Tammera R. Diehm

I represent for-profit and non-profit businesses in complex real estate and leasing matters. I represent local and national clients of all types and sizes in real estate transactions involving multiple levels of government approvals, environmental challenges and various forms of public and private financing. I regularly appear before local governments and regulatory agencies on behalf of clients seeking land use and permitting approvals, and work with clients to find creative solutions to complex projects. I served as city attorney for a first-ring suburb for eight years, and served three terms as an elected city council member for Columbia Heights, where I live. This knowledge of both the legal and political aspects of land use and zoning issues helps me bring a fresh and creative perspective to real estate development projects.

Having survived three elections, and serving for twelve years, as a nonpartisan city council member, I understand, first-hand, how complex the rules surrounding campaign finance and elections can be. I also understand the importance of participation in the political process, and the importance of ensuring that participation is in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

As a result, I serve as campaign finance counsel to numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations of all sizes, as well as organizations that have affiliated 527 organizations. These local, statewide and national clients seek advice on issues ranging from formation to day-to-day operational issues, contract negotiation and tax compliance. I regularly advise clients on compliance issues including raising and spending money, issue advocacy, independent expenditures and political action committees. I also focus on risk management, conflict of interest, lobbying and corporate compliance. I have worked with both the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board and the Federal Election Commission to resolve campaign finance issues for clients and I make frequent presentations to business owners and boards of directors regarding corporate political activity.

Notably, Winthrop & Weinstine served as general counsel to the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that raised $170 million and entered into hundreds of contracts in connection with the 2008 Presidential convention that was held in the Twin Cities.  I co-led a team that provided day-to-day support to the organization in all areas including contract administration, communication with donors, regulatory reporting and compliance issues.

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of working with a longtime firm client who decided to sell their multi-generational, gas and convenience store family business. While I had previously worked with the client on various real estate and environmental matters, and I had significant experience in the sale of multi-site retail locations, having the opportunity to assist in such an important and personal transaction to the family reminded me of the positive impact that our work as lawyers and advisers can have on our clients’ lives.  It also taught me a great deal about the downstream energy industry.

Today, I co-lead our firm’s downstream energy practice.  In this capacity, I have had the opportunity to represent numerous gas and convenience store owners and fuel distributors on matters related to supply contracts, zoning, environmental compliance, financing and employment issues.  A significant portion of my work focuses on assisting clients through important transitions – buying or selling a portion of the company – which can be long and complicated, with unexpected challenges.  In these situations, I find that my clients value my counsel as someone who has been through it before, and can bring depth of experience and industry expertise to what is often the most important transaction of their lives.

I know how important it is to be involved and informed in the industry, and am a member of SIGMA, MSSA and MPMA.