2022 St. John's University Alumni Achievement Award
SiebenCarey today announced that James P. Carey, firm President and Managing Partner, will receive the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award from St. John’s University (SJU), Collegeville, Minn., during a 40th class reunion dinner on June 25.
“Jim has always had the courage and dedication to the client to do the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing,” said Harry Sieben, retired president of SiebenCarey. “He weighs the risks and decisions from the perspective of what’s right for the client. He’s applied this same approach to his service to hundreds of thousands of constituents as a three-term Park Commissioner in Hennepin County,” Sieben wrote in the award nomination.
“I’m a fellow alumnus of St. John’s University and have been close friends with Jim since grade school,” said Mike Larson, one of eight SJU classmates who nominated Carey for the award. “One thing that’s remained a constant throughout every stage of Jim’s life is his impeccable character. He’s a talented and charismatic lawyer with an incredible work ethic. He’s also a loving father, devoted husband and grandfather, a highly regarded mentor, and a loyal friend.”
“Jim has the highest reputation as an attorney, and his wonderful personality transfers to how he pursues his profession,” added Bill Sieben, Partner at the personal injury law firm of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben. “He’s a strong leader who is extremely trustworthy. The respect and trust from attorneys in Minnesota, the United States, and internationally is reflected by his leadership and membership in every significant and selective professional group.”
“I’m truly honored to receive the Alumni Achievement Award,” Carey said. “My education at St. John’s University played an instrumental role in developing me as a human being and teaching me to respect others. When we sit at the table with our peers and choose to value their experiences as much as our own, we lift each other up – nothing is more important, especially following a tragic accident or life-changing event. I’ve tried to live each day with this in mind as I practice law and help others.”
Jim’s Career Accomplishments
After graduating from St. John’s in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Carey began his legal career as a law clerk and researcher at SiebenCarey. Upon receiving his J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law in 1987, Carey joined the firm as an attorney and became Managing Partner in 2008. Carey helped build SiebenCarey into one of Minnesota’s largest personal injury law firms, which has served more than 65,000 clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin during its 70-year history.
Professionally, Carey has received numerous accolades during his 35-year career practicing law. Most recently, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has been a fellow for eight years in this invitation-only organization. Carey was also recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in the practice of Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers of America - an award that symbolizes excellence in practice. In addition to the "Lawyer of the Year" award, Carey is listed in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is frequently recognized by Super Lawyers and other publications as one of the top personal injury attorneys in Minnesota and is consistently voted one of America's best personal injury attorneys by The Best Lawyers in America.
Carey has also contributed countless hours as a volunteer and mentor to others. He has served numerous nonprofit organizations as a board member and board chairman. Currently, he is on the board of directors of the Minnesota Family Foundation, which serves Minnesota military personnel and families who face financial crises. He also partnered with a colleague to develop the largest one-day Continuing Legal Education class in Minnesota and mentors law students at St. Thomas University and the Mitchell Hamline Law School. He is also a member of the Men’s Club at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, promoting spiritual and social interests and aiding in the charitable work of the parish.
Carey grew up on Minnesota’s Iron Range in Biwabik, Minn. Today, he and his wife Molly reside in Edina. This year, the couple will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They have three children and four grandchildren.
About the St. John’s Alumni Achievement AwardLaunched in 1983, the SJU Alumni Achievement Awards recognize alumni who have been successful in their careers and/or active in church and community service. The awards are presented annually by the SJU Alumni Association Board of Directors and the university. Nominations for the Alumni Achievement Awards are submitted by classmates and reviewed and selected by the SJU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
About SiebenCareyFounded in 1952, SiebenCarey has grown to become one of Minnesota’s largest and most widely respected personal injury law firms, successfully representing more than 65,000 injury victims. For 70 years, the firm has employed experienced lawyers and professional support personnel handling personal injury, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and medical malpractice claims. The offices are located around Minnesota in Minneapolis, Lakeville, and Duluth. For more information, visit www.knowyourrights.com.