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James J. Hartnett

Partner

Overview

Jim Hartnett partners with clients to litigate matters related to construction, commercial and real estate disputes. For the past 29 years, he has handled a wide range of disputes, including international arbitration in Paris; stadium and arena projects in Minnesota, Colorado and Tennessee; hospital projects in California and Alaska; retail projects in Minnesota, New York and Arkansas; and high-tech, clean-room manufacturing facilities in Idaho and Minnesota. Jim has also been involved in numerous energy-related construction disputes involving coal, gas and municipal-waste power plants, as well as wind farms and other renewable energy projects. Jim's trial experience includes state and federal jury trials in Minnesota, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, as well as numerous arbitrations and mediations.

International Arbitration

When disputes cross borders, Jim is ready to protect client interests in international arbitration. He has advocated for clients in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration proceedings in Paris and assisted in dispute resolution involving parties from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Renewable Energy

Jim has experience representing clients in disputes involving renewable energy projects, including wind power, solar power, biomass and nuclear energy. He also represents clients in disputes involving traditional power generation facilities.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

New York
Minnesota

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Education

New York University School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Law Review (executive editor) (1993)

Williams College
B.A. magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa (1988)

Insights & Events

Honors

  • Chambers USA — Minnesota, Construction, 2011-24
  • Best Lawyers® — Litigation - Construction, 2024-25; Commercial Litigation, 2025; Litigation - Real Estate, 2025
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-17
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers — Rising Stars, 2005, 2010
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.