Jeffrey A. (Jeff) Wieland
Overview
Jeff Wieland represents clients in construction, commercial, and public procurement litigation as well as the full range of alternative dispute methods, serving as a dedicated advocate to achieve amicable resolutions which preserve business relationships. He also proactively advises clients on how to limit potential liabilities and avoid litigation altogether.
With an established reputation for providing adept counsel throughout all phases of a dispute, Jeff confidently guides clients from pre-litigation claims and risk analyses through resolution of cases via trial, arbitration, mediation, or appeal. He also drafts and reviews contracts and negotiates agreements and settlements to protect his clients’ interests and to minimize litigation risk.
Jeff’s prior career in engineering and project management, supported by a bachelor’s in engineering physics and a master’s in mechanical engineering, provides firsthand, in-depth knowledge of the many challenges his clients face. Because of his unique ability to navigate industry complexities from multiple perspectives, he has curated a strong track record of success while delivering projects in a timely manner, on budget, and within specifications.
Credentials
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law (J.D.), cum laude
- The University of Texas at Arlington (M.Eng.)
- University of Colorado Boulder (B.S.)
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- Represented the Taxpayers League of Minnesota in its lawsuit seeking to enjoin the city of St. Paul from awarding the design-build contract for the new St. Paul Saints stadium without engaging in competitive bidding. The city reversed its position and engaged in competitive bidding after the filing of a temporary restraining order motion.
- Represented the disappointed bidder on an $8 million public construction contract in an administrative protest, district court lawsuit, and appeal.
- Represented the taxpayers challenging the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s implementation of the MnDOT best-value design-build statute on the 35W replacement bridge procurement.
- Represented the owner of a North Dakota ethanol plant in a dispute with the plant’s design builder.
- Represented a Nebraska steel erection company in an arbitration against a Japanese design builder in a dispute arising from an Iowa coal-fired power plant construction project.
- Represented the general contractor that built the campus for a renowned American multinational technology conglomerate in Fargo, North Dakota in a dispute with a subcontractor. This case involved litigation in the federal district court and an arbitration in North Dakota.
- Represented the owners of a car dealership in an arbitration and a separate mechanic’s lien foreclosure lawsuit with the project’s design builder.
- Represented a national lumberyard company in over a dozen breach of contract and mechanic’s lien lawsuits. All cases were either settled or prosecuted to judgment.
- Represented North Dakota and Minnesota contractors in contract and payment disputes with the North Dakota and Minnesota Departments of Transportation.
- Represented a real estate developer in a commercial lease dispute with a tenant.
- Represented a general contractor in a baseball arbitration and subsequent Prompt Payment Act lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
- The Blake School, Parent Volunteer
- Minnesota Rules of Practice, Rule 114, Qualified Neutral
- Minnesota Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2010, 2015, 2016
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Construction Law Section, Governing Council, 2012-2018
- “Avoiding Common Mistakes that Contractors Make,” Associated Builders & Contractors Minnesota / North Dakota Chapter, Webinar, April 2020
- “The 1-35 Bridge Construction Project: A Case Study in Minnesota Bid Protests,” Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, 2011, 2012
- “Arbitrating Mechanic’s Lien Claims,” Minnesota State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education, 2009
- “A Critique of Best Value Contracting in Minnesota,” 34 William Mitchell Law Review 25, 2007