Jennifer L. Carey, Hanft Fride

Shareholder, Hanft Fride

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in construction or real estate law?

The lack of affordable housing is a huge challenge for Minnesota. High mortgage rates, rising home prices, and low inventory are among the key factors. As cities explore how to revitalize their downtowns, e.g., by increasing multifamily housing options, it will be necessary at the local level to streamline zoning approval processes to shorten construction timelines (although such measures alone are not sufficient).

What advice would you give a business to avoid legal complications in construction or real estate?

The development process varies from one county or one city to the next. Make certain you know what the zoning approval process is and make sure that you have a responsible person coordinating the process. Coordination with the attorney, architect, engineer, surveyor, contractor, lender, realtor, and planning and zoning is critical for success. A successful project will be made up of a team with local expertise and experience, and team members who have local connections, know how to communicate clearly, pay attention to detail, and have great negotiation skills.

How do you manage work/life balance?

I manage work/life balance by working in the office and living at home. I love what I do, but I could do it 24/7 if I didn’t need sleep and a few other things like family and friends!

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

I love Duluth and the North Shore, but the one thing I would change is April and May, when it is spring everywhere else but winter is still hanging on in Duluth! It would be lovely if we could have a real spring, but without climate change to get it!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I am an avid tennis player!