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.
My Approach
The best part of my role is that I have the opportunity to work with business owners, CEOs, CFOs and others, and, in doing so, I make things just a little easier for them. Sometimes this means I am discussing strategic business issues while other times I am helping because they are inundated with a huge volume of work and need someone to shoulder the weight, or they are looking for a business partner and need a recommendation. Regardless of the need, I focus on taking on the psychological burden and giving my clients the ability to focus on their business.
My work includes all aspects of real estate transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, developing and financing. My day-to-day world focuses heavily on mergers and acquisitions – if it involves real property, it involves me. I have a particular interest in multi-unit real estate, especially in the downstream energy, convenience store, and franchise quick-serve restaurant industries. In my practice, the law serves as a tool to help navigate all the complicated aspects of doing business when you own or occupy real estate – complicated zoning, land use, government approvals or regulatory compliance – I sift through these issues and find practical solutions for my clients.
My work also includes governance and compliance. Whether I am representing a charitable organization or a trade association, I provide guidance on how to comply with corporate, tax and campaign finance regulations.
Practice Areas
Real Estate Development & Transactions
Campaign Finance & Election Law
Franchise Transactions

Bold Perspectives
Future of Condominium Development
12.09.20
Announcements from the Minnesota Capitol
12.01.20
2021 - 2022 Minnesota Senate Committee Structure
11.24.20
Honors & Awards
Notable Women in Law
Twin Cites Business Magazine, 2020
Recommended in Real Estate
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers For Business, 2020
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2012-2019
Top Women in Finance
Finance & Commerce, 2014
The Best Lawyers in America©
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Municipal Law, 2017, 2019
Municipal Law, 2010-2021
Land Use and Zoning Law, 2013-2021
Real Estate Law, 2018-2021
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2021
40 Under Forty Honoree
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 2010
Rising Stars
Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2007-2012
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2015-2020
Top 50 Women, 2018
Up & Coming Attorney
Minnesota Lawyer, 2006
Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Taxation
Anoka County Bar Association
Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women
(MNCREW)
NAIOP
(Commercial Real Estate Development Association)
Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association
National Association of Convenience Stores
Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association
Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America
Aeon
Board of Directors, 2016-present
LegalCORPS
Board of Directors, 2011-present
President, 2013-2015
City of Columbia Heights
City Council, 2003-2014
City Council President, 2007-2014
Planning and Zoning Commission, 2000-2002
Charter Commission, 1998-2002
Charter Commission President, 2000-2002
Economic Development Authority, 2003-2014
Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 2003-2016
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Chair, 2006-2016
Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Committee
Member, 2007-2014
Nicollet-Central Policy Advisory Committee
Member, 2012-2013
Hennepin County Bar Association
Chair, Eminent Domain Section Committee, 2017-2018
Vice Chair, Eminent Domain Section Committee, 2016-2017