(September 7, 2016) MINNEAPOLIS—Trial lawyer and founding partner of the national law firm Bowman and Brooke, Richard A. Bowman, passed away today at age 75. Dubbed the “father figure of automotive transport litigation,” Bowman built the nation’s largest automotive product liability defense practice and shaped the product liability landscape for the entire industry.
"Dick’s energy, enthusiasm and compassion endure through those of us who knew him and through the core values he instilled in our firm. For decades, Dick's larger-than-life personality dominated courtrooms, coast-to-coast, anytime, anywhere, fearless, and peerless," said Firm Chair Paul Cereghini.
Bowman, who retired in 2012, had first-chaired nearly 100 emotionally charged cases in 37 different states, including the landmark crashworthiness case, Larsen v. GM Corporation. Having defended a wide range of high profile vehicle product liability matters, Bowman was a familiar figure in the inner circles of literally every major automobile company. Bowman authored many articles on product liability and was a frequent speaker, who testified before Congressional Sub-Committees and the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding product liability issues. He was recognized by The National Law Journal as a "Litigation Trailblazer" and was named a Minnesota Super Lawyer every year since its inception.
Bowman’s legacy encompasses much more than his own successes. Dedicated to teaching and nurturing the careers of younger lawyers, Bowman built a leading national product liability defense firm and prepared a generation of extraordinary product liability trial lawyers to serve as front-line defenders of the automotive industry and countless other industries.
"As a colleague, partner, mentor, and friend, he will be missed tremendously," said David Graves, Firm Vice Chairman and fellow founding partner.
Bowman is survived by his wife Terri; children Robert, Kimberly, Lori and Lance, and granddaughter Brenna.
About Bowman and Brooke:
Bowman and Brooke is a nationally recognized trial firm with one of the largest product liability practices in the country. The firm's attorneys defend a variety of corporate clients, including many Global 500 and other internationally-based companies, in widely publicized catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters, and in other complex litigation throughout all 50 states. Bowman and Brooke's lawyers regularly represent their clients and try cases in courthouses across the United States.