Robert's Bio

Rob Tunheim is a corporate, business, and aviation attorney at FMJ. He works with clients throughout Minnesota and across the country, and he advises a wide variety of businesses, aircraft owners, aircraft operators, entrepreneurs, and investors on corporate matters, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and related commercial legal issues.

In the aviation space, Rob advises clients on aircraft purchase and sale transactions, aviation tax planning and structuring, aviation contracts (including leasing, management, and maintenance agreements), and mergers and acquisitions involving aviation businesses and assets. This practice draws on deep familiarity with FAA regulatory requirements, aircraft registration and title issues, and the tax considerations unique to aviation ownership and operation.  Rob’s aviation work includes:

– Aviation-Related M&A
– Aircraft Sales, Leasing, and Other Transactions
– Ownership Structuring
– Aviation Industry Contracts
– Usage and Tax Planning
– Regulatory Compliance

On the corporate side, Rob’s practice covers the full lifecycle of a privately held business: from entity formation and contract drafting and review to buy-side and sell-side M&A representation, corporate structuring, and governance work for closely held companies, startups, and growing enterprises. Rob’s corporate work includes:

– Buying and Selling Businesses in Minnesota and Around the Country
– Due Diligence
– Tax Structuring
– Asset Purchase vs. Stock/Equity Purchase
– Contract Negotiations
– Buy-Sell Agreements
– Business Succession
– Corporate Governance

Clients turn to Rob for practical, transaction-ready advice, whether closing an aircraft purchase, negotiating a corporate acquisition, or structuring a new entity, backed by hands-on experience across both specialized aviation matters and mainstream corporate deal work.

Prior to joining FMJ, Rob was an international tax consultant at a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services. His prior consulting experience gives him additional perspective when evaluating business transactions and advising clients on the business and tax considerations that can affect corporate decisions. Rob earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota School of Law, with a concentration in business law, and his B.A. in Political Science and Economics from St. Olaf College.

St. Olaf College (BA)
University of Minnesota (JD)

Minnesota

  • Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch
  • Minnesota Monthly Top Lawyers

“I am a solutions-oriented business partner for my clients. I enjoy finding practical solutions to current and future problems to ensure my clients are protected and prepared for whatever the future has to offer. Forging personal relationships is essential to provide expert advice as a trusted business partner.”

Rob enjoys spending time with his daughters and dog in Orono. When not in the office, Rob is likely enjoying the great outdoors or chasing after his daughters. Specifically, he enjoys golfing, hiking, waterskiing, and cross-country skiing. Rob is a fervent Minnesota sports fan who cheers on his team in good times and bad. As an avid traveler, Rob is always in search of a new destination for an adventurous vacation.

News About Robert

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July 2026

14 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists!

Congratulations to these attorneys, and thank you for another excellent year! Read more

July 2026

24 Fafinski Mark & Johnson Attorneys Included on Minnesota Monthly’s 2026 Top Lawyers List!

24 attorneys are listed across 13 different practice areas. Read more

June 2026

FMJ’s Corporate Closings – 2026 Updates

Check out some examples of the great work the Corporate and Business Practice Groups have been doing so far in 2026. Read more

March 2026

Want to Buy or Sell an Aviation Business? Here is What You Need to Know.

Aviation M&A involves more than standard deals, including FAA regulations, deal structure, and industry-specific risks. Read more

October 2025

FMJ Joins the National Aircraft Finance Association

NAFA sets the standard for aviation finance. Read more

August 2025

18 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the 2026 Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Read more

June 2025

Rob Tunheim to Present Webinar About New Developments for Buy/Sell Agreements

A recent Supreme Court case has forced many organizations to revisit their Buy/Sell Agreements. Read more

June 2025

FMJ Selected for Multiple 2025 Chambers and Partners Rankings!

FMJ is ranked on the USA-Minnesota Corporate/M&A list and the USA-Nationwide Aviation Transactions list! Read more

March 2025

Corporate Closings!

Spring 2025 Read more

August 2024

16 FMJ Attorneys Recognized on the 2025 Best Lawyers Lists!

Please click here to learn more about this honor. Read more

August 2024

Minnesota’s New Ban on PFAS Compounds and the Impact on Products Sold and Distributed in Minnesota

Learn more about these "forever chemicals" and the legislative structure aimed at reducing and removing PFAS. Read more