2024 Up & Coming Attorneys: Nicholas D. Lyden

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STINSON LLP

Nicolas Lyden did not follow the traditional path to becoming an attorney.

After owning a sign and graphics business for several years, he sold it in 2008 at the beginning of the Great Recession and started at the University of Minnesota Law School. “I’ve never looked back,” he said.

Lyden focuses on real estate, an industry he served while running the graphics business. Attracted to real estate, he investigated Stinson LLP and saw a job opening requiring five years of experience.

A new graduate, he didn’t have the background, but he made a convincing argument to give him a chance. Today, he’s one of Stinson’s leading real estate attorneys with experience executing and closing real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leases and financing transactions.

Lyden has worked in over 30 states and represents one of the largest residential home builders in the country in development deals. Lyden represents commercial real estate clients, two national real estate investment trusts (REITs), a big retailer and solar and wind developers.

“Part of the fun is seeing brick and mortar buildings get done,” he said.

Lyden’s pro bono work involves helping clients with unfavorable contracts, landlord disputes and leasing issues. He does legal advocacy and professional development for the Minnesota State Bar
Association, including mentoring.

“I’ve also been involved in youth athletics for some time and worked my way up to coaching wrestling at Forest Lake High School for the past four years,” Lyden said. His son recently graduated and will wrestle at a Division One school.

When Lyden started in law, he figured his competitive nature would lead to a career as a litigator.

“When I got exposed to transactional law, I liked the idea of getting a deal done,” he said. “It is challenging and rewarding work that, at the end of the day, makes a difference for our clients.”