Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame 2020: Taft’s Justin Weinberg
Every year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Last year – despite the challenges it entailed – was no exception. Here’s a look at one of our newest Hall of Fame members, Justin Weinberg, a partner at Taft law firm in Minneapolis.
During his career spanning more than two decades, Justin Weinberg has steadfastly asserted himself at the Taft law firm in Minneapolis. In January of this year, Weinberg received his last award at the company and was named the office’s partner in charge. This legal veteran now leads a team of 140 attorneys across a range of practice groups and industries.
Most of Weinberg’s legal work is focused on real estate development and construction. He also serves many clients in the areas of alcohol permits, government issues, and the hospitality industry.
Like all successful lawyers, Weinberg was not afraid to adapt to changing times. During the 2008 recession, he focused on representing banks and institutional lenders in workouts, lender liability, and foreclosures, a practice Weinberg continues to practice. He also acts as external general counsel for a wide variety of clients and industries of all sizes. This allows these clients to cater to their legal needs without the hassle of a full-time in-house attorney.
“I enjoy the variety of offers that arise,” said Weinberg. “Whether it’s a mixed-use building, an office or a warehouse, no two are alike. While one transaction leaves you feeling, “I’ve seen this movie before,” they each have their own personality. “
Given his legal talent, it comes as no surprise that Weinberg is a frequent speaker on industry topics related to commercial real estate, foreclosures, and agribusiness. Weinberg also holds law classes for the public and creates private, bespoke presentations tailored to customer questions.
During his 20 years of service, Weinberg has handled several important legal cases. This includes representing a company in union negotiations and successfully entering into a new collective agreement. He has also represented financial institutions on complex multi-million dollar credit facilities and construction companies on multi-million dollar projects, from the initial contract to disputes over amounts owed or allegedly defective work.
Weinberg also represented a national student housing company on the acquisition and development of multi-million dollar projects across the country. a regional brewery in all aspects of craft beer operations, including sales, people issues and brand development; local developers in the planning and development of land for use and sale; and regional restaurant franchisors and families in developing new businesses.
What is Weinberg’s secret of success? He points to the old-fashioned strategy of listening carefully to your customers.
“I’m listening to both sides, my client and the other party in the transaction,” said Weinberg. “I practice legal practice not as an obstacle, but as a valuable partner for my clients in achieving their goals.”
When Weinberg isn’t working for his customers, he enjoys fishing with his 17-year-old twin daughters, grilling and cooking, and traveling with his family.