James Teigland
Raised in Moorhead, James attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where he studied Economics until he graduated in 2010. James attended William Mitchell College of Law from 2010-2013, and is now admitted to practice in Minnesota and North Dakota.
While attending law school, James volunteered as a Law Clerk at the Council on Crime and Justice, clerked for Judge John P. Smith (currently with the Minnesota Court of Appeals), Externed at Merrill Corporation, and was a Legal Assistant at the Sortland Law Office.
After law school James started his own firm before merging with the Fremstad Law Firm
As a dedicated civil litigation attorney, James focuses exclusively on helping individuals, businesses, and property owners resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. For more than ten years, James has been involved in complicated commercial, financial, and/or real estate disputes. With a proactive, responsive approach, James helps clients navigate a wide range of civil disputes. James makes it his goal to provide clear guidance and solutions tailored to his client’s unique goals and circumstances.
James extensive experience in the following areas allows him to provide valuable legal services:
General Outside Counsel for Landlords and Property Management Companies
James serve as trusted outside counsel for landlords and property managers, assisting with everything from evictions and debt collection to tenant relations and fair housing matters. Having handled over 500 evictions, James bring considerable expertise and a practical perspective to each client relationship. James’ clients value his availability and timely responses, which often prevent disputes from escalating by addressing issues early.
Quiet Title Actions
Title defects are often discovered when an owner of property is preparing for a sale. Clearing title defects, such as ambiguous legal descriptions or missing documents, is often a precondition to completing a sale. James has managed complex quiet title cases, including those requiring extensive research to track down multiple heirs or helping property owners who are planning on liquidating their portfolios to clear multiple title defects in an efficient manner.
Boundary Line Litigation
Boundary disputes can be contentious and emotionally charged. James has found that these disputes often arise from a property owner’s delayed response to a known problem. Therefore, James typically recommends confronting the problem as soon as possible, whether in the form of a letter to a neighbor or filing suit, to prevent long-standing issues from worsening. James works with clients to ensure their property boundaries are respected and guides them through the legal process with a focus on achieving lasting resolutions.
Partition Actions
James assists clients facing property co-ownership disputes, whether between former cohabitants, family members, or business partners. His experience spans rental properties, family homes, lake cabins, and agricultural land. Through skilled representation, he help clients extricate themselves from challenging situations and ensure a fair division of assets.
Foreclosure and Contract for Deed Matters
James represents creditors, debtors, and all parties involved in foreclosure and contract for deed disputes. His goal is to reach a fair and timely resolution through negotiations, if possible, while always being prepared to litigate if necessary to protect my clients’ interests.
Trust and Estate Litigation
In trust and estate disputes, James works to uphold his clients' rights and protect their interests amidst sometimes complex family dynamics. James understands the sensitive nature of these cases and approach each matter with respect, aiming for resolutions that honor both the legal and personal aspects involved. He also knows, and has observed, that it is often a family member that feels most empowered to inappropriately take advantage of loved one’s passing or otherwise disregard the rights of others, so he is always prepared to litigate to obtain a just resolution.
In each of these areas, James’ commitment to a thorough examination of the issues, frequent communication, clear billing practices, and candid fee estimates, ensures clients feel informed and confident in their case. James’ approach helps clients gain peace of mind and successful outcomes, knowing they have a dedicated advocate every step of the way.
