Jonathan Bye

Jonathan M. Bye

Partner He / Him / His
Minneapolis

For more than 30 years, Jonathan Bye has focused on helping clients successfully resolve breach-of-contract disputes. Although he has litigated a wide range of contracts, Jon has particular experience with insurance coverage disputes, Uniform Commercial Code issues, real estate and construction litigation, federal healthcare reimbursement, and False Claims Act cases. Whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, administrative hearing, motion practice, trial, appeal or providing behind-the-scenes advice, Jon helps his clients resolve their contract disputes as effectively and economically as possible.

Jon excels at quickly grasping the unique aspects of their situation, applying the complexities of the law to it, and presenting the case in common-sense terms that result in favorable decisions by the judge, jury, or arbitrator.

Experience 

Representative Matters

  • Obtaining two summary judgments in Minnesota U.S. District Court on behalf of a manufacturer against an insurer. One judgment declared that the insurer had a duty to defend the client from a breach-of-contract claim; the other that the insurer had to reimburse the client both for the settlement that Jon helped the client negotiate and for the client's attorneys' fees
  • Obtaining summary judgment in Minnesota U.S. District Court on behalf of a medical device manufacturer declaring that a $50 million excess liability insurer had a duty to indemnify the manufacturer for its settlements of various product liability claims, arguing a summary judgment motion as to the insurer's duty to pay for the defense of those suits, and negotiating a final settlement with the insurer
  • Obtaining a summary judgment in Minnesota U.S. District Court that dismissed a $2 million claim for indemnification against a client. The dispute arose out of a settlement agreement the client had signed with an insurer without consulting counsel

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

American Bar Association, Member

Federal Bar Association, Member

Minnesota Bar Association, Member

Recognition & Accomplishments

Hennepin County Bar Association, Pro Bono Publico Award of Excellence for a Private Attorney, 2017

The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate (Minneapolis), 2021-2025, Litigation - Insurance (Minneapolis), 2023, 2025, Qui Tam Law (Minneapolis), 2023-2025

North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2013-2016, 2020

Board Memberships & Community Service

Volunteer Lawyers Network, Board Member

Volunteer Lawyers Network Benefactors, Board Member

Hennepin County Bar Foundation, Board Member

Hennepin County Civil Counsel Project, Member

Dakota County Conciliation Court, Referee

Credentials 

Education

University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., 1983, cum laude)

Dartmouth College (B.A., 1980, cum laude)

Admissions

Minnesota

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota