Chris Harmoning routinely jumps into challenging legal situations when matters require it. He supports partners and colleagues in reaching practical business solutions by litigating commercial disputes for clients. Most cases involve some form of alternative dispute resolution. According to Chris, “I often seek early opportunities to resolve matters efficiently outside of the courtroom, saving clients time and money.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Chris Harmoning concentrates his practice on general civil litigation. A partner with Lathrop GPM, Chris represents businesses and individuals in trials, arbitrations, mediations and appeals.

As a dedicated and experienced litigator, Chris is adept at strategizing and anticipating potential legal challenges, which can help mitigate risks and protect client interests. A litigator for clients generally in central Minnesota, Chris represents small to medium-sized private businesses. His experience spans various industries, including:

  • Banking
  • Construction (contractors and sub-contractors)
  • Real estate and land disputes (agricultural, commercial and utility)

Chris takes a proactive approach to addressing legal issues, enabling clients to navigate legal landscapes confidently. His approach also helps to minimize potential liabilities, supporting the overall stability of the client’s business.

With experience handling a variety of legal issues, Chris supports clients with:

  • Condemnation proceedings
  • Construction disputes
  • Contract disputes
  • Land partitions
  • Lease disputes
  • Mechanic’s liens
  • Mortgage foreclosures
  • Real estate matters
  • Receiverships
  • Shareholder disputes
  • Tax appeals

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I love the diversity of commercial litigation, and I enjoy getting involved in new matters and learning about different clients’ businesses and industries.

What do you do outside of work?

One of the things I enjoy most is serving as the public-address announcer (“voice”) for the Becker High School football, basketball, baseball and gymnastics teams.

Areas of Focus

Services

Sectors

Experience

  • Represented a flooring subcontractor in a three-day, multi-party jury trial involving numerous construction claims and counterclaims.
  • Represented a farm partnership in a two-day arbitration that resolved a long-standing agricultural lease dispute between landlord and tenant.
  • Represented a commercial lender in a 15-day court trial that included construction defect claims and competing lien priorities.
  • Represented individual and corporate landowners in separate court trials for the partition of jointly owned agricultural and commercial properties.
  • Represented lenders in state court proceedings involving the appointment of receivers for hotel and restaurant properties, multi-family housing, poultry facilities, and a biomass-fueled power plant.
  • Represented a court-appointed trustee in post-trial supervision of more than 2,500 acres of farmland.
  • Represented a national thrift-store retailer in a federal class-action lawsuit.
  • Represented the general contractor and municipality related to the construction of a community center.
  • Represented various cities in a challenge against the issuance of discharge permits for the operation of a wastewater treatment facility.

Credentials

Education

  • Penn State Dickinson Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1998)
    • Dickinson Law Review, Editor-in-Chief
  • Gustavus Adolphus College (magna cum laude, 1994)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Recognitions

  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America©, 2023-2025
  • "Minnesota Rising Star," Thomson Reuters, 2006, 2008, 2012

Professional Activities

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Stearns-Benton Bar Association
  • Law clerk for the Honorable Bruce D. Willis, Minnesota Court of Appeals, 1998-1999

Community Involvement

  • Becker Youth Basketball Association, Board Member, Vice President, and volunteer basketball coach
  • Becker Dollars for Scholars, Board Member