Bassford Remele Construction Practice Group members Kyle Willems, John Holper, and Janine Loetscher will present at the Minnesota Real Estate Journal's 17th Annual Construction Summit on January 23, 2025.

Construction Practice Group Co-Chair Kyle Willems will moderate the "Commercial Construction Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities" panel:

Exploring the State of the Industry and Strategic Approaches for 2025

• The impact of inflation and interest rates on construction costs and timelines
• Key projects reshaping the commercial landscape across Minnesota
• Addressing workforce shortages and innovative labor solutions
• Building with sustainability: Strategies and initiatives for a greener future
• Risk management insights for general contractors: Mitigating and managing project risks
• Navigating regulatory changes and compliance requirements
• Emerging trends and technological advancements impacting construction
• 2025 commercial construction outlook: Market predictions and growth areas

Shareholder John Holper will present on the "Strategies for Managing and Resolving Disputes" panel:

Prevention, Communication, and Resolution Tactics for Success

• Proactive contract management and early risk identification to avoid disputes
• Essential communication and documentation strategies for clear project alignment
• Negotiation techniques and strategies for amicable resolution of issues
• Mediation and arbitration: Effective alternatives to traditional litigation
• Noteworthy court decisions and their implications on construction dispute management
• Real-world examples and best practices for successful dispute resolution

Construction Practice Group Co-Chair Janine Loetscher will present on the "Women in Construction: Empowering Progress" panel:

Advancing Women's Roles and Opportunities in the Construction Industry

• Insights into current challenges and opportunities for women in construction
• Highlighting key areas for progress and support
• Overcoming barriers: Lessons and strategies for success
• Mentorship, networking, and skill-building as pathways to advancement
• Project management, technical skills, and leadership development for career growth
• Understanding legal rights, protections, and advocacy for women in construction
• Strategic career planning and industry initiatives supporting women

Kyle is a business litigation attorney who primarily guides businesses and business owners through disputes in the real estate and construction sectors. He is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Kyle is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Construction Law Section Council, the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law (Division 1 – Litigation), and the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota’s Contracts and Policy Committees. He serves on the Bassford Remele Board of Directors.

John is an experienced construction and real estate trial attorney. John has more than 30 years of experience representing commercial and residential owners, commercial landlords and tenants, lenders, business entities, developers, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, architects, and engineers. John works with his clients not only when a dispute arises but also on the front end by applying his litigation experience to help draft and negotiate construction-related contacts in order to manage risk and avoid litigation whenever possible.

Janine is a litigator with substantial large-scale loss experience, whose practice focuses in construction, insurance coverage, products liability, and personal injury matters. She represents corporations and individuals in state, district, and appellate courts, and also in mediation and other ADR venues. Janine has represented clients in numerous trials, obtaining defense and favorable verdicts, and she has frequently obtained favorable results on dispositive motions. Janine has defended contractors and individuals in construction defect lawsuits, and has represented both insurers and policyholders on numerous coverage issues. She has significant experience in the products liability arena, particularly defending clients against fire, explosion, and catastrophic loss claims. Janine serves as the Legal Advisor to the Association of Women Contractors.

Bassford Remele proudly serves as local and national counsel for many major corporations and Fortune 500 Companies and is a go-to litigation firm representing local, national, and international clients in state and federal courts across the region. The firm provides comprehensive counsel and representation in litigation and dispute resolution, family law, and corporate matters, ensuring prompt and effective service for its clients.

Established in 1882, Bassford Remele is proud to be the oldest top-25 law firm based in Minnesota.

Bassford Remele | January 22, 2025