As the son of a residential contractor, Jake Doleshal grew up on job sites. That experience gave him firsthand insights into construction methods and schedules, owner and subcontractor relationships and the pressures contractors feel when they’re not being paid.
Jake’s early practice in general litigation evolved over the last decade into a primary focus on construction litigation. General contractors and subcontractors seek him out to handle construction disputes related to mechanic’s liens, non-payment claims, defect and delay claims, and bond claims. He also represents commercial and residential property owners in defective construction claims and breach of contract claims.
Jake’s practice includes workers’ compensation, commercial litigation and employment litigation, as well.
“My connection to the construction industry from an early age gives me empathy both for contractors experiencing litigation and for owners who paid for a product that was ultimately defective,” Jake said. “Both parties in a construction project should get what has been promised.”
When that doesn’t happen, Jake relies on his legal expertise in construction and the law’s powerful tools, including mechanic’s lien and prompt payment statutes for contractors, and consumer protection laws for homeowners. His ability to relate to clients and work effectively with opposing counsel gets his clients to a result quickly and cost effectively.
Obtained a $1.2 million defense verdict in a Jackson County jury trial.
Successfully arbitrated, mediated and litigated dozens of claims for consumers, residential and commercial contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The value of these cases ranges from six to seven figures.
Obtained seven-figure awards for sureties.
Member, Jackson County Law Library, since 2008
Past president
Member, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Past co-chair, Commercial Litigation Division
Graduate, Kansas City Bar Leadership Academy
Volunteer, Hillcrest Ministries
Obtained and distributed donated children’s books to mothers of young children residing in transitional housing
Presenter, mechanic’s liens, Solo Small Firm Conference, 2018
J.D., University of Missouri School of Law, Columbia, Missouri, 2000
B.A., Political Science, William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, 1997
Charter member, Mock Trial Team
Charter member, Phi Alpha Delta
Co-founder, Pre-Law Society
Four-year football letterman
All-Conference Honors, 1996, 1997
Academic All-Conference, 1996, 1997
SuperLawyers, since 2019
Top 100 Civil Plaintiff’s Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2018
Missouri, 2000
Kansas, 2014
U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 2015
U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, 2001
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, 2020
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2004