The POWER 30: Justin P. Short

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Best & Flanagan LLP

Justin P. Short is a construction lawyer with an emphasis on infrastructure, highway and bridge, renewable energy and vertical construction projects. His practice extends throughout the upper Midwest and over to Colorado. He works primarily with prime contractors and subcontractors on projects for state and federal governments and the Army Corps of Engineers.

He foresees a significant amount of infrastructure work in Minnesota and nationally. “Minnesota is home to some of the most innovative and sophisticated contractors in the country. The quality of their work often takes them to other states for complex projects, which often takes us to those other states as well,” Short said.

A growing trend in public projects is the generational change resulting in newer engineers. Short explained that there are usually a variety of site conditions, some presenting problems.” Ten years ago the contractor and engineer would resolve issues quickly amongst themselves. As those longtime engineers retire, newer engineers reject resolution of problems and it results in increased costs and delays for all involved. It will probably continue. It’s a personality change, not a change in the law or specifications,” he said.

Short recommended that contractors and their staff be very careful and thorough with their records. “Documenting and communicating is vital to avoiding significant losses,” he said.

An issue in the legal market is training and mentorship of new lawyers, Short said. “We have an obligation to train the new lawyers on being great, ethical lawyers and also on the business of the practice of law. The latter can be a lot to balance but it’s not complex.” And remote work has caused some isolation.