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Erin E. Mathern

Tell me everything, even the things you think aren’t important.

My Approach

I work with my real estate development clients as partners, providing practical advice from the inception of a project through closing. With a focus on the development of affordable housing, I facilitate the entitlement process, structure financing, coordinate with partners and investors, and ultimately advocate for the best outcomes for my clients and their projects. It really is a privilege to contribute to the construction and rehabilitation of well-planned and thoughtful housing developments – communities experience real, tangible benefits and more families have a decent place to live.

Because I got my start on  the business side of real estate development, I understand what it means to be on the other side of the desk – what it feels like when you don’t get a project approved or closed, and what it feels like when you do. These experiences motivate me. They give me insight and allow me to work more closely with my clients to understand their goals and concerns, and craft creative solutions for them.

Outside of my law practice, I am the Board Chair of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, a non-profit organization of community leaders working to expand access to affordable housing through research, public policy and capacity building in Minnesota and nationally. I also own a specialty real estate business with my family, focusing on renovations of historic buildings.

A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career

I grew up in my family’s real estate development business. I learned from the best – my dad. I spent the first decade of my career developing multifamily and mixed use projects, and experiencing the challenges and learning the lessons of the business. I now bring that experience to my practice at Winthrop.

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

Best Lawyers in America®

Real Estate Law, 2022-2025

Minnesota Lawyer

Top Women in Law, 2024

Notable Woman in Law

Twin Cities Business, 2022

40 Under Forty Honoree

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 2015

Award of Recognition for Adaptive Reuse of 333 Maiden Lane, Saint Paul

Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission and Saint Paul Chapter of the American Association of Architects

Outstanding Advocate Award

Minnesota Housing Partnership, 2023

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2023

Associations & Memberships

Minnesota Housing Partnership

Chair, Board of Directors, 2020

NAIOP

(Commercial Real Estate Development Association)

Volunteer Lawyer’s Network

University of St. Thomas School of Law

Guest Judge/Lecturer

Minnesota Women Lawyers

Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women

(MNCREW)

Minnesota Urban Debate League

Advisory Board Member

Winthrop & Weinstine

Member, Board of Directors
Member, Recruiting Committee
Co-chair, Summer Associate Program