I had been pondering a new post to my law firm’s blog, focused on a traditional real estate topic. Now, of course, we are way beyond “traditional” as governments, companies and the public at large struggle to respond in a coherent way to a relentless viral invasion. Members of our firm have been pursuing various…

Businesses and real estate of all types are being disrupted and upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. As this pandemic changes the landscape on a daily basis, we will keep you informed of important property tax issues along the way. Currently, there are three upcoming property tax issues in focus:

  • First Half Property Tax Payment: Due

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Those of us in the real estate practice—and particularly in areas concerning real estate valuation such as eminent domain and property tax appeals—are obviously quite concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our clients’ property values as we all proceed through these very uncertain times. I think about two upcoming quick-take hearings that…

In light of the coronavirus, the majority of employers are allowing, if not mandating, that employees work from home (WFH). What should employers be thinking about when arranging for employees to telecommute?

  1. Determine which positions lend themselves to WFH. Obviously, some positions require face to face interaction or production with hands-on work, such as manufacturing.

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Updated 3/16/2020

An employer’s response to the coronavirus pandemic can change from day-to-day, depending on guidance and recommendations issued by the CDC, state departments of health, OSHA and the World Health Organization.

The questions employers are asking are changing depending on the day, as are the answers!

Can employers question their employees about their recent

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On private construction projects, the lender often requires that the owner/borrower obtain the written consent of the contractor to the collateral assignment of the construction contract by the owner to the lender. This permits the lender to step into the owner’s shoes with respect to the construction contract in the event of the owner’s default…

When an insured business is faced with litigation, sometimes the question of who gets to select defense counsel arises. Third-party liability policies often state that the insurer has both the duty and right to defend the policyholder. Most courts interpret these policies to give the insurer the right to select defense counsel. However, the right…

Under Minnesota law, a contractor may collect reasonable attorneys’ fees in a mechanics’ lien foreclosure action even if the property is a homestead. The amount of the award is in the discretion of the court. That is not the case in every state as recently illustrated in Iowa.

Historically, Iowa has liberally construed its mechanics’…

I recently wrote about the merits of using mediation as a tool to resolve business disputes relating to land and business acquisition, land development, public permitting and related conflicts.  Mediation is especially helpful, in my opinion, when money is less the object in dispute and it is more so about a difference of opinion.  Of…