Attorneys / Mark R. Whitmore
Mark R. Whitmore
Shareholder
Practice Groups
Appeals, Business & Commercial Litigation, Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, Labor & Employment, Medical & Healthcare Providers, Nonprofits, Professional Liability, Torts & Products Liability
Biography
Mark Whitmore is a trial lawyer who represents and counsels health systems and other businesses and professionals in litigation, risk management, licensing, governmental investigations, and compliance matters.
A sought-after litigator, Mark represents a majority of the health systems in the Twin Cities, including their outstate locations. He takes pride in seeing each matter through conclusion and partners closely with his clients to achieve their goals anywhere from conference rooms to courtrooms.
Mark has more than 30 years of experience successfully litigating matters to verdict in state and federal courts across the Midwest. He has also successfully represented many physicians and other professionals in licensing disputes before regulatory entities.
Mark has been recognized as a Leading Healthcare Lawyer by Chambers and Partners and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Bassford Remele and previously served seven years as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer.
Education
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., With Distinction, 1992
- Phi Delta Phi, President
- Moot Court, Board of Directors
- Iowa Law Review, staff member
- Macalester College, B.A., magna cum laude, 1989
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- North Dakota
- Wisconsin
Representative Cases
- Representation of American Medical Association, Minnesota Hospital Association and Minnesota Medical Association as amicus in appeal to Minnesota Supreme Court about whether Minnesota recognizes ostensible agency as a viable cause of action. Warren v. Dinter, 926 N.W.2d 370 (Minn. 2019).
- Representation of physician, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance at the Court of Appeals in a case of first impression that clarified the timing mechanisms in Minnesota’s expert-review statute, Minn. Stat. § 145.682. Firkus v. Harms, 914 N.W.2d 414 (Minn. App. 2018).
- Representation of amicus curiae nursing home in a matter involving a city’s decision to deny a conditional use permit application for another nursing home to expand its existing assisted living services by adding a third building to its campus. RDNT, LLC v. City of Bloomington, 861 N.W.2d 71 (Minn. 2015).
- Representation of physician, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance for in a medical malpractice matter involving alleged claims of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and lack-of-informed consent.
- Representation of amicus curiae Minnesota Hospital Association and Minnesota Medical Association in a medical malpractice case of first impression involving Minnesota’s “loss of chance” doctrine. Dickhoff v. Green, 836 N.W.2d 321 (Minn. 2013).
- Representation of American Medical Association, obtaining dismissal of in a matter involving alleged antitrust and RICO violations. Uhr v. Responsible Hospitality Institute, Inc., No. 10-CV-4945, 2011 WL 4091866 (D. Minn. 2011), aff’d 2012 WL 2893492 (8th Cir. 2012), cert den. 133 S. Ct. 1248 (2013).
- Representation of amicus curiae Minnesota Hospital Association and MMIC Group/MMIC Insurance in a case of first impression interpreting the ability to cure under Minnesota’s expert review statute. Wesely v. Flor, 806 N.W.2d 36 (Minn. 2011).
- Representation of hockey association accused of breach of contract, antitrust violations, and tortious interference with business, obtaining dismissal. Minnesota Made Hockey, Inc. v. Minnesota Hockey, Inc., 789 F. Supp. 2d 1133 (D. Minn. 2011).
- Representation of hospital, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance in an action involving the immunity provisions of the Minnesota Commitment Act.
- Obtained summary judgment and affirmance in malpractice action interpreting the applicability of Minnesota’s expert review statute.
- Representation of hospital, obtaining dismissal and affirmance in a medical malpractice action involving the applicability of the expert review statute.
- Obtained summary judgment and affirmance defining whether a duty is owed by a nurse to obtain informed consent under Minnesota law.
- Representation of amicus curiae Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Medical Association, and American Medical Association in a case of first impression involving claims of negligent credentialing. Larson v. Wasemiller, 738 N.W.2d 300 (Minn. 2007).
- Representation of amicus curiae Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Medical Association, American Medical Association, Minnesota Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics, Minnesota Chapter in a matter involving the Child Abuse Reporting Act. Becker v. Mayo Found., 737 N.W.2d 200 (Minn. 2007).
- Representation of hospital, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance in a medical malpractice action interpreting the applicable statute of limitations.
- Successful defense of the Minnesota State High School League in an action seeking an injunction under Title IX, Minn. Stat. § 121A.04, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment arising out of the location of the Minnesota State High School Girl’s Hockey Tournament.
- Representation of local physician, hospital and others, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance in an action alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. Mellett v. Fairview Health Servs., 634 N.W.2d 421 (Minn. 2001).
- Representation of national corporation, obtaining defense verdict and affirmance on appeal in a matter alleging breach of contract, violation of Minnesota’s Termination of Sales Representative Act, and declaratory relief. Anderson Marketing, Inc. v. Maple Chase, Inc., 241 F.3d 1063 (8th Cir. 2001).
- Representation of hospital, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance in matter involving accusations of racial discrimination under the MHRA for the manner it operated its emergency department.
- Representation of national retailer, obtaining summary judgment and affirmance in an insurance coverage matter involving an additional insured.
- Defense of corporation and individual in a banking industry matter involving the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, 12 U.S.C. § 1817(j), engaging in self-dealing and insider transactions, and monetary penalties for statutory and regulatory violations. Lindquist & Vennum v. F.D.I.C., 103 F.3d 1409 (8th Cir. 1997).
- Successful defense of national retailer in a premises liability matter involving enforcement of Pierringer release. Wildman v. K-Mart, 556 N.W.2d 10 (Minn. App. 1996).
- Successful defense of national corporation in which the Minnesota Supreme Court clarified the interpretation of the McDonnell-Douglas test under Minnesota law in a case alleging race discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Hasnudeen v. Onan Corp., 552 N.W.2d 555 (Minn. 1996).
- Representation of medical facility in a medical malpractice action alleging failure to timely diagnose. Koch v. Mork Clinic, P.A., 540 N.W.2d 526 (Minn. Ct. App. 1995).
- Representation of health care provider, obtaining dismissal and affirmance in a case involving liability for the provider arising from the criminal acts of a third party who murdered a patient. Kay v. Fairview Riverside Hosp., 531 N.W.2d 517 (Minn. App. 1995).
- Representation of manufacturer, successfully obtaining jury verdict and affirmance for defendant manufacturer accused of discrimination in a case involving allegations of discriminatory discharge and violations of Title VII of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Jeffries v. Metro-Mark, Inc., 45 F.3d 258 (8th Cir. 1995).
- Representation of health system, obtaining dismissal and affirmance in a case alleging liability for the criminal acts of a third party. K.L. v. Riverside Medical Center, 524 N.W.2d 300 (Minn. App. 1994).
- Representation of insurance agency in a matter alleging that the acquisition of a group health policy occurred by misrepresentation of the scope of coverage. MNVA R.R., Inc. v. John Aldren Life Ins. Co., 507 N.W.2d 15 (Minn. App. 1993).
- Representation of individual in a matter alleging unlawful discrimination in hiring, illegal recordkeeping, and defamation. Butler v. Leadens Investigations and Sec., Inc., 503 N.W.2d 805 (Minn. App. 1993).
Publications
Mr. Whitmore has been interviewed on health care topics.
- Saying “I’m Sorry” and Other Legal Dimensions of Bad Outcomes, The Carlat Report, Addiction Treatment, Vol. 2, No. 2, March 2014
- Steering Clear of Malpractice Cases, Today’s Hospitalist, November 2010
Mr. Whitmore has written extensively on recurring legal issues that impact the health care community.
- A Survivor’s Guide to Larson v. Wasemiller: An Aid to Eliminating Reversible Error in Managing Negligent Credentialing Claims Under Minnesota Law, author, William Mitchell Journal of Law & Practice, 2008
- Help! I’ve Been Sued – A Guide to Surviving a Physician’s Nightmare, author, Minnesota Medicine, June 2005
- Navigating Minnesota’s Vulnerable Adult Act: Understanding Reportable Neglect and Why it Matters, author, Minnesota Society of Healthcare Risk Managers Quarterly Report, May 2002
- Decisions of the Supreme Court and DHHS Continue to Expand Hospital Liability Under EMTALA, author, The Health Lawyer, A Publication of the Health Law Section of the American Bar Association, Vol. 11, No. 3, April 1999
- Legal Issues in Responding to Purchase Requests for Proposals for Healthcare Services, author, National Health Lawyers Association, April 1994
- Partial Settlements: Insurance Coverage, author, Minnesota Defense, Spring/Summer, 1993
- Denying Scholarship Athletes Workers’ Compensation: Do Courts Punt Away A Statutory Right?, author, Iowa Law Review, 1991
Seminars
Mr. Whitmore is regularly asked to speak on issues regarding civil litigation, hospital risk management, the Minnesota Commitment Act and disputes with licensing agencies. He is also frequently invited to present on health law and medical malpractice issues at the University of Minnesota’s Law School and Medical School and several other colleges and universities.
- The Implications of Popovich: A Discussion of Next Steps and Dealing with a Change in the Law, presenter, University of St. Thomas, March 15, 2025
- The Implications of Popovich: A Discussion of Next Steps and Dealing with a Change in the Law, presenter, University of Minnesota Law School, Health Law Class, February 19, 2001
- The Minnesota Commitment Act: Legal Issues Impacting Physicians, Nurses, Hospitals and Mental Health Professionals, presenter, PESI, Inc. Minnesota Mental Health & The Law, February 21, 2020
- Basics of Mediation and Negotiation, presenter, Macalester College, November 5, 2019
- Open Meeting of the Litigation Center of the American Medical Association and the State Medical Societies, presenter, San Diego, CA, November 17, 2019
- Hot Topics in Medical Malpractice, presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, October 11, 2019
- Did the Supreme Court Change the Practice of Medicine in Minnesota?, presenter, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Minnesota Chapter, September 4, 2019
- The Implications of Warren v. Dinter, presenter, Bassford Remele Health Care Law Seminar, May 29, 2019
- The Minnesota Commitment Act: Legal Issues Impacting Physicians, Nurses, Hospitals and Mental Health Professionals, presenter, PESI, Inc. Minnesota Mental Health & The Law, February 8, 2019
- Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults, panel member, Minnesota Governmental Relations Council, June 19, 2018
- The Minnesota Commitment Act: Legal Issues Impacting Physicians, Nurses, Hospitals and Mental Health Professionals, presenter, PESI, Inc. Minnesota Mental Health & The Law, January 29, 2018
- Treatment Rights, presenter, PESI, Inc. Minnesota Mental Health & the Law, 2017 Seminar, February 20, 2017
- Don’t Let Prescribing Narcotics Cause You Pain, presenter, HealthEast Care System, November 11, 2016 and June 16, 2016
- Treatment Rights, presenter, PESI, Inc. Minnesota Mental Health & the Law 2016 Seminar, February 26, 2016
- The Supreme Court’s Creation of Loss of Chance: A Drastic Change in Minnesota Medical Malpractice Cases, presenter, St. Joseph’s Hospital Grand Rounds, August 5, 2013
- The Law on Ostensible Agency in Medical Malpractice Cases, presenter, 2013 Medical Malpractice Conference, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Hennepin County Bar Association and Minnesota Association for Justice, April 18, 2013
- Health Care Law and Liability: A Defense Perspective, guest lecturer, Hamline School of Law, October 2012
- Legal Developments in Minnesota Medical Malpractice Cases, presenter, Minnesota Society of Healthcare Risk Management Spring Seminar, June 22, 2012 and Aon Healthcare Forum, Aon Risk Solutions, May 2, 2012
- Physician Discipline: A Review of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice Complaint Review Process, presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, April 20, 2012
- The Testifying Expert: Getting the Most Out of Your Expert at Deposition and Trial, panel member, Hennepin County Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, March 12, 2012
- Ostensible Agency/Apparent Authority: Kramer v. St. Cloud Hospital, presenter, Minnesota Hospital Association, February 17, 2012
- Mock Trial, Minnesota Society for Healthcare Risk Management Spring Seminar, June 3, 2011
- Crisis Management – What to do when…?, panel member with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota General Counsel Maria Christu and Allina Health System General Counsel Elizabeth Truesdell Smith, Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, September 16, 2009
- Negligent Credentialing as a Civil Cause of Action: Surviving Larson v. Wasemiller, presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, October 19, 2007
- Poor Nursing Documentation: How to Turn Good Nursing Care Bad Without Even Trying, presenter, HealthEast DREAM Day Nurses’ Training, St. Paul, MN, November 2, 2006
- Negligent Credentialing and Civil Liability for Failing to Report Suspected Child Abuse: Recent Developments in Minnesota Courts, presenter, Minnesota Medical Association Board of Trustees, July 8, 2006 and Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, December 9, 2005
- Negligent Credentialing as a Potential Cause of Action in Minnesota: The Legal Implications of Larson v. Wasemiller, presenter, Minnesota Society of Healthcare Risk Managers, December 6, 2005
- The Minnesota Adverse Health Event Reporting Act–An Experiment in Health Care Cooperation and Patient Safety, presenter, Medical Malpractice Conference sponsored by Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association and Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, April 21, 2005
- Treatment Rights and the Minnesota Commitment Act: Legal Issues Impacting Physicians, Hospitals and Mental Health Care Professionals, presenter, The Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society 106th Spring Convention and Scientific Seminar, April 23, 2004
- Government Regulations Arising Out of Patient Grievances, keynote speaker, Minnesota Association of Patient Representatives’ Meeting, February 28, 2002
- Department of Health Investigations: A Chill on Patient Safety?, presenter, Minnesota Executive Session on Patient Safety, November 2001
- Help!! It’s HCFA!! Practical and Legal Strategies for Surviving Government Investigations, presenter, Minnesota Society of Healthcare Risk Managers, May 2001
Professional Achievements
- American Board of Trial Advocates
Bar Associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Health Law Section
- Iowa State Bar Association
- State Bar of North Dakota
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Professional Associations
- Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
- Minnesota Hospital Association
Civic Involvement
- Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, Volunteer Service Award, 2019
- Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, Assistant Mock Trial Coach, 2017-present
- Benilde-St. Margaret’s Football Booster Club, President, 2016-present
- Armstrong Traveling Basketball Coach, 2007-2014
Honors & Awards
- Leading Healthcare Lawyer, Chambers and Partners, 2026
- Best Lawyers, Minneapolis Medical Malpractice Law-Defendants Lawyer of the Year, 2020, 2024 and 2026
- The Best Lawyers in America©, Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law, 2016-present
- Rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Top Lawyers list, Minnesota Monthly, Health Care Law, 2022-2024; Medical Malpractice Law, 2024
- Minnesota Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers, 2003-present
- Minnesota Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers, 1999-2002
- Amicus Award, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, 2016
“Sophisticated senior attorney who we rely on to handle our most difficult matters.”
“Mark Whitmore is a sophisticated senior attorney who we rely on to handle our most difficult matters.” (Chambers USA 2026)
“A trusted advisor.”
“Mark is a trusted advisor to our legal team and our entire organization.”
“They understand the values of our organization.”
“The Bassford Remele malpractice team, and specifically Mark Whitmore as lead, has been a true partnership. Top-notch legal defense is expected and the goal, but they have taken the representation beyond those expectations. They understand the values of our organization, and live them out in the representation — including our mission to de-stigmatize the disease of substance use and mental health disorders.”
“Relentless litigators while maintaining an ethical approach to solving client problems.”
“Over the years, I have had consistently excellent experiences with Bassford Remele and attorney Mark Whitmore specifically. Mark and the other attorneys have a unique ability to be relentless litigators while maintaining an ethical approach to solving client problems. They are meticulous when it comes to attention to detail and meeting the needs of their clients in a prompt fashion. I highly recommend Bassford Remele for any professional malpractice defense law needs.”
“Demonstrates expertise in the area, is deeply engaged in our matter and provides consistently timely responses.”
“Bassford Remele assistance in navigating a personal injury matter has been invaluable. The partner with whom we work demonstrates expertise in the area, is deeply engaged in our matter and provides consistently timely responses.”
