In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
Estate Planning and Small Business Transactions. I chose this area of practice because I enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients, helping them achieve their goals with respect to their families and futures.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have no idea. A writer, perhaps.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
In my first “big girl” job out of college, I was an event planner. Through that process of sales and contract negotiations, I learned how much I enjoyed putting the puzzle pieces of a contract together to achieve goals for a client.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
Traveling around the world with my family.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
My dad. He is a mechanical engineer and ingrained in me the value of education, no matter my chosen career path. (He has a number of fantastic lawyer jokes.)
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
We have a wonderfully collaborative team, constantly popping into each other’s offices to bounce an idea off one another or confirm an understanding of a statute. This helps us all be better attorneys and also strengthens our sense of community in the workplace.
What is the best career advice you have received?
If you do not speak up and ask for what you want, the answer is always no.
What is an item on your bucket list?
Travel the world (or at least part of it) with my family!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Scotland.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
Any lake in Minnesota is my favorite lake.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
My restaurant of the moment is Birches at the Lake in Long Lake.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
Spending time outdoors with my husband, children, and puppy Boomer.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
Building relationships with clients where I become their resource for any professional needs, whether it is a referral to another professional or something I can help them with.
What is a recent good book you read?
The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah
American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins
Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles
What advice would you give to the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?
You. Can. Do. This.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I have been skydiving in Namibia.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
Sebastion Joe’s ice cream in Uptown.
