Mark A. Severson explains why judicial experience, incumbency, impartiality, and independence matter when evaluating candidates for the bench.
Author: Severson Porter Law
Where Did My Lakefront Go?
How gradual shoreline changes can affect lakefront boundaries—and why deeds, surveys, and the ordinary high water level answer different questions.
The Hidden Legal Problems That Don’t Show Up Until You Sell Your Lake Property
Title gaps, lot-line adjustments, and other hidden issues can complicate a lake-property sale. Learn why early title and boundary review matters.
The Anatomy of a Deed: What It Is and Why It Matters
A practical introduction to property deeds, legal descriptions, and the role a deed plays in transferring ownership.
Conditional Use Permits and Variances: What Minnesota Property Owners Need to Know
An introduction to conditional use permits and variances, and the different questions each raises for Minnesota property owners.
New Lake Laws
A February 2026 overview of Minnesota lake-use and stewardship legislation. Check current requirements before acting.
Super Lawyers names Mark Severson a 2020 Rising Star in Minnesota
Firm news: Mark Severson was selected as a Minnesota Rising Star in 2020.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
From the archives: a March 2020 discussion of the pandemic’s effects on business and real estate transactions.
VARIANCES: Obtaining Permission to Vary from a Zoning Ordinance
From the archives: an introduction to zoning variances and requests to depart from local zoning requirements.
UPCOMING LLC LAW CHANGE
From the archives: a 2017 notice about changes affecting Minnesota limited liability companies.
KURT W. PORTER PREVAILS AT DISTRICT COURT IN DISPUTE OVER AMBIGUOUS PLAT
Firm news: Kurt W. Porter represented property owners at trial in a dispute involving an ambiguous plat on the Whitefish Chain.
LAKE HOME RENTAL 101
From the archives: business and legal considerations when offering a lake home for rent.
MARK A. SEVERSON CERTIFIED AS MSBA CERTIFIED REAL PROPERTY LAW SPECIALIST
Firm news: Mark Severson’s certification as a Minnesota State Bar Association Real Property Law Specialist.
RIPARIAN RIGHTS: WHAT DO YOU REALLY OWN?
From the archives: an introduction to the rights associated with owning waterfront property.
NOTHING EASY ABOUT EASEMENTS
From the archives: how easements can address access, property use, and development issues.
LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AS LEGAL OPTION TO PRESERVE A LAKE
From the archives: an overview of lake improvement districts as a tool for lake stewardship.
Common Interest Communities 101: Choosing the Right Type of CIC
From the archives: comparing condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities.
SERIES: SHOULD I INCORPORATE MY BUSINESS?
From the archives: considerations when deciding whether to operate a business through a separate legal entity.
COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES 101 SERIES: WHAT ARE CICS?
From the archives: an introduction to common interest communities and their uses.
ROOTS OF INHERITANCE AND THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF THE DEATH TAX
From the archives: a discussion of inheritance and the history of estate taxation.