Kutak Rock attorney Tim Keane has been recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as a 2023 Attorney of the Year in the Group category for his participation in Smart Growth Minneapolis v. City of Minneapolis. Tim will share the award with attorney Nekima Levy and Taft Stettinius & Hollister attorneys Maren Forde, Jack Perry and Brayanna Smith.
The team of attorneys is being recognized for their win in the Smart Growth Minneapolis v. City of Minneapolis, case No. 27-cv-18-19587, slip op. (Minn. 4th Jud. Dist. Sept. 5, 2023 Order) (Smart Growth III). Since 2018 the team has filed claims challenging the City’s 2040 Plan and subjecting it to environmental review. The team successfully argued that the City didn’t adequately account for the environmental impacts in its 2040 Plan (MN. S. Ct., A19-0999 (2021)). The district court subsequently ruled that the City must revert back to its 2030 Plan.
Now in their 23rd year, the Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year awards recognize attorneys for their work in procuring a successful result in an important case or business transaction, leadership in professional associations, participating in newsworthy events in the legal community, performing significant public services, or excellence in providing in-house legal services. The award illustrates the job of lawyers in addressing some of society’s most volatile challenges and the remarkable work being done across the legal community.
Tim Keane and the team of Minneapolis-based attorneys will be recognized during an awards event on February 8, 2024 at Quincy Hall in Northeast Minneapolis.
The full list of recipients is available for Minnesota Lawyer subscribers.
Tim Keane, a former city planner, frequently serves as development counsel on corporate and governmental legal matters including real estate transactions, complex land use approvals, and litigation oversight; project management, planning, design and development; and eminent domain.