profile

Ms. Tietjen practices in the areas of local government law and labor and employment law and has more than twenty-five years of experience. She currently serves as city attorney for the cities of Richfield, Rosemount, Osseo, Robbinsdale, and Montrose. With the diverse characteristics of these cities – small and fully-developed, first-ring thriving suburbs, and more rural, developing communities – Mary has developed a broad base of knowledge to serve her clients. She regularly deals with questions from city staff in the areas of zoning, land use, data practices, city code and charter interpretation and many more. She also routinely reviews city contracts, joint powers agreements, ordinances, and provides advice on day-to-day personnel issues.

In addition to her role as general counsel for cities, Mary’s practice focuses on providing employment and labor advice to clients on a wide variety of matters, including personnel policy reviews, compliance with federal and state requirements (FMLA, ADA, Veteran’s preference, data practices), employee discipline and termination, labor contract interpretation and grievances, and civil service matters. Mary is currently labor and employment counsel and co-counsel for the cities of Chanhassen, Prior Lake, Lake Elmo, Brooklyn Center, New Brighton, Minnetrista, Medina, Hopkins, Crystal, Coon Rapids, Olivia, East Grand Forks, St. Joseph, Caledonia, Nisswa, Waterville, Rice, and Mendota Heights.

Mary also has past litigation experience including employment-related litigation, labor grievance arbitrations, special assessment appeals and trial and appellate work in both state and federal court. Her experience includes both court and jury trials, significant motion practice and many arguments at the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court.

Prior to her law career, Mary was a staff member for former United States Congressman Gerry Sikorski (1988-1992), where she represented constituents at local, state and federal agencies. Her legal career began as a law clerk and defense attorney for the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (1994-2001), where she represented cities throughout the State of Minnesota in personal injury, property damage, and employment cases. She previously served as the city attorney for Shorewood (2009-2010) and Montrose (2011-2012).

During her spare time, Mary enjoys long-distance running, weightlifting, and other fitness activities. She also enjoys reading, particularly fiction, and endeavors to become a better-than-average cook.

Mary has this to say about Kennedy & Graven:
I enjoy my practice at Kennedy & Graven because it allows me to work with clients who are committed to making their communities a better place to live. It is very rewarding to be part of a team of dedicated and hard-working employees and elected officials serving their communities.

Education
William Mitchell College of Law, St Paul, Minnesota
Juris Doctor cum laude – 1997
Honors: CALI Excellence for the Future Award, Study of Remedies

Concordia College, Saint Paul
Bachelor of Arts cum laude – 1988
Major: Psychology

Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 1997
U.S. District Court, 1997

Professional Associations and Memberships
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
Minnesota Women Lawyers, Member
Minnesota Association of City Attorneys, Member and current President

Classes/Seminars
Taught Workshops for Municipal Officials, Including Presentations on the Family and Medical Leave Act and Governmental Immunity