8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Understanding the Commercial Purchase Agreement
An essential primer for attorneys entering the commercial real estate practice area. This presentation breaks down the structure and the key provisions of a commercial purchase agreement and provides the foundational knowledge to review, draft, and negotiate these agreements.
– Marvin A. Liszt

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Title Insurance: The Difference Between Closing Deals and Cleaning Up Messes
A practical, real-world guide to navigating title insurance with confidence, including how to read a title commitment and identify potential risks before they become problems. Attendees will learn how to effectively review and negotiate Schedule B, understand the purpose and strategic use of key endorsements, and respond when unexpected issues arise in a transaction.
– Barbara B. Gilmore

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAK

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
How to Handle the Commercial Closing
Learn how to approach pre-closing preparation with purpose, develop and execute an effective closing checklist, and identify key risk areas before they become problems at the table. The presentation will also cover essential post-closing follow-up to ensure all loose ends are tied up and the transaction is fully completed.
– Barbara B. Gilmore & Marvin A. Liszt

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Understanding the Commercial Lease
Just like the commercial purchase agreement, a successful real estate attorney needs to become intimately familiar with the components of the commercial lease and how it allocates economic benefits, operational control, and legal risk.
– Brieanna H. Maershbecker

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Overview of the Lawyer’s Role in Residential Real Estate
For most real estate attorneys, residential work is fairly standardized and transaction-driven, with occasional advisory or dispute matters mixed in. However, when the attorney is called upon to step in, it is essential that they have a firm grasp of the core issues in play.
– Katherine P. Pivec 

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Career Advice Panel: Keys to Success
What does it take to become a successful real estate lawyer? Hear tips and advice from panelists who have made the journey and learn how their experiences can benefit you.
– Marvin A. Liszt, Brieanna H. Maershbecker & Katherine P. Pivec

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
BREAK

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Top Ethical Conundrums in Real Estate Law
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Real estate transactions move fast, and ethical pitfalls often hide in the fine print and the pressure to close. This program explores the most common and consequential ethical conundrums facing real estate attorneys, from navigating dual representation and managing conflicts of interest to handling client funds, disclosure obligations, and dealing with unrepresented parties.
– Charles E. Jones

4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Helpful Resources for Real Estate Lawyers
Learn about the valuable tools and resources available to you through Minnesota CLE that can help you on your mission to becoming a successful real estate lawyer.
– Holly L. Garland

LIVE IN-PERSON
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAYS
Monday, June 1, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$295 MSBA members / $295 paralegals / $345 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Season Pass Discount
• New Lawyer Discount

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 6.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.

Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 basic real estate specialist credits.