Overview
Carol represents developers, businesses and individuals on land use and regulatory matters. In addition to more than 13 years of experience in private practice, Carol spent more than 11 years as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Minneapolis, where she advised the City's elected officials, boards and commissions, and staff on zoning, land use planning, land subdivision, street vacation, heritage preservation regulation and various other municipal legal matters.
Carol represents clients in a range of projects and industries. She has driven land use and regulatory solutions for over 150 projects, including mixed-use and planned developments, offices historic landmarks, retail centers and housing developments of all varieties, tackling issues including zoning, environmental review, right-of-way vacation, nonconforming use rights, liquor licensing, and on- and off-premise sign approvals. She also helps property owners understand the impacts of proposed changes to municipal land use plans.
Personal Interests
Carol enjoys walking the land her family owns in Western Wisconsin, searching for birds, wildflowers and morels.
Related Legal Services
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Clerkships
Minnesota State Court, Fourth Judicial District, Hon. Ann D. Montgomery, 1992-1993
Education
University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif (1992)
University of Wisconsin
B.S. in Chemistry, with distinction (1985)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
News
Other Perspectives
- Closing the Deal: How to Survive the Closing Checklist on Development Projects
September 2013 - New Law: Land Use – The New 'Practical Difficulties' Standard
Minnesota CLE Webcast, September 2011
- Assessing and Mitigating the Zoning Impacts of a Partial Taking
Condemnation, Zoning and Land Use, Annual Review, American Bar Association, 2009 - Practical Guide to Zoning and Land Use Law
Minnesota Case Law Update, September 2007 - The Basics: How to Get a Housing and Community Development Transaction to Closing
April 2007 - Historic Preservation in Minnesota Regulatory Framework and Development Tax Incentives, June 2005
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Volunteer Lawyers Network — Legal Access Point Clinic
- Individual pro bono representation of low-income individuals, arts and other charitable organizations
Professional Associations
- Lambda Alpha International (LAI) land economics society — Board Member
- Minnesota State Bar Association — Public Law Section; Local Government Committee (Co-chair)
Civic Activities
- Jungle Theater — Former Board Member
Honors
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022-23
- Chambers USA — Minnesota, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use, 2019-24
- Best Lawyers®— Land Use & Zoning Law, 2013-25 (Lawyer of the Year, 2022)
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-15