Michael Berman ’64

Michael Berman ’64 passed away January 12 at age 84. Berman, a Minnesota native, notably served as deputy chief of staff and counsel to Vice President Walter Mondale ’56 and as an advisor to several elected officials. He began his legal career in private practice in Minnesota after earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1964. 

His public service began in the Office of Attorney General for the State of Minnesota, and he went on to serve then-Senator Mondale’s office as counsel. He subsequently joined the law firm of Kilpatrick and Lockhart and later formed the Duberstein Group, becoming a successful lobbyist and advisor to many companies and organizations. He served on the board of the Brady Campaign and was a lifelong advocate for gun safety. He also served on the board of the Children’s Inn and the Human Rights Campaign where he was a stalwart champion of civil rights. Berman received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from University of Minnesota in 2010. He gifted his extensive collection of political memorabilia to the University.

Peter H. Benzian ’70

Peter H. Benzian ’70, a retired partner in the Los Angeles-based firm of Latham & Watkins, passed away February 25, at age 81. Raised in Anoka, Minn., he earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College. After serving three years in the United States Army, he was accepted into the University of Minnesota Law School. 

Upon graduation in 1970, he moved to Los Angeles and joined the small law firm of Latham & Watkins. Over his 35 years practicing there, the firm grew to be one of the largest and most respected law firms in the world. In 1984, he moved to San Diego to further build out the firm’s growing securities litigation practice. He eventually served as chairman of the litigation department. His practice emphasized securities-related actions and other complex business disputes involving antitrust, contract, and intellectual property matters. He served on several foundation boards, including as a director for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and as president of the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Dan L. Burk

Former Minnesota Law professor Dan L. Burk passed away February 4. He was a member of the Law School faculty from 2000 to 2008. Professor Burk was a Distinguished and Chancellor’s Professor of Law and founding faculty member and the first Chancellor’s Professor at the University of California Irvine School of Law. Burk was recognized as a leading scholar in intellectual property, gene patenting, digital copyright, computer trespass, and more. 

He is remembered at Minnesota Law for his significant contributions to those fields but also for being generous with his time and talent and as an exceptional colleague, friend, and mentor. His intellectual curiosity, passion for the law, and commitment to advancing knowledge will forever be remembered and cherished by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. “Dan was one of my mentors when I first joined our faculty as a junior professor focused on intellectual property,” says Interim Dean William McGeveran, Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett Professor of Law. “He provided invaluable guidance and introduced me to the leaders of the field. Countless IP scholars I know have similar stories about Dan’s generosity.”

Thomas Holloran ’55

Thomas Holloran ’55 passed away February 15, at age 94. An active supporter of the University of Minnesota Law School, he grew up in south Minneapolis, attended Washburn High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1952-54 before starting his career at Wheeler and Fredrikson law firm, which evolved into Fredrikson & Byron. He became a partner after two years. 

While practicing law, he incorporated Medtronic in 1957 and later joined the company in executive roles, serving as general counsel, executive vice president, and president. He worked at Medtronic from 1967-75 and served on its board of directors for 40 years. He then led the Inter-Regional Financial Group, parent of investment banking company RBC Dain-Rauscher, as chair and CEO from 1976-85. He was national president of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association as well as a teacher at the University of St. Thomas where he was an advisor in establishing its law school. He inspired St. Thomas’ Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership.

William R. McGrann ’64

William R. McGrann ’64 died January 19 at the age of 86. McGrann was a founding partner of Minneapolis-based firm McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb, Chartered. He grew up in Owatonna, Minn., and attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. He served in the military, completing infantry and Army Ranger training, followed by counterintelligence instruction. He then went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School where he met his wife, Judith. 

After moving to Washington, D.C., McGrann worked as a special agent with the National Security Agency and in Vietnam as a special representative of the secretary of defense. Later, he earned another graduate degree from George Washington University and served as a special assistant to Senator Hubert H. Humphrey. Minnesota Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley, a friend of his for decades, said of McGrann, “He was smart, connected, and highly regarded. We will miss the twinkle in his eye and wry smile that made him a joy to work with.”

Stephen B. Scallen ’59

Professor Emeritus Stephen B. Scallen ’59 passed away January 17. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Scallen graduated from the then- College of St. Thomas. He received a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was president of the Law Review. He also earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and served as a captain in the United States Air Force. Scallen began his legal career at the law firm of Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C. He later returned to the Twin Cities where he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota Law School. 

Scallen was active in nonprofit organizations and served on several boards including St. Thomas Academy, Visitation School, and the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota. He also was a founding member of St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul and received the St. Gregory Medal, the highest award of the Armenian Church.