Top Construction Lawyers in Minneapolis

During a construction project, contractors can face enormous financial risk, from the danger of contract disputes to the threat of non-payment. Every state has their own laws governing construction contracts and payments. So it helps to have an experienced construction lawyer who knows both the industry and the region. Below, you’ll find a list of the top construction lawyers in Minneapolis and the greater metro area. 

When do you need a construction lawyer?

There are several instances before, during, and after a project when a construction business might call upon a construction lawyer. Before a project begins, contractors may need to work with attorneys when reviewing and drafting a construction contract. 

Additionally, lawyers can support contractors if they need to take a construction dispute to court or enforce a mechanics lien claim. 

The Top Construction Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN

The attorneys on this list were selected based on the below criteria:

Peter Doely

Peter Doely is a business litigator with Maslon and focuses his practice on resolving construction, insurance coverage, and other commercial disputes. Since 2019, Peter has been ranked by Super Lawyers as a top construction litigation lawyer in Minneapolis. He’s also an active member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law. 

With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his juris doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota School of Law, Peter now represents contractors in state courts, federal courts, mediations, and arbitrations. He also holds bar admissions in both Minnesota and North Dakota. 

A highlight reel of Peter’s construction law experience includes, but not limited to:

  • Payment claims counseling for a sub against a GC during a National Guard project in North Dakota
  • Insurance coverage counsel for a sub following a bridge collapse in Florida 
  • Surety and bonding counsel for sub for claims during skyscraper project in Chicago 

Peter’s seven years of construction litigation experience in Minnesota can help solve the legal issues construction companies face on a daily basis. 

Kristine Kubes

Kristine Kubes is a litigator, mediator, and counselor for contractors and designers. Since earning her Minnesota bar admission in 1991, Kristine has managed litigation, tried cases, negotiated settlements, and handled appeals for construction businesses. Kristine also defends professional liability and general liability claims.

While representing GCs, subs, architects, engineers, and designers, Kristine has secured payment claims through mechanics liens and contract claims. In addition, Kristine also supports contractors in Minneapolis by:

  • Drafting and negotiating contracts
  • Mediating construction and design disputes
  • Navigating project management and payment issues during contract performance 

Kristine’s dedication to the construction industry has earned her several recognitions, including from Super Lawyers as a top-rated construction litigation attorney in Minneapolis and with Martindale as an AV Preeminent lawyer. She’s also a member of the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers. 

Using her 29 years of experience, Kristine can answer just about any question a contractor may have.

Mark R. Becker

Mark R. Becker is a shareholder with Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, which services construction law, real estate law, commercial litigation, and more. Mark is the firm’s leading construction attorney with a practice area that includes : 

  • Construction law
  • Mediation, arbitration, and litigation of disputes
  • Construction contract drafting, review, and negotiation
  • Construction surety
  • Performance and payment bond claims
  • Public procurement

Before the onset of the litigation, Mark has experience handling multi-party and high-stakes construction disputes for contractors. He has become a Chambers USA ranked attorney for his work in construction law, and was recognized by Super Lawyers for construction litigation in Minneapolis. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering and his juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. 

Mark was the Chair of the Construction Law Section of the Minnesota Bar Association in 2017, and is currently a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. In 2015, he was the vice president of the Minnesota Construction Association. 

He’s also written several briefing papers for his firm, including Ten Defenses to a Construction Defect Claim.

Jeffrey W. Coleman

Jeffrey W. Coleman has worked many complex construction litigation cases, such as at Notre Dame Stadium in Indian, the Great Lakes Aquarium in Minnesota, a North Dakota ethanol plant, and more. He has become nationally known for authoring “Legal Issues in Concrete Construction.”

A practicing attorney since 1984, Jeffrey specializes in construction law, professional liability defense, concrete construction, and general business law. Jeffrey advises contractors on contract negotiations, claims avoidance, and early resolution of potential claims. He’s also represented contractors and designers in defense of multimillion-dollar design defects and negligent construction administration claims. 

Jeffrey established the Coleman Law Firm over 20 years ago, and he also currently serves as President of the American Concrete Institute. He’s a member of several other associations, including the Consulting Engineers Council of Minnesota and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Jeffrey is also a member of Super Lawyers for construction litigation in Minneapolis. 

David D. Hammargren

David D. Hammargren has been ranked by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers for his work in construction litigation in Minneapolis. He’s a shareholder with Larkin Hoffman and services construction law and surety, construction litigation, and real estate law. For more than 30 years, David has been representing GCs, subs, designers, sureties, owners, and lenders during litigation and arbitration. 

His practice has experience with mechanics liens, drafting construction contracts, payment and miscellaneous commercial bond claims, and more. David attained his Minnesota Bar admission in 1985, and earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN. He’s active in the construction industry with several professional organizations: 

David also writes helpful legal articles for contractors, including an article about how they can ensure proper compensation, and what happened when an employer challenged an OSHA citation. 

Chad A. Kelsch

Chad A. Kelsch is the founder of Kelsch Law Firm P.A in Plymouth, MN. His practice focuses on construction law, real estate law, and bankruptcy. Chad was selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star (2007-2012) for his construction litigation in Minneapolis. A majority of Chad’s construction law practice has dealt with mechanics liens for contractors. Chad also has experience resolving property improvement disputes and has represented contractors in ERISA-related litigation with local unions. 

Chad earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of Oklahoma and his juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. His bar admissions include Minnesota (since 2000), U.S. District Court ( Minnesota), and the Court of Appeals 8th Circuit (since 2013). 

Scott Andresen

Scott Andresen is a shareholder with Bassford Remele. His practice groups include construction, commercial litigation, appellate practice, and real estate litigation. Scott’s main industry groups are construction and real estate/residential property management. He’s been awarded several accolades for his construction litigation services in Minneapolis: 

Scott’s experience in construction law includes building and product defects, indemnity rights, mechanics liens and other payment claims, insurance coverage, surety bonds, OSHA citations, and premises liability. In one of his various commercial matters, Scott obtained a $4.75 million jury verdict during a multidistrict litigation case. 

Brenda M. Sauro 

Brenda M. Sauro has been selected by Super Lawyers multiple times (2009-2010, 2014-2016) for her construction attorney services in Oakdale, MN. She’s a construction litigation lawyer and a founding partner of Sauro & Bergstorm, PLLC. Brenda is a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, and has been licensed since 2003. 

Brenda currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota State Bar Association Construction Law Section. Her practice includes construction litigation, insurance coverage, and civil litigation. Brenda’s practice also helps owners, condominiums and townhome associations with moisture intrusion, construction defect, and insurance claims. Some of Brenda’s settlements include:

  • Verdict in favor of a contractor resulting in retention of $90K
  • An appraisal award of $150K for water damage
  • Verdict of $419K in favor of injured consumer
  • Arbitration award of $325K in nondisclosure/fraud case

Thomas J. Radio

Thomas J. Radio is a construction attorney with Felhaber Larson. As a trial lawyer and counselor, Thomas has counseled for both private and public entities on construction, land use, eminent domain, and real property valuation matters. Since 2018, Thomas has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in construction law in Minneapolis. Thomas’ practice includes: 

  • Construction law
  • Real estate law
  • Alternative dispute resolution 
  • Government law

Thomas is also a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and has been nominated to Super Lawyers for construction litigation in Minneapolis since 2004. He’s also received an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory. Thomas holds bar admissions in both Minnesota and Iowa. He earned his B.A. from Iowa State University and his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. 

Shamus P. O’Meara 

Shamus P. O’Meara is a shareholder with O’Meara, Leer, Wagner, Kohl, P.A., where he represents owners, contractors and other parties involved in the construction process. Shamus also serves as a mediator and arbitrator for construction and commercial disputes. His work in construction law has earned him several recognitions: 

Shamus’ practice negotiates and handles construction contracts, public and private bidding, insurance and bonding claims, manages construction claims, and handles construction litigation. He’s also an active member of the Minnesota Construction Association, the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry, the American Arbitration Association (Construction and Commercial Arbitrator), and more. 

Lawrence M. Shapiro

Lawrence M. Shapiro is a construction lawyer in Minneapolis with a focus on construction and design law, class actions, business litigation, and more with Greene Espel. 

Since 1981, Lawrence has been litigating for contractors and other industry professionals. Because of his representation of owners, architects, and contractors during construction lawsuits and arbitrations, Lawrence was named to Best Lawyers of America for construction litigation in 2011.  

Lawrence’s construction law experience includes claims against contractors for construction delays and defects. He’s worked on claim cases involving structural elements, curtain walls, siding, windows, plumbing systems, and more. Lawrence has also helped contractors enforce their contract and mechanics lien rights during claims against project owners 

He’s also been ranked by Super Lawyers for his business litigation services in Minneapolis since 2003. Lawrence received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his juris doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Michigan. 

There is a lot of legal talent to consider for contractors across Minnesota. We hope this list has helped you orient yourself with some of the best construction lawyers in Minneapolis and beyond. To find more lawyers around the country, visit our Attorney Network. 

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