VirginLaw > The Team

The Team

Meet our team of Attorneys at Law

  • Karin A. Bentz

    Karin A. Bentz Esq.

    Owner, Managing Partner

    Practice Areas: General Trial Law and Litigation; Appellate Practice; Employment Law; Commercial Litigation; Trademark Infringement Law; Corporate Law; Real Estate Law; Civil Rights; Insurance; Insurance Defense; Mediator; District Court of the Virgin Islands and Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.

    Admitted: 1982, Wisconsin and U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin; 1988, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; 1989, U.S. Virgin Islands; 1993, U.S. Supreme Court, 2006, New York.

    The Law Offices of Karin A. Bentz, P.C. – Founded 1993
    Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands

    Biography: Since 1993, Karin A.  Bentz has been the Owner and Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Karin A. Bentz, P.C. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law  School, Class of 1982.  In 1988, prior to relocating to St. Thomas, Bentz practiced law in the State of Wisconsin in the Milwaukee and Oskosh areas.  Upon landing on the island in 1988, Bentz was part of a team representing Merrill Lynch Private Capital, Inc. regarding Mahogany Run Golf and Tennis Resort.  She was responsible for managing the in-house computerized litigation support project, discovery, hearings, and trial preparation; with emphasis on real property litigation, bankruptcy, and RICO.  Long before the internet was vogue, Bentz was in the forefront of technology and the use of computers, a skill that has continued to make her a successful litigator.

    Today Bentz is a preeminent litigator and trial lawyer.  She is widely described as  “a powerhouse” and “a pit bull.”  Attorney Bentz is very client-focused and big picture-oriented.  She is a creative and aggressive litigator, with a dynamic presence, and she has the ability to get right to the heart of the issue.  Bentz is known for taking on cases that may be politically unpopular, often large companies and/or governments, on behalf of her client’s.

    Bentz has extensive background as trial counsel in complex litigation. She has represented clients in the areas of Appellate Advocacy,  Employment Law, Civil Rights Law, Real Estate, Administrative Law,  Corporate Law,  General Trial, Insurance, Insurance Defense, Trademark and Copyright Infringement.  Attorney Bentz has an excellent track record in the District and Superior Courts of the Virgin Islands.

    Educated: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (B.A., summa cum laude, 1979); University of Wisconsin-Madison (J.D., 1982).

    Personal Achievements: Completed Paris Marathon 2004, Austin, TX (Motorola) Marathon 2003, Disney World 2002,  NYC Marathon 2000 & 1998, Vancouver Marathon, 1996.

    Member: Virgin Islands and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Wisconsin; American Intellectual Property Law Association. Virgin Islands (Chair, unauthorized, Practice of Law Committee, 2002-2003; Member, Board of Governors, Virgin Islands, 2009—, Secretary 2010, President elect 2010-2011); American Bar Association; State Bar of Wisconsin; Sedona Conference; Virgin Islands Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (Board Secretary, 2008-2010), American Bar Foundation. Member of NCBP, diversity committee and the program committee. VIBAR currently sharing the Client Protection Committee, and the Lawyers Assistance Committee. National Conference of Bar Presidents, serving on the diversity and programming committees.

    President
    Virgin Islands Bar Association
    December 2011 – December 2012

    President Elect

    Virgin Island Bar Association
    December 2010 – December 2011

    Secretary
    Virgin Islands Bar Association
    December 2009 – December 2010

    Board of Governors
    Virgin Islands Bar Association
    December 2008 – December 2009

    Reported Cases

    Grand Union Supermarkets of Virgin Islands, Inc. v. H.E. Lockhart Management, Inc.
    District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. January 03, 2005 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2005 WL 17970 CIV. 2001-44; Sevison v. Cruise Ship Yours, Inc.

    District Court of the Virgin Islands. August 15, 1997 Not Reported in F.Supp. 1997 WL 530267 1996-57; Grand Union Supermarkets of Virgin Islands, Inc. v. H.E. Lockhart Management, Inc.

    District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John, Appellate Division. November 19, 2001 171 F.Supp.2d 507 2001 WL 1474840 2001-44; U.S. v. Mark

    District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 06, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 2327603 CRIM 2005-76; Grand Union Supermarkets of the Virgin Islands, Inc. v. H.E. Lockhart Management, Inc. United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. January 16, 2003 316 F.3d 408 2003 WL 135752 02-2578;Unlimited Holdings, Inc. v. Bertram Yacht, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. October 15, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 4642191 CIV. 2005-46; U.S. v. Mark District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 23, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 755383 CRIM. 2005-76; Prosser v. Springel

    District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. June 06, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2368898 CIV.2008-16, BR.07-30012, CIV.2008-18, ADV. 07-03010; Richards v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 23, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 482476 CIVIL 2006-237; Unlimited Holdings, Inc. v. Bertram Yacht, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. May 29, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2235337 CIV. 2005-46; Alejandro v. L.S. Holding, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 26, 2004 310 F.Supp.2d 745 2004 WL 632871 CIV. 2002-225; U.S. v. Del Rosario District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. April 04, 2000 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2000 WL 1752011 CRIM. 1998-001; Byas v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 25, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 485145 CIV. 2006-238; Rasmussen v. Dalmida District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 29, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5412845 CIV.NO.2006-70; Guardian Insurance Co. v. Hussein District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John, Appellate Division. September 04, 2002 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2002 WL 31017161 CIV.APP. 2000-216; Borghi v. Purple Group, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. May 15, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 1404752 CIV 2008-36; Smith v. Robson Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. June 26, 2001 2001 WL 1464773 44 V.I. 56 286/96; Poole v. L.S. Holding, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 20, 2001 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2001 WL 1223748 2001-57; Byas v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 17, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5422852 CIV. 2006-238;

    Stern v. Seykota District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 22, 2004 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2004 WL 3267284 CIV. 2002-134; In re Prosser District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 04, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5120039 06-30009, 08-03004, 07-30012, 07-03010; Richards v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. June 24, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2563566 CIV. 2006-237; In re Prosser District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 18, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2845662 06-30009 JFK, ADV NO 08-3006 JFK, 2008-61; Clark v. General Acc. Ins. Co. PR. Ltd. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 05, 1997 951 F.Supp. 559 1997 WL 51709 CIV. 1995-89; Galt Capital, LLP v. Seykota District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. November 27, 2002 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2002 WL 31887706 CIV. 2002-63; In re Innovative Communication Corp. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 21, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 3928699 07-30012 (JFK), ADV 08-03003 (JFK), CIV. 2008-43, ADV 08-03002 (JFK); Galt Capital, LLP v. Seykota District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. November 11, 2004 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2004 WL 2579640 CIV. 2002-63; Sudanto, Inc. v. Latiff Ricardo District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 04, 1999 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 1999 WL 138452 CIV. 1997-234; In re Prosser District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. January 26, 2009 Slip Copy 2009 WL 196333 CIV. 2008-96, 08-03009, 06-30009; DiDomenico v. Hancock District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 08, 2010 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2010 WL 890131 CIV 2009-104; Galt Capital, LLP v. Seykota District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 09, 2004 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2004 WL 298400 CIV. 2002-63; Pepper v. Little Switzerland Holdings, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 06, 2005 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2005 WL 1668916 CIV. 2003-74; Bandwagon Brokerage, Inc. v. Mafolie Foods Co., Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. October 30, 2001 168 F.Supp.2d 506 2001 WL 1338960 2000-253; U.S. v. Mark District Court of the Virgin Islands, Appellate Division. March 14, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 963976 CRIM 2005-76;

    Branker v. Hotel on the Cay Timeshare Ass’n, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix. October 19, 2004 344 F.Supp.2d 459 2004 WL 2569390 D.C.CIV.APP.2004/004, CT.CIV.219/2003; Richards v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 31, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5435573 CIVIL 2006-237; OTT Management, LLC v. Virgin Grand Estates Homeowners Ass’n District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 14, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2769177 2008-46; In re Innovative Communication Corp. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 21, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 3926361 CIV. 2008-76, ADV 07-03010, 07-30012 (JFK), 06-30009 (JFK); In re Prosser District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 23, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 798842 CIV. 2009-09, ADV 07-03010, 06-30009, 07-30012; Kichefski v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co. Court of Appeals of Wisconsin. May 14, 1986 132 Wis.2d 74 390 N.W.2d 76 85-2326; In re Innovative Communication Corp. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 18, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2988137 CIV. 2008-77, 07-30012 (JFK), ADV 07-3010 (JFK); Unlimited Holdings, Inc. v. Bertram Yacht, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 16, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2789217 CIV. 2005-46; U.S. v. Mark District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. February 01, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 419437 CRIM 2005-76; Ott Management, LLC v. Virgin Grand Estates Homeowners Ass’n District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 30, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 3822971 CIV. 2008-46; H.E. Lockhart Management, Inc. v. National Union Fire Ins. Co. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. November 23, 1998 183 F.R.D. 455 1998 WL 824495 1997-66; U.S. v. Mark District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 27, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 963980 CRIM 2005-76; Walters v. Norton District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 27, 2004 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2004 WL 3048852 CIV. 2004-09; U.S. v. Mark District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 06, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 2327611 CRIM 2005-76; Byas v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 17, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5272618 CIV 2006-238; Richards v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. November 25, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5574499 CIV. 2006-237; Unlimited Holdings, Inc. v. Bertram Yacht, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. June 22, 2007 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2007 WL 1959166 CIV 2005-46; Byas v. Legislature of Virgin Islands District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 24, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5378300 CIV. 2006-238; Lima-Brito Dias v. WVC St. John, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 20, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 789890 2006-195; Island Yacht Charters, Inc. v. Malgaglio District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. May 28, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 1507406 CIV 2006-210; Commercial Union Assur. Co. v. Merrill District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. May 14, 1998 6 F.Supp.2d 439 1998 WL 261972 CIV. 1997-096; In re Prosser District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. December 05, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 5142287 CIV. 2008-146, 07-30012, CIV. 2008-147, 08-03003, 06-30009, 08-03006; Alejandro v. L.S. Holding Inc.

    United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. May 10, 2005 130 Fed.Appx. 544 2005 WL 1099141 04-2053; In re Innovative Communication Corp. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. August 22, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 3892147 CIV. 2008-77, ADV 07-03010, 07-30012 (JFK), 06-30009 (JFK); Calascibetta v. Virgin Grand Estates Homeowners Ass’n District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. July 14, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 2787402 CIV. 2008-45; In re Prosser United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Division. September 18, 2012 Slip Copy 2012 WL 4442734 BR 06-30009 JKF, ADV 07-03010 JKF; In re Prosser United States Bankruptcy Court, Appellate Division, D. St. Thomas and St. John. June 09, 2008 Not Reported in B.R. 2008 WL 2388378 BANKR 06-30009, BANKR 07-30012, ADV NO 07-3010; Unlimited Holdings, Inc. v. Bertram Yacht, Inc. District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 24, 2008 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2008 WL 794458 CIV. 2005-46; Walters v. Norton

    United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. May 15, 2009 326 Fed.Appx. 644 2009 WL 1353725 08-2746; Caribbean Healthways, Inc. v. James Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands. September 02, 2011 2011 WL 3903390 55 V.I. 691 CIV. 2009-0050; Virgin Islands v. Sutton Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 30, 2011 2011 WL 3855756 ST-10-CR-F579, ST-1O-CR-F582, ST-1O-CR-F525, ST-1O-CR-F580, ST-1O-CR-F577, ST-1O-CR-F653 ST-1O-CR-F581, ST-1O-CR-F608; Grand Union Supermarkets of the Virgin Islands, Inc. v. Lockhart Realty Inc. United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. August 15, 2012 493 Fed.Appx. 248 2012 WL 3328836 11-1963, 12-1021, 11-4645; Branker v. Hotel on The Cay Timeshare Ass’n District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix. July 24, 2009 Slip Copy 2009 WL 2244620 CIV. 2003-0131, CIV. 2003-150; Anderson v. Bryan Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. November 02, 2012 2012 WL 5429899 ST-08-CV-545; In re Prosser

    District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John. March 04, 2009 Not Reported in F.Supp.2d 2009 WL 564408 06-30009, ADV. 08-03009, CIV. 2008-96; Claytor v. Chenay Bay Beach Resort District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix. January 03, 2000 79 F.Supp.2d 577 1999 WL 1289132 CIV. 1998/175; Sanghavi Jewels, Inc. v. Shalhout District Court of the Virgin Islands,., Division of St. Thomas and St. John. September 27, 2012 Slip Copy 2012 WL 4462046 2011-30; Harrison v. Bornn, Bornn & Handy District Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John, Appellate Division. May 15, 2001 200 F.R.D. 509 2001 WL 540385 CIV. A. 98-01 (STT).