MINNEAPOLIS
Monday, March 9, 2026 - Tuesday, March 10, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Check-In: 8:30 AM
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall # 370
3rd Floor, City Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
A Course Designed to Prepare You for the Certification Exam... Also Ideal for Anyone Seeking a Strong Foundation in Real Property Law
Knowledgeable and experienced practitioners will distill critical legal concepts and provide written course materials to refresh your knowledge and expertise in real property law.
4 Reasons to Attend
Real Property Law Specialist Certification Examination
The MSBA offers Minnesota practitioners the opportunity to become Certified Real Property Law Specialists. The examination will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Please visit the MSBA for more information.
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
9:05 – 10:00 a.m.
Forming an Enforceable Contract for the Purchase and Sale of Real Property
This session provides a thorough guide to crafting enforceable contracts for real property transactions, covering essential components such as option contracts, warranties, fraud and misrepresentation, and required disclosures.
– Jessica L. Willes
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Understanding Common Interest Communities
An examination of the fundamental attributes of planned communities, condominiums, and cooperatives within the context of Chapter 515B, focusing on the statute’s applicability, declarant and CIC obligations, and considerations in drafting.
– Phaedra J. Howard
11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Taking the Mystery Out of the Torrens System
This session demystifies the Torrens System, providing a concise exploration of its key elements, including effect of the decree of registration, rights of registered owners, transactions involving registered land, proceeding subsequent to initial registration, and registration of title without a court proceeding under 508A.
– Alison M. Schubring
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
Oh! The Conflicts You’ll Know: Ethics in Real Property Matters
1.0 ethics credit applied for
This session offers attendees a comprehensive examination of ethical considerations, legal obligations, and best practices for real estate professionals.
– Eric T. Cooperstein
1:45 – 2:40 p.m.
Nuts and Bolts of Land Use Regulation
This session will discuss land use controls in cities, counties, townships as well as miscellaneous controls affecting the development of real property. This session will also cover development contracts, exactions and impact fees.
– Patrick B. Steinhoff
2:40 – 2:50 p.m.
BREAK
2:50 – 3:45 p.m.
What Every Real Estate Lawyer Should Know About Contracts for Deed and Cancellations
Gain essential insights into the intricacies of drafting, executing, and navigating cancellations, equipping yourself with the knowledge necessary to navigate these complex legal processes in the realm of real estate law.
– Larry M. Wertheim
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
9:05 – 9:55 a.m.
Best Practices and Current Issues in Mortgage Foreclosures
Explore the latest insights into mortgage foreclosures including effective strategies for navigating the complexities of foreclosure processes while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges and solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of real estate in Minnesota.
– Melissa Porter
9:55 – 10:45 a.m.
Mechanics’ Liens – How They Are Won and Lost
Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of securing and defending mechanics’ liens. Explore winning strategies for the successful establishment of liens, while also understanding the common pitfalls and legal considerations that may lead to their loss.
– Matthew A. Anderson
10:45 – 10:55 a.m.
BREAK
10:55 – 11:45 a.m.
How to Successfully Examine Title in Minnesota
This session will discuss the various types of title; where to research title and what is being examined; what issues to look for; where to find help or guidance; and how to frame or disclose your results.
– Robert L. Russell
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)
12:30 – 1:20 p.m.
Advanced Title and Closing Issues
This session will cover many topics such as Title Standards, White Pages, survey guidelines, closing statements and related issues, ALTA policy forms, and endorsements and partitions.
– Nancy L. Landmark
1:20 – 2:10 p.m.
Key Issues of Residential Landlord/Tenant Law
This session will explore effective lease agreements, eviction procedures, and tenant rights, gaining practical insights to navigate the complex legal landscape of residential property management with confidence and compliance.
– Christopher T. Kalla
2:10 – 2:20 p.m.
BREAK
2:20 – 3:05 p.m.
Avoiding Environmental Liability in Real Estate Transactions
This session will address the process of conducting an environmental due diligence review, focusing on the “All Appropriate Inquiry” rule. Additionally, the session will explore the assessment of risks related to pre-existing contamination, securing liability assurances from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and determining the appropriate circumstances for obtaining environmental insurance.
– Lindsey A. Remakel & Elizabeth H. Schmiesing
3:05 – 3:50 p.m.
Key Issues of Commercial Landlord/Tenant Law
An overview of commercial landlord/tenant law, including assignment and subletting, options, landlord remedies, ground leases and guaranties.
– Molly A. Gherty
3:50 – 4:00 p.m.
Overview of the Real Property Specialist Certification Exam
– Molly A. Gherty & Thomas J. Radio
LIVE IN-PERSON
Monday & Tuesday, March 9-10, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ONLINE REPLAYS
Thursday & Friday, March 26-27, 2026
Thursday & Friday, April 9-10, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.
$445 MSBA members / $445 paralegals / $545 standard rate
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 11.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 11.0 credits.
Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 11.0 advanced real estate specialist credits.