Attorney Spotlight: Karl Tsuchiya

In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?

Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Real Estate, Landlord/Tenant, and legal counsel for small businesses. I have found these areas are relevant to most people’s every day lives.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional Hockey Player, Mechanical Engineer, or Architect.

When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?

During my senior year of college I knew I wanted either an MBA or Law Degree. During my first job out of college I knew I wanted to be a lawyer.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?

Either an engineer or architect.

Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.

My dad. He instilled the importance of family, work ethic, integrity, and being respectful to everyone you meet.

What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?

Support, resources, depth of knowledge, and mutual respect.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Have a hobby unrelated to your occupation.

What is the strangest legal question you have ever been asked?

What type of things can be gifted in an estate plan.

What is an item on your bucket list?

Traveling to Australia.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Cape Cod, MA.

What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?

The frozen kind – Pond Hockey for life.

What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?

Broders Pasta.

When you are not working, what would people find you doing?

Yard work, to do lists, Men’s hockey, taking care of my children.

What is your favorite part of practicing law?

The challenge and uniqueness of every case and client.

What advice would you give to the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?

Diversify your classes.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I enjoy vegetable gardening and yard work.

What is your strongest asset?

How quickly I can learn.

If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?

Wild game, cabin life, seeing the lakes and sites, Maynard’s in Excelsior.