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
Insurance and COVID-19: Are We Covered?
For a period of time now businesses have seen the effects of COVID-19 on supply lines and suppliers. But now that the virus has been officially labeled a pandemic, and businesses are being asked to shut their doors to effectuate social distancing, will insurance be the last bulwark against financial harm? The answer, as always,
Coronavirus Guidance For Employers
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
Mediation Can Resolve More Than Monetary Matters
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