Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
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Joseph G. Springer
Joseph G. Springer
 
jspringer@fredlaw.com
p: 612.492.7168
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f: 612.492.7077
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Assistant: Julianne Hill 612.492.7854
MEET JOE.
MEET JOE

“
I know contracts and deals. I know litigation. Knowing both gives me a unique perspective to better help my clients achieve their goals.”
General Bio
 

Introduction

Joe Springer is Chair of Fredrikson & Byron’s Construction Group and practices in the areas of construction law, commercial litigation, and transactional real estate with an emphasis in real estate litigation, including construction and contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, land use, financing, real estate tax protests, mortgage foreclosures, receiverships, and landlord-tenant. He also practices in the areas of debtor/creditor law, including workouts. He represents clients involved in the real estate, construction, land development, manufacturing, and other fields in contract negotiations and drafting, mediation, arbitration, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and general business advice.

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1990, magna cum laude
  • College of St. Thomas, B.A., Economics, 1987, summa cum laude
  • London School of Economics, General Course, 1985

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 1990
  • United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, 1990
  • Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1990
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1993
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, 1993
  • United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, 1994
  • United States Supreme Court, 1995

Practice Areas

Representative Experience

Representative Clients

Contract Negotiation and Drafting

  • Negotiated and drafted a $28 million contract for the renovation of a bank building built in 1906 into a 220-unit hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
  • Negotiated and drafted a $ 20 million turn-key design and construction contract for a 150-unit hotel.
  • Drafted standard construction contract for national restaurant chain with over 550 restaurants in 38 states.
  • Prepared standard form contracts for residential construction distributed by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

Construction Litigation Representative Cases

  • Represented the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and the Builders Association of Minnesota in a lawsuit against a City regarding building permit fees charged by the City. As a result of the litigation, the parties entered into a detailed consent decree that resulted in the City reducing building permit fees for residential properties by between 69 and 91 percent. The consent decree contains requirements for greater transparency in setting fees.
  • Represented owner and developer of large condominium project in complex, multi-party arbitration. Over $15 million was in dispute. Claims involved construction defects, delay, disruption, and acceleration.
  • Represented general contractor involving construction issues on $30 million new high school project. Issues involved termination of defaulting subcontractor, construction defects, payment and performance bond claim, and negotiating take-over agreement with surety.

Mechanics’ Liens

  • Represented general contractor in mechanics’ lien foreclosure action against developer and owners of condominium project. Obtained judgment determining priority of mechanics’ lien and awarding foreclosure. Court also awarded all of our client’s attorneys’ fees and costs.

Land Use

  • Represented Builders Association of the Twin Cities as amicus curiae in Semler Construction, Inc., v. City of Hanover, 667 N.W.2d 457 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003) involving the City’s imposition of a moratorium on a builder and developer that had received subdivision approval. In its opinion, the Minnesota Court of Appeals quoted extensively from the Amicus Curiae brief that we authored.
  • Represented the Builders Association of the Twin Cities as amicus curiae in Wensmann Realty, Inc. v. City of Eagan, 2006 WL 1390279 (Minn. Ct. App. 2006) and 734 N.W. 2d 623 (Minn. 2007). The case involved whether a City’s refusal to change a comprehensive plan designation to permit residential development of a former golf course may give rise to a valid claim that private property has been taken for public use without just compensation. In reaching its decision that a valid taking claim existed, the Minnesota Supreme Court endorsed the argument contained in our brief that the cost of providing recreational open space for other residents of the City should not be disproportionately borne by a single landowner.
  • Represented the Builders Association of the Twin Cities in Breza v. City of Minnetrista involving the 60-day rule. 725 N.W.2d 106 (Minn. 2006).
  • Represented the Builder’s Association of Minnesota in SJC Properties, LLC v. City of Rochester (Minn. Ct. App 2009) involving the legality of fees imposed for a Transportation Improvement District (“TID”) upon a landowner and the effect of such fees on the affordability of housing.
  • Represented the Builder’s Association of Minnesota in Kottschade v. City of Rochester (Minn. Ct. App 2009) involving access to the courts for a landowner to pursue a takings claim.

Workout

  • Represented Developer of golf courses throughout the country in workouts with lenders, partners, and property owners. We preserved equity in properties and were able to successfully resolve debts without entity or its principals filing bankruptcy.
  • Represented Lender in workout with residential developer. Over $10 million was owing to lender. In a complex workout that we negotiated and drafted without having to file suit, the Lender received an interest in several developments and properties through a combination of deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure, voluntary foreclosures, assignments, and transfers of partnership interests.

Selected Publications & Presentations

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association, Forum on the Construction Industry, Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Construction Section, Member
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Real Property Section, Member
  • Builders Association of Minnesota
  • Builders Association of the Twin Cities – Public Policy Committee Member
  • Greater Minneapolis Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
  • National Association of Home Builders

Honors & Distinctions

  • Rated “AV,” highest legal ability and ethical rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory
  • Order of the Coif (top 10% of law school graduating class)
  • International Law Moot Court Competition Team
  • National Merit Scholar
  • First Place, National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament
  • Named a “Rising Star” by Law and Politics Magazine and Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine