I represent for-profit and non-profit businesses in complex real estate and leasing matters. I represent local and national clients of all types and sizes in real estate transactions involving multiple levels of government approvals, environmental challenges and various forms of public and private financing. I regularly appear before local governments and regulatory agencies on behalf of clients seeking land use and permitting approvals, and work with clients to find creative solutions to complex projects. I served as city attorney for a first-ring suburb for eight years, and served three terms as an elected city council member for Columbia Heights, where I live. This knowledge of both the legal and political aspects of land use and zoning issues helps me bring a fresh and creative perspective to real estate development projects.
My Approach
In my dual role of Firm President and practicing attorney, there are more similarities than differences. In both cases, whether representing the firm or our clients, my ultimate goal is to find the right path forward, making it easier and more efficient to do business. At times, this means I am discussing strategic business opportunities, while other times I am working through a thorny technical issue. More often than not, I am serving in an advisory role and finding the best person for the job at hand, whether that is me or another member of our team.
Firm President
I see my role of Firm President as that of a coach, motivating team members and helping each individual unlock his or her potential. Each person approaches their practice differently, and that approach evolves and changes over time. As I work to oversee all aspects of firm management and operations, I want to give each of our firm members the ability to build their own career, offering flexibility and support while maintaining our firm’s core values and commitment to client service. My “onboarding” as President included navigating issues no one could have predicted – a global pandemic, widespread economic uncertainty, and nationwide civil unrest – but I feel fortunate to have had such a rich training opportunity. Through it all, each individual stepped up to the challenge, responded with creativity and teamwork, and didn’t miss a beat in their ardent representation of our clients.
Legal Practice
In addition to guiding the firm as the coach, I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside my teammates. My legal work includes all aspects of real estate transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, developing and financing. My day-to-day world focuses heavily on mergers and acquisitions – if it involves real property, it involves me. I have a particular interest in multi-unit real estate, especially in the downstream energy, convenience store, and franchise quick-serve restaurant industries. In my practice, the law serves as a tool to help navigate all the complicated aspects of doing business when you own or occupy real estate – complicated zoning, land use, government approvals or regulatory compliance – I sift through these issues and find practical solutions for my clients.
My work also includes governance and compliance. Whether I am representing a charitable organization or a trade association, I provide guidance on how to comply with corporate, tax and campaign finance regulations.
Practice Areas
Bold Perspectives
Negotiating Commercial Leases for Small Businesses
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Honors & Awards
Notable Women in Commercial Real Estate
Twin Cities Business, 2022
100 People to Know – Overachiever Category
Twin Cities Business, 2021
Excellence in Leadership
MNCREW, 2021
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2015-2024
Top 50 Women, 2018, 2020
Notable Women in Law
Twin Cites Business Magazine, 2020
Recommended in Real Estate
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers For Business, 2020-2023
Recommended in Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers For Business, 2022-2023
Leaders in their Field
Real Estate
Chambers USA
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2012-2023
All-Star Lawyer 2020
Top Women in Finance
Finance & Commerce, 2014
The Best Lawyers in America©
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2022
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Municipal Law, 2017, 2019
Municipal Law, 2010-2025
Land Use and Zoning Law, 2013-2025
Real Estate Law, 2018-2025
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2020-2025
40 Under Forty Honoree
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 2010
Rising Stars
Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2007-2012
Up & Coming Attorney
Minnesota Lawyer, 2006
Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
Fellow
Minnesota State Bar Association
Public Law Section
Real Property Section
Anoka County Bar Association
Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women
(MNCREW)
NAIOP
(Commercial Real Estate Development Association)
Minnesota Chapter; Chair, Community Enhancement Committee, 2017-present
Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association
National Association of Convenience Stores
Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association
Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America
Aeon
Member, Board of Directors, 2016-2023
Chair, Board of Directors, 2019-present
LegalCORPS
Board Member Emeritus, 2020-present
President, Board of Directors, 2013-2015
Member, Board of Directors, 2011-2020
Volunteer, 2004-present
City of Columbia Heights
City Council, 2003-2014
City Council President, 2007-2014
Appointed Commissioner, Planning and Zoning Commission, 2000-2002
Charter Commission, 1998-2002
Charter Commission President, 2000-2002
Appointed Commissioner, Economic Development Authority, 2003-2014
Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 2003-2016
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Chair, 2006-2016
Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Committee
Member, 2007-2014
Vice Chair, 2011-2014
Nicollet-Central Policy Advisory Committee
Member, 2012-2013
Hennepin County Bar Association
Chair, Eminent Domain Section Committee, 2017-2018
Vice Chair, Eminent Domain Section Committee, 2016-2017
Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.
Board of Directors, 2018-present
Columbia Heights Alumni Scholarship Foundation
Board Member 2019-present
American College of Real Estate Lawyers
Elected 2021
Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
Elected 2021
Children’s Theatre Company
Board of Directors, July 2023-present
Detroit Regional Chamber
Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable
Member, 2023-
Bizwomen Leadership Council
Member