Patrick J. Lee-O'Halloran

Experienced Counsel

Patrick regularly represents contractors and subcontractors seeking to avoid disputes through proactive contract reviews and frequently assists clients with the drafting and negotiation of contracts, subcontracts, and other project documents for contractors, builders, and homeowners alike. He has acted as both a counselor and advocate on matters involving government contracting and procurement compliance, contractual issues, and surety work. As a trusted business advisor, Patrick has drafted articles of incorporation and organization, teaming agreements, and joint ventures for his construction clients as well as advised them on other business and real estate matters.

Patrick has represented construction law clients before the federal, state, and bankruptcy courts located throughout the Midwest, including in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota, at both the trial and appellate levels. Patrick has tried and litigated cases involving construction defects, mechanic’s liens, performance, and payment bonds in commercial, industrial, and residential construction disputes of all sizes. Patrick regularly appears in mediations and arbitrations in those same states, and has a growing practice as a neutral mediator and arbitrator.  He is a qualified neutral on the Minnesota Courts’ roster for both mediation and arbitration.

Industry Leader

Patrick was previously the Chair of the Construction Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association and has served as President and a Board Member of the Minnesota Construction Association.

Legislative Advocate

Patrick has volunteered countless hours advocating at the Minnesota legislature for construction industry issues, homeowner issues, and on behalf of his local school district. Patrick has advocated for the Minnesota Subcontractors Association and others on construction industry legislative priorities since at least 2013, including passage of the duty-to-defend bill in 2023. In 2008 and 2009, Patrick was part of a coalition that successfully shepherded several homeowner statutory warranty reforms through the Minnesota legislature. Patrick also participated in the Minnesota Home Warranty task force at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and regularly works with the stakeholders on legislation impacting the Minnesota construction industry.

Patrick is a frequent author and lecturer on construction law, arbitration, and surety topics for local and national legal education and industry audiences alike.