Woodbury, MN

Steven C. Ruth

Steven C. Ruth is the managing and senior trial attorney of The Ruth Law Team. With more than 40 years of experience, his legal knowledge is extensive. His professional skill has earned the respect of his colleagues and the appreciation of many clients. Steve has represented thousands of families and been successful in obtaining compensation for their injuries or wrongful death due to the negligent conduct of individuals, corporations, and insurance companies. He conducts jury trials involving auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents, as well as defective products, elderly abuse, and medical malpractice. He maintains a prestigious “AV Preeminent rating” by Martindale-Hubbell, the most prestigious national publication in the legal field. This honor is bestowed upon a comparatively small percentage of lawyers and law firms. It is the top rating available for any lawyer or law firm in the United States. The AV Preeminent rating reflects that an attorney has reached the height of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity, as well as numerous years of experience in the legal field. The practice of Personal Injury Law has been Steve’s passion and pursuit for more than three decades. He became Board Certified as a specialist in Civil Trial Law on June 1st 1987 and June 1st 1992.

William Sand

Bill Sand is a founding partner of Sand Law, LLC. As a litigator, he represents individuals who have suffered serious injuries. Bill attended college at Hamline University, where he served as captain of the men’s baseball team. He then attended law school at the University of San Diego, where he was awarded the Honorable Louis M. Welsh Endowed Scholarship. This award is given to the person who best exemplifies the highest ethical standards and believes in the humanity of the law and who demonstrates a “passionate desire to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a trial lawyer.” While in law school, Bill spent time with the public defender’s office, worked for a civil litigation firm, and authored published articles pertaining to various state agencies. After law school, Bill entered the field of child advocacy law and helped obtain millions of dollars in services for children. He later turned his focus to personal injury law and began experiencing similar results. Bill has experienced uncommon success with an abnormally high success rate for his clients at all stages of litigation, from jury verdicts to judicial rulings. Outside of the law, Bill enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing music, and coaching amateur baseball. His community involvement includes coaching Special Olympics, volunteering at care centers for the elderly, and founding several youth baseball camps.

John Conard

John Conard is an experienced civil and criminal litigation attorney with a winning track record that spans over two decades. John is recognized for his dedication to justice and his adeptness in the courtroom, earning him a reputation as a formidable advocate for his clients. John’s journey into law commenced with a fervent desire to safeguard the rights of others. Following the attainment of his Juris Doctorate, he swiftly ascended through the ranks, honing his trial advocacy skills under seasoned mentors. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in his certification as a trial specialist, underscoring his proficiency and mastery. In civil litigation, John has navigated a diverse array of cases, spanning from employment law to personal injury claims. Utilizing a strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail, he consistently secures favorable outcomes for his clients. In criminal law, John is a staunch defender of the accused, leveraging his extensive experience to ensure equitable treatment under the law. Beyond the courtroom, John is actively engaged in various community initiatives, driven by a passion for effecting positive change. His commitment to making a difference is evident in his ongoing endeavors to utilize his legal skills for the betterment of society. With a steadfast dedication to justice and an unwavering focus on his clients’ needs, John Conard continues to leave an indelible mark on the legal profession.

Rick Sand

Rick Sand is a founding partner of Sand Law, LLC. He is a zealous advocate for the injured and devotes his practice to representing the “little guy” against large insurance companies, corporations, and the government. He focuses on motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, motorcycle accidents, and catastrophic injuries. Rick Sand graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is licensed to practice law in Minnesota, Arizona, and North Dakota, as well as numerous Federal Jurisdictions. During law school, Rick worked for the Alaska Department of Administration’s Office of Public Advocacy (OPA). At the OPA, he advocated for indigent clients accused of criminal offenses within the Municipality of Anchorage. Since law school, Rick worked in civil and criminal litigation. Rick has litigated countless cases that have resulted in successful outcomes for his clients at all stages of litigation. Rick’s community involvement has consisted of volunteering at elderly care facilities as well as coaching Special Olympics, most notably as a volunteer during the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Boise, Idaho. In his spare time, Rick enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and kids.

William D. Harper

William D. Harper is a top-rated attorney focusing on Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death, as well as Plaintiff and Professional Liability. He received Super Lawyers designation for 1994, 1996 - 2023. He became a licensed attorney in 1977 after graduating from Hamline University School of Law. He is Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (1986, recertified 1991, 2001) and Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association (1988, recertified 1994 to present). He has held numerous leadership positions in the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, including President (1998-1999). He is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota, American Arbitration Association, American Creativity Association, American Board of Trial Advocacy, The National Trial Lawyers Association, and the International Society of Barristers. He has authored articles and books on legal topics. He was named Lawyer of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer Newspaper in 1999 and 2011. He is an invited member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Minnesota Million-Dollar Roundtable, and American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been recognized as one of Minnesota’s top 100 and top 40 Super Lawyers. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Association for Justice in 2013.

Jessica E. Shahady

Jessica Shahady is a trial attorney with The Ruth Law Team. She has extensive experience in personal injury law and has earned millions of dollars in jury verdicts on behalf of her clients. She attended Denison University and West Virginia University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Foreign Languages. While an undergraduate, she studied abroad at the Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Santander, Spain, and participated in the Washington Semester Program at American University studying American Government and Politics and interning for the Office of the Corporation Counsel. She earned her Masters in Industrial Labor Relations and Human Resources from West Virginia University and her Juris Doctor degree from University of Dayton School of Law. At The Ruth Law Team, Jessica specializes in litigation and is a member of our impressive trial team. Jessica’s dedication to the community and professional work ethic have earned her an outstanding reputation in the legal community. During law school, Jessica was a law clerk for the Honorable Irene M. Keeley, Chief Judge, United States District Court, Northern District of West Virginia. She also worked as a law clerk for the Congressional Research Service, American Law Division, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. She spent her third year of law school interning for the Warren County Prosecutors Office in Ohio. Before joining The Ruth Law Team she worked for the 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in Sanford, Florida. She is admitted to practice law in the states of Florida and Minnesota. Jessica is also admitted to practice in Federal Court in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. Additionally, Jessica has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges that are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right by the seventh amendment to the U.S. constitution. Membership of this prestigious organization is extended by invitation only. Jessica was selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2013-17. Super Lawyers is a national rating service which identifies outstanding lawyers in over 70 practice areas. Value is placed on peer recognition and outstanding achievement with no more than 2.5% of young lawyers in a state receiving Rising Star recognition. The Ruth Law Team is proud to have Jessica as part of our team. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, running, yoga, and volunteering in the community.

Justin M. Schiks

Justin M. Schiks is an award-winning criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and positive resolutions for his clients. He is a native Minnesotan and a graduate of Forest Lake High School. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota-Morris and attended William Mitchell College of Law. He interned at the Stevens County Attorney’s office and worked with the Edina city attorney prosecuting misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. For more than a decade, his focus has been on DWI and criminal defense. He has volunteered with the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel and Clinic. He has been selected for The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers and holds a 10 out of 10 Avvo rating, receiving the “Client’s Choice Award” every year since 2014. He has successfully represented thousands of clients in various criminal cases.