Bernard (B.J.) E. Nodzon

Partner

Overview

B.J. Nodzon drafts and negotiates construction, design, automation, supply and procurement contracts. He represents project participants in connection with some of the most significant projects throughout the country, including major sports facilities, expansive highway projects, cutting-edge energy facilities and other major infrastructure projects. He represents project owners, developers, contractors, engineers and designers, which allows him to bring a wholistic perspective on the challenges faced with each project.

Contracts and Agreements

B.J. has drafted nearly all types of construction contracts, including EPC Agreements, design-build agreements, construction management agreements, engineering contracts, and various commercial industry construction forms, including American Institute of Architect (AIA) forms, ConsensusDOCs, DBIA agreements and AGC forms.

B.J. provides strategic counsel to clients at all stages of the construction process and has extensive experience in helping clients with early-phase construction and contracting arrangements. B.J. has drafted joint venture agreements, operating agreements, teaming agreements, preconstruction phase services agreements and long-term services agreements.

Thought Leadership and Accolades

For over twenty years, B.J. has contributed to the construction industry by frequently speaking at industry events, client seminars, and legal forums. He has been recognized as a leader in the industry and has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for construction in Minnesota by Best Lawyers in America. B.J. was also named a Power 30 Construction Lawyer by the Minnesota Lawyer – a recognition given to 30 construction lawyers that have distinguished themselves in the industry. He recently published a chapter on alternative energy projects in the ABA Sticks & Bricks Deskbook for energy projects.

Representative Experience

B.J. works with clients in a range of service and industry areas in an expansive scope of work, including but not limited to:

  • Biofuel facilities
  • Wind and solar farms
  • Power plant projects
  • Major utility and transmission line projects
  • Manufacturing and production facilities, including battery storage and recycling facilities
  • Automation facilities, including over $1 billion in automation and conveyor system contracts for clients throughout the country.
  • Logistics agreements
  • Transportation projects, including major rapid transit, bridge, and highway projects
  • Health care facilities
  • Sports stadiums, including arenas and stadiums for NFL, MLB and NBA organizations
  • Housing, community development projects
  • Nonprofit and arts organizations
  • Food and agricultural facilities, including the construction of the largest food distribution center in the country
  • Airports
  • Office towers
  • Casinos

Related Policy, Advocacy, and Consulting Services

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota

Court Admissions

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

Clerkships

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Hon. Donald P. Lay, 2002-2003

Education

Mitchell Hamline School of Law
J.D. summa cum laude, Dean's List, Law Review (editor-in-chief) (2002)

University of St. Thomas
B.A. Dean's List, summa cum laude (1999)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • AIA Contract Drafting Panel: A Review of the New 2017 AIA Contract Documents
    In-House Client Seminar, 2017
  • Essentials of Construction Law for the Real Estate Attorney
    Real Estate Institute, 2017
  • Top 10 Considerations When Drafting Construction & Design of Any Size
    Minnesota State Bar Association, 2017
  • Top 10 Considerations When Drafting Construction & Design of Any Size
    Real Estate Institute; Ramsey County Bar Association; and Construction Law Summit, 2016
  • Drafting and Negotiating Construction and Procurement Contracts
    In-House Client Seminar, 2015
  • Contract Risks in Design-Build Agreements
    DBIA Institute, Upper Midwest Region, 2014

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Asylum Appeals and Applications
  • Housing and community development
  • Landlord/Tenant

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Minnesota State Bar Association  Construction Law Section
  • Minnesota Utility Contractor's Association  Former Board Member

Honors

  • Chambers USA — Minnesota, Construction, 2017-24
  • Minnesota Lawyer — The POWER 30: Real Estate and Construction Law, 2021-22
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers — Construction Litigation, 2019-23
  • Chambers USA  Minnesota, Construction, "Up and Coming" Lawyer, 2014-16
  • Best Lawyers® — Construction Law (Lawyer of the Year - 2023), 2021-25
  • Acritas — Star Lawyer, 2018-20
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal — Forty Under 40, 2016
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers — Rising Star, Construction/Surety, 2011-17
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-16, 2018