Lica Tomizuka Discusses Her Career and Real Estate Practice in Minnesota Lawyer’s “Breaking the Ice” Feature

In a Q&A titled “Breaking the Ice: Hidden details add intrigue to real estate practice,” Faegre Drinker partner Lica Tomizuka discussed her legal career with Minnesota Lawyer, including her work on several downtown Minneapolis projects and their impact on the community.

Tomizuka has worked on negotiations related to new and existing skyways, including the Nic on Fifth luxury apartment high-rise and adjacent Xcel Energy headquarters expansion. She said that it is currently a “unique and challenging time for downtown,” but people are hopeful it will improve soon. She has been a member of the Minneapolis Downtown Council board since February 2020.

In addition to questions about commercial real estate, the publication asked Tomizuka about why she studied law and pursued it as a career and what misconceptions people have about her work as an attorney.

When asked what she likes best about her work, Tomizuka responded, “Working as part of a team with inspiring, kind and smart people at the firm and at our clients. I get to help clients with their real estate deals. I get to help advance diversity and inclusion within the firm and the community. I get to help organizations effect positive change in our community through board service.”