MINNEAPOLIS — May 7, 2024. Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A., is pleased to announce that four new attorneys have joined the firm. Jacob (“Jake”) G. Peterson has joined the firm as Counsel in the Corporate & Transactions practice; Vanessa D. Runtsch and Michael Terres have joined the firm as Associates in the Specialty Tax Credits & Incentives practice; and Jingjia (“Violet”) Zhang has joined the firm as an Associate in the Renewable Energy Development & Construction practice.

Jacob (“Jake”) G. Peterson, Counsel in the Corporate & Transactions practice, represents individuals and various types of businesses in large-scale corporate transactions; he also has experience handling a wide array of commercial real estate matters for business clients, including acquisitions and dispositions, easement, liens, and other land use matters. His past experience in a blended litigation and transactional setting provides him with a unique perspective when advising his current corporate clients. Jake earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and was the Articles Editor for the Journal of Corporation Law. He earned his B.A., summa cum laude, from Hamline University.

Vanessa D. Runtsch, Associate in the Specialty Tax Credits & Incentives practice, advises clients on intricate federal, state and local tax issues, including issues relating to indirect tax, income and franchise tax, tax implications relating to mergers and acquisitions, and opportunities for tax benefits and credits. In her current legal practice, Vanessa draws on her past experiences as an associate at a “Big 4” accounting firm and as a risk management consultant for a large financial institution. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, her M.B.A. from Colorado State University, and her B.S. from the University of North Dakota. She is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Third Party Risk Professional (CTPRP).

 Michael J. Terres, Associate in the Specialty Tax Credits & Incentives practice, has experience advising clients on tax controversy matters and on complex federal and state tax issues, such as qualified small business stock gain exclusions, tax implications in bankruptcy proceedings, ordinary and necessary business expense deduction and capitalization, and qualified disaster losses. Prior to joining Winthrop & Weinstine, Michael was a Senior Tax Advisor at a national accounting and business consulting firm. Michael earned his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and his M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He also earned his B.S. in Business Economics from the University of St. Thomas.

 Jingjia (“Violet”) Zhang, Associate (licensed in California) in the Renewable Energy Development & Construction practice, has experience guiding clients through cross-border energy transactions and complex renewable energy projects. Her passion for the environment and interest in quelling the effects of climate change, stemming from her previous legal experience in Beijing, China, helped shape her current renewable energy practice. Violet earned her LL.M. in Environmental Law and Policy from Stanford Law School, and her LL.B. and B.A. from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China.

Minneapolis, MN (May 2, 2024) — Winthrop & Weinstine, a leading law firm committed to the pursuit of progress, proudly announces the grand opening of its newly designed office space, located in the Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis. The expansion and remodel project, spanning 107,000 square feet – a 10% increase in square footage from its previous footprint – marks a significant milestone in the firm’s effort to create a dynamic workplace tailored to the needs of its employees and clients.

The project, undertaken in collaboration with commercial real estate firms Cushman & Wakefield and Shorenstein, and interior design studio Yellow Dog, was driven by Winthrop & Weinstine’s vision to create a workspace that enhances employee well-being and collaboration while reflecting the firm’s values and commitment to its workforce. The design and planning process kicked off in 2022, with construction and renovation starting in August 2023, and spanning eight months. Employees officially moved into the new space on April 22, 2024.

The fully remodeled office now features six floors, including a new internal connecting stairway, multiple employee lounges, state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, wellness areas, larger collaborative spaces, and an exclusive outdoor deck, all aimed at enriching the firm’s culture. Over the last five years, Winthrop & Weinstine has experienced more than 20% staff growth, and currently has 322 employees of which 175 are attorneys.

“Our new office space represents a bold step forward for Winthrop & Weinstine as we continue to prioritize the well-being and productivity of our employees,” said Tami Diehm, President of Winthrop & Weinstine, “We are thrilled to provide our team with a modern, innovative workspace that fosters collaboration, creativity and professional growth.”

Unlike many companies reducing their physical footprint, Winthrop & Weinstine embraced the forward-looking opportunity to expand its presence in downtown Minneapolis, demonstrating its promise to help support and revitalize the local community. The firm’s decision to increase square footage underscores its commitment to meeting the needs of its staff and clients along with a vision for a vibrant future.

“We are pleased to continue our presence in this central location downtown and contribute to the economic growth of Minneapolis,” added Diehm. “Our investment in this new office space reflects our confidence post-pandemic and our dedication to bringing our employees back together in meaningful ways and keep providing exceptional service to our clients.”

Winthrop & Weinstine unveiled its new office space on May 2 in an open house for clients, government officials and friends. During the event, Mayor Jacob Frey issued a proclamation stating May 2, 2024 as Winthrop & Weinstine Day in the City of Minneapolis. This proclamation reaffirms the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement in downtown Minneapolis.