. Jim holds degrees from Drake University (BFA), the University of Southern California (MA), and the University of Minnesota Law School (JD). His commitment to community leadership includes board service with the GroundBreak Coalition and has served on the Greater Twin Cities United Way (2022 & 2023 Board Chair) and Boy Scouts USA Northern Star Council.

Moderator

Brad Hutter Fafinski, Mark & Johnson

Brad Hutter is a Shareholder in FMJ’s Litigation and Bankruptcy & Insolvency practice groups, representing businesses in litigation involving complex commercial transactions, fiduciary relationships, and business insolvencies. With experience across industries such as banking, real estate, retail, transportation, construction, and aviation, he has also defended multiple-plaintiff and class action claims in federal court. Before joining FMJ, Brad served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where he handled administrative enforcement actions and defended state officials in litigation.

At FMJ, Brad advises businesses facing government enforcement actions, regulatory investigations, or litigation involving administrative law complexities. He also co-leads FMJ’s E-Discovery practice group, helping clients efficiently manage discovery obligations with innovative legal technology. Beyond his legal work, Brad serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Council on Economic Education, an organization dedicated to equipping Minnesotans with essential economic and financial literacy skills.

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