by G. Sax, Head of Communications, RESO
Welcome to “Three Questions,” an interview series that introduces you to real estate industry professionals, their businesses and how they interact with real estate standards. The goal of the series is to humanize the tech side of the industry, fun included.
This week’s interview is with Mitch Skinner, Attorney/Owner at Larson Skinner PLLC. We talked about the roots of his law firm, how he became RESO’s lawyer, how open workplaces spawn creative communities and the pleasures of city mice. Enjoy!
Q1: You are pretty well known in real estate circles as a lawyer representing the interests of associations, MLSs and us at RESO. Has the law firm always focused on real estate, or did it evolve into that space? And do you practice or have you practiced any kind of law outside of real estate?
Mitch: I can venture a guess; my former business partner, Brian Larson, was CEO of NorthstarMLS, which provided him with a lot of institutional knowledge about MLSs and associations. When Brian opened a law firm, people would seek him out for advice, and a real estate-based client list was born.
I was practicing in the area of general litigation when an associate attorney job posting that mentioned copyright law caught my eye. I got the job, became a partner and owner, the firm became Larson Skinner, and here I am.
I soon hired my current business partner and co-owner, Camille Beshara – best business decision I’ve made, by the way – and we really leaned into our niche practice of serving the real estate industry.
When I joined the firm, I quickly realized how great the real estate community is. I genuinely enjoyed participating in industry events, including early RESO events, which is how I became RESO’s attorney.
RESO: Oh, that’s interesting. Tell me about that.
Mitch: Basically, I showed up.
I was in the NAR building in Chicago for those early RESO meetings. A legal question came up, and I answered it. After that, I volunteered more and became more engaged. One day, Art Carter, CEO of California Regional MLS and the RESO Chair at the time, was like, “Who is this guy?” And the rest is history.
We do have some other clients outside of real estate, including a greeting card company and a brewery, but our primary focus is on the real estate industry, which includes governance, contract negotiation, copyright, trademark, antitrust, consolidations, collaborations and strategy consulting.
Q2: You live and work in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as do I. We happen to have a rich history of real estate tech talent here. What do you suppose is in the Minnesota water that keeps the region thriving in REtech?
Mitch: I’m not sure about the water, but I’m guessing the long, cold winters might have something to do with it.
Also, I think strong REALTOR® associations and MLSs incubate talent and foster ideas. The current leaders of organizations in this area are impressive, and a lot of people who have gone on to great things started in the association/MLS world.
It’s historically been a supportive environment to try out new ideas and even launch products that have taken the industry by storm. It’s easy to be inspired when you are given the freedom to try new things.
Q3: City or suburb and why?
Mitch: I feel like you’re baiting me, because you know where I live. City.
RESO: Why?
Mitch: No. That’s the answer.
(Mitch pauses, distrustful. Continues.)
Cities provide an undeniable cultural hub, walkability, generally more and better restaurant options – the usual trappings of urban life. In Minneapolis, specifically, its close proximity to our beautiful chain of lakes is a draw for me.
I don’t have a problem with the suburbs or country. I’m just really happy with where I live today.
