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Catherine "Trina" L. Sjoberg

Knowing when to sweat the small stuff – and when not to – gets deals across the finish line.

My Approach

Over my career, through all the variety of types and complexity of deals I have worked on, the thing that keeps me going is the satisfaction I get from helping to bring people together to accomplish deals that make sense for each and further their business goals. I always take a pragmatic approach by considering what’s market and the business goals of both sides, to make sure we’re advancing the deal, not obstructing it. Because I have seen so many transactions – including ways they can go wrong – I am able to help steer my clients around any potential issues with efficiency toward closing.

Some of my favorite projects are the development deals – I appreciate working with clients who are entrepreneurial and creative, who can look at vacant land or a dilapidated building and consider the future it could have, and then use the depth of my experience to help make it a reality.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the lakes up north with my family, cooking and entertaining with friends, and yoga.  I’ve also been learning to play golf … for several decades.

A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career

Going into law school, I envisioned myself doing corporate work, rather than real estate. But after I graduated, I got hired by a small firm in Denver, and the first transaction that I worked on was the Denver Broncos’ new stadium. I got to work on so many real estate issues in that one project – development issues, financing issues, leasing and subleasing concerns, concession agreements, and more. I had a wonderful mentor who made sure I attended all the meetings, big conferences with firms from the East Coast and Chicago, and then had the trust in me to get it done, despite the vertical learning curve – and I have been hooked on real estate development and transactions ever since.

Practice Areas

Honors & Awards

Best Lawyers in America®

Real Estate Law, 2018-2025

Minnesota Lawyer

POWER 30 Real Estate and Construction, 2023, 2024

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2021

Minnesota Super Lawyers®

Rising Star, 2011

Associations & Memberships

MSBA Real Property Law Specialist Certification

Board Member, 2016-present

Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women

Member and past Board Member, 2007-present

NAIOP

Member
Member, Public Policy Committee

Hennepin County Bar Association

Past Chairperson, Real Property Section
Past Member, Board of Directors

Colorado Bar Association

Minnesota State Bar Association