Overview
Josh Peterson leverages robust trial skills to counsel clients in complex financial, commercial and construction disputes. Josh is a recognized leader in the practice of federal Indian law. He uses a deep understanding of the law and a practical approach to help clients surmount the economic, financing and gaming challenges facing Indian Country.
Federal Indian Law
Josh represents Native American tribes, wholly owned tribal entities and individual tribal members in matters arising from land-rights claims, contract disputes and taxation disputes. He has experience helping tribes take land into trust and advising clients on matters involving sovereign immunity, jurisdiction, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Construction Litigation
Josh partners with construction stakeholders to resolve complex disputes, emphasizing cost-effective, minimally disruptive solutions tailored to individual needs. Josh has particular experience in disputes involving the design and construction of large-scale renewable energy plants. He has litigated many cases involving the following:
- Construction schedule disputes
- Construction defects
- Change-order disputes
- Contractor or owner defaults
- Mechanic’s lien claims
Commercial Litigation
Josh navigates commercial and corporate cases from the start of a dispute through the final appeal in state and federal court, as well as in arbitration. Josh handles issues related to:
- Breach of contract
- Breach of fiduciary duties
- Fraud
- Other economic torts
- Corporate trusts
Past Experience
Before joining the firm, Josh served as a judicial law clerk in the Minnesota Court of Appeals. During law school, Josh was a certified student attorney in the Menominee Public Defender Indian Law Clinic in Keshena, Wisconsin, and worked as a law clerk with an Indian law boutique firm. Josh also successfully briefed and argued cases before the Menominee Supreme Court and Minnesota Court of Appeals, won a jury trial in Menominee Tribal Court, was the National Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) Moot Court National Champion in 2014 and 2015, and won best brief in the NALSA Moot Court competition in 2015.
Personal Interests
Having grown up in Minnesota, Josh spends a fair amount of time attending hockey games in the Twin Cities area.
Related Legal Services
Related Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Minnesota
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Clerkships
Minnesota Court of Appeals, Hon. Jill Flaskamp Halbrooks, 2015-2016
Education
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
J.D. summa cum laude, William Mitchell Law Review (executive editor) (2015)
Hamline University
B.A. in Philosophy, Economics and Legal Studies, cum laude (2012)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Other Perspectives
- Guest Commentary: Bankruptcy implications of Lac du Flambeau ruling
Republished in Minnesota Lawyer, July 11, 2023
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022
Professional Associations
- Minnesota American Indian Bar Association — Member, 2016-present
- Federal Bar Association — Member, 2016-present
- Hennepin County Bar Association — Member, 2016-present
Civic Activities
- Volunteer Lawyers Network — Member, 2019-present
- ACLU of Minnesota — Volunteer, 2017-present
- Nova Classical Academy — Mock Trial Coach, 2012-20
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law — Mock Trial Coach, Moot Court Coach, 2015-present
Honors
- Best Lawyers® — "Ones to Watch," Native American Law, 2023-25
- Minnesota Super Lawyers — Rising Stars, Native American Law and Construction Litigation, 2021-24
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020, 2022-23
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Native American Law Student Association — Moot Court, National Champion, 2014 and 2015, and Best Brief, 2015
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2017, 2019
- Nova Classical Academy, St. Paul, Minnesota — Instruct students in oral advocacy leading to three state mock trial championships and two top five national finishes, 2012-17