I have worked with so many different clients, from young couples with children and few assets to clients with assets over $100 million; from startup business owners to 3rd generation successful business owners; from traditional married clients with the proverbial Lake Wobegon family to clients whose family is not related to them under traditional definitions; and clients who are starting out in life to clients who are in the last days of life. A few years ago I realized there is a common theme: my clients are those who want to work with an attorney who listens and cares about them. These are skills that I was not taught in law school, but learned from my own path in life—working to support my way through law school, raising a family, travels and outdoor experiences, and hearing client’s stories. Life has enriched me, and I want to be able to use that experience to work with every client who walks into our office.
My Approach
My focus is to make sure that my clients feel comfortable discussing who they are and their goals. I recognize that this can involve sensitive topics and difficult decisions for some people. Every client is different, so every plan we prepare is specifically tailored to fit each client. People will eventually rely upon the decisions made and legal documents signed, so the plan needs to really work when needed–logistically, pragmatically and legally. An estate plan can range from simple to highly sophisticated.
After a death, we work in a compassionate, yet business-like manner, with the administrators of the estate, to complete the legal requirements and tasks that need to be done.
Our estate planning team works closely with our clients and their professional advisors to deliver efficient, streamlined cost-effective service through all aspects of the estate planning, estate and trust administration and business succession process.
We create individualized estate plans and keep our clients informed as the years go by with annual updates and reminders. Ultimately, we work with our clients as they age and after death. We facilitate the process, always with the focus on finding the right pathway for each client.
A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career
Practice Areas
Trusts, Wills & Estates
Bold Perspectives
It’s time to review clients’ estate plans
01.25.18
Encore Transitions: Estate Planning, Beyond the Basics
06.13.17
The Modern Family and the Modern Estate
04.01.14
Honors & Awards
Five Star Financial Services Professional
2016-2017
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2015-2016
Associations & Memberships
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
Professional Advisors Network
St. Croix River Association
Board of Directors
Secretary
Executive Committee
Chair of Board Affairs
Board Affairs Committee
St. Croix Valley Community Foundation
Board of Directors
Vice Chair
Ad hoc projects
FamilyMeans
Board of Directors
Metropolitan State University
Marketing Committee
Partnership Plan
Board of Directors
Rotary International
Active member for 18 years
Mapping Your Retirement
(MYR)
Board Member
