Jacob D. Bylund

Trials & Dispute Resolution

A nationally recognized advocate, Jacob maintains an active trial and arbitration practice spanning more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. He has first-chaired or co-led trial teams that have secured numerous plaintiff-side jury verdicts, defense-side jury verdicts, directed verdicts, summary judgments, and arbitration awards for Fortune-level clients. He has achieved for clients nine- and eight-figure recoveries and complete dismissals in high-stakes commercial, antitrust, insurance coverage, environmental, and product liability disputes.

Food & Agribusiness

Jacob also serves as a trusted counselor and leader of the firm's food and agribusiness sector team. He represents some of the nation's largest food processors, protein companies, grain merchandisers, and agribusiness clients on their most significant industry-specific matters — ranging from antitrust class actions and environmental enforcement to complex supply-chain and commodity-contract disputes.

By staying closely attuned to market developments, regulatory shifts, and emerging risks, Jacob and his team anticipate clients' business needs and deliver strategic guidance that aligns legal outcomes with broader commercial objectives.

Partnering & Service

In addition, Jacob devotes substantial time to firm, client, and industry initiatives focused on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent across the firm, client organizations, and the broader practice.

Representative Experience

Jacob has represented clients as lead counsel or co-lead counsel in the following representative trials, arbitrations, and appeals:

• Cargill, Inc. v. Nat'l Union Fire Ins. Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa., 2025 WL 4679337, No. 0:21-cv-02563 (D. Minn. Sept. 30, 2025). Co-lead trial counsel for insured in a high-value insurance coverage dispute regarding the insurer's refusal to pay under an employee theft policy. Successfully obtained judgment for the insured in the amount of $42.6 million, defeating all carrier defenses and counterclaims after years of complex, contested litigation.
• In re Pork Antitrust Litig., 781 F. Supp. 3d 758, No. 18-cv-1776 (D. Minn. Apr. 2025). Co-lead trial counsel for Hormel Foods in high-profile, industry-impacting antitrust litigation where plaintiffs sought billions in damages. Successfully secured summary judgment dismissing Hormel — the only defendant to obtain dismissal by the court — after six years of complex, hard-fought litigation.
• Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc., 2025 WL 1693353, No. 05-cv-329 (N.D. Okla. Dec. 2024). Co-lead trial counsel for a major poultry company in a seven-day bench trial in Tulsa, Oklahoma, concluding the final phase of extensive, high-stakes environmental litigation between the State of Oklahoma and the poultry industry. The case involved allegations of phosphorus contamination in the Illinois River Watershed and spanned years of complex, industry-impacting proceedings with potential nine-figure liability.
• The Andersons, Inc. v. McCubbin, Fresh Start, & Gaskins, NGFA Case Nos. 2996, 2997, 2999 (Nat'l Grain & Feed Ass'n Arb. Dec. 2024). Lead counsel for The Andersons, Inc., in NGFA arbitration held in Washington, D.C., arising from breaches of multiple commodity agreements by three Kentucky respondents. Secured a unanimous award of over $2.5 million in damages from a three-member panel.
• Howard v. Hormel Foods Corp., 2024 WL 402927, No. 4:22-cv-995 (E.D. Ark. Feb. 2, 2024). Lead trial counsel for defendant Hormel Foods, securing summary judgment and dismissal of plaintiff's wrongful death claims alleging product liability and negligence arising from a food product.
• The Scoular Co. v. The Bottom Farms P'ship, NGFA Appeal Case No. 2916 (Nat'l Grain & Feed Ass'n Arb. Apr. 2024). Lead counsel for The Scoular Co. in NGFA arbitration appeal before a five-member Appeals Committee in Washington, D.C. Successfully secured reversal of the lower panel's decision in a dispute involving commodity agreements, resulting in an award of $865,560 plus interest in Scoular's favor.
• Confidential Energy Project Owner v. Confidential Off-Taker, JAMS Arb. (June 2023). Co-lead counsel for the off-taker in a high-stakes JAMS arbitration involving a financial derivative virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with an energy project owner. The two-week hearing, held in Chicago and San Francisco, addressed claims involving tens of millions of dollars in potential exposure.
• Confidential Owner v. Confidential Constr. & Operation Manager, AAA Arb. (June 2022). Lead counsel for the construction and operations manager in an eight-day AAA arbitration concerning the construction and operation of a large agricultural production facility in Illinois. Defended against claims alleging defective construction practices and equipment, which were purported to have caused building failures, decreased output, and millions in losses.
• State of Ohio v. Good, No. 13CV029926 (Preble Cnty. Ohio May 2021). Lead trial counsel for a defendant in an environmental enforcement action brought by the State of Ohio, alleging chloride contamination of an aquifer. Represented client throughout a multiweek bench trial near Dayton, resulting in resolution of the case.
• Confidential Distributor v. Confidential Food Processor, AAA Arb. (Nov. 2018). Lead counsel for the distributor in a multiweek AAA arbitration in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stemming from a long-term exclusive food distribution agreement. The case involved a complex, multifaceted dispute over agreement performance, with tens of millions of dollars at stake.
• Confidential Toll Food Processor v. Confidential Brand Owner, AAA Arb. (Sept. 2018). Lead counsel for the brand owner in a multiweek AAA arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, defending claims brought by a toll food processor under a long-term toll processing agreement with a contractual minimum/take-or-pay provision. The dispute, involving tens of millions of dollars, arose after a significant product recall that impacted the brand.
• Davis Equip. Corp. v. Waconia Mfg., Inc., 2018 WL 2085218, No. 4:17-cv-10-JAJ (S.D. Iowa Mar. 5, 2018). Lead trial counsel for defendant manufacturer in federal litigation concerning the application of the Iowa and Minnesota Agricultural Equipment Dealership Acts to advanced fertilizer blending and handling systems. Successfully secured summary judgment, obtaining dismissal of claims under both statutes.
• Morgan Honomichl v. JBS Live Pork, LLC, 914 N.W.2d 223, No. 16-1006 (Iowa 2018). Lead trial and appellate counsel for JBS Live Pork, LLC, in a landmark case challenging the constitutionality of Iowa Code section 657.11(2) as applied to a common law nuisance action. The litigation addressed significant statutory and constitutional questions affecting agricultural operations across Iowa, with the outcome influencing the scope of nuisance protections for livestock producers statewide.
• Cargill, Inc. v. WDS, Inc., 2018 WL 1525352, No. 3:16-cv-848-FDW-DSC (W.D.N.C. Jan. 2018). Lead trial counsel for Cargill, Inc., in a multiweek jury trial in the Western District of North Carolina, prosecuting claims of fraud, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The jury awarded $35,177,269 on each claim, and the court trebled the verdict and added interest, costs, and fees, resulting in a final judgment of $111,173,491.
• Peaker Energy Grp., LLC v. La. Sugar Refining, LLC, 2016 WL 7491851, No. 14-cv-2106 (E.D. La. Dec. 2016). Lead trial counsel for the defendant in federal litigation alleging violations of a nondisclosure and nonuse agreement related to the plaintiff's plan for a heavy-crude oil transloading facility on the Mississippi River. Successfully obtained summary judgment on the plaintiff's claims for $238 million in lost profits and business value less than two weeks before jury selection, following the final pretrial conference.
• Cargill Meat Sols. Corp. v. Greater Omaha Packing Co., 819 F.3d 417, No. 15-1313 (8th Cir. Apr. 2016). Lead appellate counsel for Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, successfully defending a $9 million jury verdict secured at trial. On appeal, the opposing party challenged the district court's admission of expert testimony and USDA recall records, as well as the pre-trial dismissal of its eight-figure counterclaim. The Eighth Circuit affirmed the verdict and all trial court rulings, preserving the favorable outcome for Cargill.
• Doug Pauls v. JBS, 2016 WL 11041047, No. LALA105144 (Iowa Feb. 2016). Lead trial counsel for JBS in a high-profile, three-week jury trial in Iowa involving nuisance and negligence claims brought by nine bellwether plaintiffs from four households against a contract production facility. Achieved a complete defense verdict, which effectively resolved the remaining litigation, eliminated the need for additional bellwether trials, and had a significant impact on agricultural operations in Iowa.
• Farm Credit Servs. of Am., PCA v. Cargill, Inc., 750 F.3d 965, No. 13-1911 (8th Cir. May 2015). Lead trial and appellate counsel for Cargill, Inc., in a pivotal Eighth Circuit case addressing lien priority between a lender (Farm Credit Services of America, PCA) and a grain purchaser. The parties agreed to a stipulated set of facts and filed cross-motions for summary judgment to streamline the litigation. The court's decision clarified the interplay and priority between U.C.C. § 9-404 and the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. § 1631(e), providing important guidance for agricultural financing and grain transactions.
• Linda Labrayere v. Bohr Farms, LLC, 458 S.W.3d 319 (Mo. App. Apr. 2015). Lead trial and appellate counsel for Cargill Pork, defending against nuisance and negligence claims brought by 26 plaintiffs. The case centered on Missouri Rev. Stat. § 537.296, which strengthened defenses for agricultural producers and restricted available damages in nuisance actions. Successfully upheld the statute's constitutionality, with both the trial court and Missouri Supreme Court rejecting plaintiffs' arguments regarding takings, equal protection, substantive due process, separation of powers, open courts, and special laws.
• United Food Grp. LLC v. Cargill, Inc., No. 2:11-cv-7752 (C.D. Cal. Dec. 2014). Co-trial counsel for Cargill, Inc., in a commercial dispute arising from a foodborne illness outbreak and subsequent product recall. The case was bifurcated for liability and damages, with the liability phase tried before a Los Angeles jury in December 2014. After a five-day trial, the jury found in favor of the plaintiff on liability.
• IronPlanet, Inc. v. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 860 N.W.2d 923 (Iowa Ct. App. Dec. 2014). Lead appellate counsel for appellee IronPlanet in a successful appeal from a jury verdict, affirming punitive damages and upholding tortious interference verdict.
• American Home Assurance Co. v. Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc., 2014 WL 6815628 (D. Neb. Sept. 2014). Lead trial counsel for plaintiff in a commercial dispute against a food ingredient supplier arising from a major foodborne-illness outbreak, related product recall, and subsequent settlements with affected consumers. Successfully obtained a $9 million jury verdict for the plaintiff, securing recovery for losses stemming from the outbreak and recall.
• Jay Clasing v. Hormel Foods Corp., 993 F. Supp. 2d 960 (N.D. Iowa Mar. 2014). Lead trial counsel for Hormel Foods Corp. in a one-week jury trial in the Northern District of Iowa, defending against claims arising from a dispute over a long-term supply agreement and the effects of "country of origin labeling" (COOL) requirements for food products. Achieved a complete defense verdict, successfully protecting Hormel from all claims.
• Aurora Coop. Elevator Co. v. Aventine Renewable Energy Inc., NGFA Case No. 2651 (Nat'l Grain & Feed Ass'n Arb. Mar. 2014). Lead counsel for Aventine Renewable Energy Inc. in NGFA arbitration involving a dispute over a long-term commodity supply agreement. Successfully defended against a $1.7 million claim brought by Aurora Coop. Elevator Co. and prevailed on a substantial counterclaim, securing a favorable outcome for the respondent.
• Aurora Coop. Elevator Co. v. Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc., Nos. 4:12-cv-3200, 4:14-cv-3032, 2014 WL 6684875, 2014 WL 895669 (D. Neb. Mar. 2014 & Nov. 2014). Lead trial counsel for Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc., in a series of federal injunction actions concerning railroad access to a 110-million-gallon ethanol facility and disputes over a long-term commodity supply agreement. Successfully represented the defendant throughout complex litigation involving critical infrastructure and contract issues.
• L & R Farm P'ship v. Cargill, Inc., 963 F. Supp. 2d 798 (W.D. Tenn. July 2013). Lead counsel for Cargill, Inc., in federal litigation in the Western District of Tennessee, successfully defending against claims that alleged violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and sought to void commodity contracts under the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) and related CFTC regulations. The court rejected the plaintiff's claims entirely, upholding the validity of the commodity agreements and finding no breach of statutory or regulatory requirements.
• IronPlanet, Inc. v. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc., No. 13-0725 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Jackson Cnty. Feb. 2013). Lead trial counsel for IronPlanet, Inc., in a two-week jury trial in Jackson County, Iowa, against Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. Secured a $1.8 million verdict, including punitive damages, for tortious interference with contract in a high-stakes dispute between two major equipment auction industry competitors.
• Hormel Foods Corp. v. AgFeed USA, LLC, AAA Case No. 58-467-Y-187-12; No. 13-11761-BLS, 2014 WL 6721941 (AAA Dec. 2012). Lead counsel for Hormel Foods Corp. in AAA arbitration and related proceedings, obtaining an $8.8 million award against AgFeed USA, LLC, for breach of a long-term commodity supply agreement. Successfully prosecuted the claim through a complex, multiforum dispute, resulting in a significant recovery for the client.
• Cargill, Inc. v. Kroeger, 2012 WL 4473088 (D. Neb. Sept. 2012). Lead trial counsel for Cargill, Inc., in a two-week jury trial in the District of Nebraska arising from a dispute over the purchase of agricultural crop inputs. Secured a significant jury verdict in favor of Cargill and obtained a directed verdict dismissing the defendant's product defect and warranty counterclaims.
• Hormel Foods Corp. v. Crystal Distrib. Servs., Inc., 2012 WL 2499509 (N.D. Iowa Apr. 2012). Lead trial counsel for Hormel Foods Corp. in a one-week jury trial in the Northern District of Iowa, obtaining a $4.1 million verdict against Crystal Distribution Services, Inc. The case arose from the defendant's breach of a cold-storage agreement, resulting in substantial recovery for Hormel.
• Marty Wolske v. Iowa Realty Co., Inc., No. LACV034907, 2010 WL 5148267 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Dallas Cnty. July 2010). Lead trial counsel for defendant in a one-week jury trial in Dallas County, Iowa, defending against claims arising from a real estate disclosure dispute. Achieved a highly favorable result with the jury awarding only nominal damages to the plaintiff.
• Cargill, Inc. v. Ward, NGFA Case No. 2287, Confirmation at 2010 WL 9043940 (D. Minn. May 2010). Lead counsel for Cargill, Inc., in NGFA arbitration in Kansas City, Missouri, prosecuting claims related to multiple forward commodity contracts. Secured a $2 million arbitration award for Cargill, which was subsequently confirmed in the District of Minnesota.
• Ney Leasing Corp., Inc. v. Cargill Meat Logistics Solutions, Inc., 2010 WL 2346622 (N.D. Iowa Feb. 2010). Lead trial counsel for Cargill Meat Logistics Solutions, Inc., in a one-week federal trial involving a dispute over a trucking fleet lease agreement. Successfully limited the plaintiff's recovery to a small fraction of the damages originally sought, resulting in a highly favorable outcome for the defense.
• Albaugh, Inc. v. Arsonate Herbicide Prods. Ltd., No. 4:06-cv-556 (S.D. Iowa Oct. 2009). Co-lead trial counsel for Arsonate Herbicide Products Ltd. in federal litigation in the Southern District of Iowa involving a unique dispute over data compensation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq. The case was notable for addressing data compensation issues outside the typical arbitration process, representing a rare trial court proceeding in this specialized area.
• Cargill, Inc. v. Cure, NGFA Case No. 2217 (Nat'l Grain & Feed Ass'n Arb. Sept. 2009). Lead counsel for Cargill, Inc., in NGFA arbitration held in Denver, Colorado, pursuing claims against respondents for breach of multiple commodity agreements. Successfully secured a $749,375 award for Cargill, demonstrating effective advocacy in a complex, multi-contract dispute.
• L. Romeo Hardin v. W. L. Kautzky, 2007 WL 9718452 (S.D. Iowa Apr. 2007). Served as pro bono standby counsel for four inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary in a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action, at the request of the U.S. magistrate judge. Advanced claims alleging violations of the First and Eighth Amendments beyond summary judgment and through a one-week jury trial in the Southern District of Iowa, addressing conditions of confinement and constitutional rights.
• DeBruce Grain, Inc. v. Mitchell, 738 N.W.2d 662 (Iowa Ct. App. 2007). Lead trial and appellate counsel for Cargill, Inc., as interpleader respondent in an appeal following a trial over a lien priority dispute. Successfully defended the favorable trial court ruling for Cargill in the Iowa Court of Appeals, ensuring Cargill's interests were protected and clarifying lien priorities in the interpleader action.
• Cargill, Inc. v. Mitchell, 720 N.W.2d 192 (Iowa Ct. App. 2006). Lead trial and appellate counsel for Cargill, Inc., in litigation arising from commodity agreements and the defendants' fraudulent transfer of assets. Successfully defended a favorable trial court ruling for Cargill in the Iowa Court of Appeals, safeguarding the client's recovery, and clarifying enforcement rights in cases involving asset transfers and contract disputes.