Harry Sieben is a Minnesota Legend

Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, the Hastings native joined the firm on April 15, 1969 and has actively practiced law in Minnesota for five decades. Along the way, he helped build SiebenCarey into one of Minnesota's largest and most successful personal injury law firms by fighting for the rights of injured people.

As managing partner from 1983 to 2007, Sieben initiated the “Know Your Rights” advertising campaigns that brought personal injury law to the people. The 60-employee law firm, including 18 attorneys and staff, has offices in Minneapolis, Lakeville and Duluth.

“What we do makes a difference,” said Sieben when discussing his career milestone. He has often said he is tremendously proud of the men and women at the law firm who serve the cause of justice by helping people during the most difficult times in their lives.

“One dream every injury lawyer has is getting the biggest jury verdict in Minnesota history,” added Sieben. He accomplished this particular award for one of his clients in January 1979 with a record setting verdict of $2.225 million. This verdict exceeded the prior record, held by his partner Clint Grose. This achievement happened after setting several other record verdicts, including the largest personal injury verdict in Rice County, the largest death verdict in Minnesota and the largest verdict in Houston County.

"Harry Sieben joined a small, successful law firm and took it to the next level, if not beyond," said Jim Carey, who has served as managing partner at the firm since 2007. "It doesn't surprise me one bit that he's modest and almost stoic about it. But that growth, ‘Know Your Rights’ name recognition and reputation in the community is, in large part, due to Harry Sieben. I think most of my colleagues in Minnesota’s legal community would agree."

In November 1970, Sieben beat a 16-year incumbent for a seat in the Minnesota Legislature. He served seven terms including four years as Speaker of the House. His legislation to protect clean air and water, worker’s rights, and a rational system to finance Minnesota government still stands today.

Another career highlight, and perhaps dearest to Sieben’s heart, is his dedication to the U.S. armed forces. He served 35 years in the military—seven in the Army and Army Reserve and 28 years with the Minnesota National Guard. Sieben retired as a Major General in 2003.