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
Mediation Can Pull Matters Out of the Litigation Rabbit Hole
One of the most challenging aspects of an attorney’s job is to advise a client regarding possible litigation. I think of myself as a pragmatic business lawyer whose primary job is to help my clients achieve their business objectives. I much prefer to accomplish this through time spent on advocacy, negotiation and problem solving. Litigation
Bisnow Holds Inaugural “Twin Cities Power Women” Event
Bisnow’s inaugural Twin Cities Power Women event was held on December 11, 2019. The core purpose of this event was to highlight the success of women in the commercial real estate industry and showcase initiatives which have been pivotal in driving change. I had the pleasure to serve as the moderator for the event’s panel
A Sobering Reminder of Who is in Charge of Your Land
Imagine you are a landowner whose property is dedicated to a use that has run its course—say a golf course for example. The land represents a sizable family investment and naturally your thoughts turn to what other uses are possible to assure the land is put to a productive and, hopefully, profitable use for
Relocation Reimbursement: Actual Moving Expense or Business Re-establishment?
Property owners forced to move their business locations through condemnation for the Metropolitan Council’s Southwest Light Rail Transit project are generally entitled to compensation on two fronts—first, they are entitled to just compensation for the taking of their real property; second, they are entitled to relocation benefits for the costs and expenses of moving their
Protecting Church Real Estate Assets—Case Studies from the Twin Cities
When a developer proposed a 29-story tower above the oldest church in Minneapolis, threatening the stability of historic buildings, what did church leaders do? They went on the offensive and brushed up on their rights under land use and zoning regulations. That was one of several case studies presented by land use and real estate
Bisnow “State of the Market” Offers Upbeat View of Commercial Real Estate in Minneapolis
Political storm clouds may be gathering over Washington, D.C. and trade wars may be roiling financial markets in the U.S. and overseas, but in Minneapolis-St. Paul, the real estate market continues to move steadily along with an uptick in speculative office projects and continued low vacancy rates in multifamily projects. That was the assessment of