James
Magnuson

James defends contractors and developers against claims involving alleged construction defects, deficient performance and damage associated with construction projects. His approach starts with the contract, the project record and the evidence needed to determine what happened and who bears responsibility.

Construction contract disputes can involve contested scopes of work, change orders, repair demands and competing accounts from owners, contractors and subcontractors. James evaluates the legal claims alongside the practical consequences for the client's business.

James assists contractors and developers with mechanic's liens and related payment disputes, including lien preparation and enforcement, contested lien claims and questions of priority. He evaluates notice and service requirements, contracts, lien waivers and payment records as part of that work.

Read about Lighthouse Management v. Oberg Family Farms · Read the published Lighthouse opinion

James represents clients in disputes involving commercial property, purchase agreements and failed transactions. His work addresses contractual obligations and the remedies available when a real estate deal breaks down.

Read the published Chadco opinion (PDF)

James provides ongoing legal counsel to contractors, developers and other businesses on project agreements, customer and subcontractor contracts, change orders, payment terms, business organization and relationships among owners.

His litigation experience informs that advice. He helps clients identify risks when agreements are negotiated, document important decisions during a project and respond when a dispute develops.

James represents businesses and individuals in shareholder litigation and ownership disputes. His work brings together commercial litigation and business advice, with attention to the agreements, financial interests and relationships that shape a dispute among owners.

He is a contributing author to Shareholder Litigation, a Thomson Reuters treatise addressing shareholder rights and remedies.

James handles a broad range of commercial litigation, including contract disputes and conflicts arising from business relationships. He has represented individuals and large businesses, with experience as trial and appellate counsel. His civil litigation experience also includes employment matters and disputes involving First Amendment protections. That experience informs his advice on transactions and business relationships.

Litigation at MJB Law

James has provided corporate transactional services to large Minnesota companies and advised owners forming and growing their own businesses. His work includes organization, strategy, expansion, corporate winding up and bankruptcy-related issues.

He is a contributing author to Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Organizations, published by Juris Publishing. His real estate work ranges from land purchases to foreclosure matters for businesses and individuals.

Read about Star Bank v. Anderson

Farm and agricultural litigation at MJB Law

James assists individuals and families with estate plans tailored to their circumstances, from complex trusts to more straightforward estates. His work extends to probate proceedings and the practical questions that arise in administering an estate.

• Contributing author, Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Organizations — Juris Publishing.
• Contributing author, Shareholder Litigation — Thomson Reuters.

James has lectured at continuing legal education programs on commercial litigation and real estate subjects. His cases have also been covered by Fox 9 News.

James has served as an elder of Straitgate Church in Minneapolis, where he has participated since childhood. The church was founded by his father, Roger Magnuson, whose example helped shape James's commitment to advocacy.