About Stephen
Stephen brings 20 years of experience representing clients in real estate, land use and development, commercial leasing, and business relations. He advises landowners, and business owners, and developers on the purchase and sale of properties, and has handled projects ranging from straightforward acquisitions to complex, multi-party developments.
Stephen’s practice includes drafting and negotiating commercial leases, resolving title and survey issues, and helping clients navigate land use considerations and development agreements. His deep understanding of real estate law and market dynamics allows him to guide clients through every phase of a transaction with confidence and efficiency.
While a significant part of his background includes representing financial institutions in lending, restructuring, and foreclosure matters, his primary focus is helping clients build, grow, and protect their real estate interests.
Client Services
Real Estate Lending, Review and Drafting, Closings
Business Advising and Legal Review
Real Estate Development and Finance
Real Estate Acquisitions
Mergers and Acquisitions
Private and Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Real Estate Contracts, Review and Drafting, Closings
Title Review and Conveyances
Commercial Leasing
Solar and Wind Leasing
Surface Use Agreements
Experience
Before joining Braun & Gresham, Stephen built a diverse legal career spanning business, finance, and real estate law. He began in private practice at a nationally ranked law firm in Minneapolis, where he advised clients on complex corporate and real estate matters. He later served as General Counsel for a billion-dollar construction materials company, providing executive-level legal oversight across business operations.
His in-house experience also includes serving as Senior Vice President at a Minnesota-based financial services firm and as Senior Manager of Contracts for a global financial services company. Earlier in his career, he practiced at boutique firms in Minnesota, handling corporate transactions, banking, real estate, and litigation with a strong focus on client advocacy and strategic results.
Volunteer
Stephen was appointed by the Governor of Minnesota as a Director for Minnesota Center for Rural Policy and Development, wrote the manual on condemnation for the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, was the Chair of the Corporate Counsel Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, and also served as a member of the Sensible Land Use Coalition.
