Construction: Minnesota

THE FIRM This outstanding group represents a wide variety of construction players, including Minnesota-based and global engineering companies, contractors, public authorities and public utility owners. Recent work has included transport procurement and energy projects. The group is currently involved in a number of high-profile matters in the Twin Cities, including the I-35W bridge collapse.

Sources Say: "Dorsey has the depth to handle the large, complex matters that require a cross-disciplinary approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jocelyn Knoll comes highly recommended for her "determined advocacy on behalf of her clients." She is currently defending URS against over 100 claims, valued somewhere between 100 and 500 million dollars, in the bridge collapse case. Steve Champlin is "one of Minnesota's most experienced practitioners." He is commended for his representation of large contractors, including Norway's Aker Solutions, in transactions and litigation.

THE FIRM This boutique firm enjoys a reputation as one of the best construction shops in town. Its core client base comprises local contractors including Progressive Contractors, though attorneys also advise designers and developers. The group has seen a recent uptick in collections and procurement litigation, as a result of the down economy.

Sources Say: "Fabyanske provides cost-effective advice, and can be counted on to choose the right strategy for approaching any legal issue." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients call Kyle Hart "a fountain of information." He is defending Progressive Contractors in the I-35W bridge collapse litigation. Dean Thomson is a "fabulously talented" litigator who is currently involved in the bid dispute surrounding the reconstruction of the I-35W bridge. Marvin Fabyanske, a "fantastic, experienced dirt lawyer," advises clients in litigation and presides over alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings.

THE FIRM This excellent group advises on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Attorneys have expertise in defect, delay, disruption and acceleration, as well as material and component failure litigation. They also handle compliance, sureties and mechanics' lien matters, as well as foreclosures and public bidding. Clients include local, national and international owners, contractors and lenders.

Sources Say: "The team has great senior-level strength."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources consider Patrick O'Connor"quite a scholar, and that makes for a great department." He co-authored the construction treatise 'Bruner & O'Connor on Construction Law'. He is currently busy with a number of surety matters, including one arising out of the I-35W bridge collapse. William Joyce, who heads the group, is "an outstanding litigator" who represents regional general contractors. He also engages in ADR. Peter Halls is a highly regarded transactional attorney. He advised Mortenson in contract negotiation for the construction of the $400 million Minnesota Twins ballpark.

THE FIRM This group is best known for its representation of owners and its strong focus on ADR. Attorneys also advise developers, architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors on local and national projects. The team has a particular niche in representing plaintiff homeowners in high-end residential construction defect claims.

Sources Say: "Good communicators, good analytical skills."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Bistram has a strong track record representing owners in ADR and litigation. Clients describe him as "accessible and down to earth."

THE FIRM This compact firm advises a number of the Twin Cities' largest architectural and engineering firms. The team provides litigation and ADR expertise, as well as advice on contracts, employment and preventive work.

Sources Say: "This is a great local firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Coleman, who has an engineering background, represents engineers, architects and insurers but has a particular niche in representing concrete suppliers and contractors. He is described as "excellent on his feet." William Hull is also active in the ADR arena. Peers say he "works well with arbitration panels and always has great questions. He really does his homework and understands the issues." Mark Heley is renowned for his mediation and arbitration skills.

THE FIRM Leonard Street is a full-service firm with a deep, active construction practice. The group has a sterling reputation for acting as national construction counsel to general contractors, including PCL Construction. The team also handles matters for subcontractors, design professionals, developers and owners. It is currently acting on a large volume of payment and bid disputes resulting from the economic downturn. 

Sources Say: "The group has great contacts in the local construction market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lowell Noteboom, who is described as "highly skilled and extremely responsive," founded the firm's construction practice. He is widely recognized for his many years of experience. He counsels clients on strategy and litigation and also does ADR. Robert Huber is "one of the best dirt lawyers around." He primarily represents heavy construction contractors. Steven Lindemann, founder of the firm's climate change group, represents contractor clients in energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction disputes. He is a key relationship partner to Honeywell, as is Robert Torgerson. The two advise the company on various projects and disputes across the country. Torgerson has a specialty in managing legal strategy for homebuilders.

THE FIRM This outfit has a strong focus on representing contractors and engineers, though it occasionally represents owners like Medtronic. The team has particular expertise in defective construction litigation and a niche in curtain wall systems. Individuals also specialize in insurance coverage disputes for construction clients.

Sources Say: "It's a great force in defective construction claims."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James O'Connor primarily represents contractors in construction defect, acceleration and delay claims. Sources point out that he is also "an expert on construction insurance coverage issues." Up-and-comer James Killian is currently representing bank clients taking over deeds of terminated projects to become owners, in lieu of foreclosing.