In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
Estate Planning & Administration, and it found me! After graduating from law school in 2008, I still wasn’t entirely sure what area of law called to me the most (although I had crossed a few practice areas off my list). I ended up with an opportunity to practice with a well-respected solo attorney who had incredible experience in the estate planning and administration areas and learned a lot from her in that initial practice experience. I found that I really enjoyed working with clients to provide a sense of security through thoughtful planning and in guiding clients through the probate and trust administration processes.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A pediatrician. I have always had a heart for children and for having a career where I could make a positive impact in the lives of others.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
After my Junior year of college, and after struggling through 3 years toward a microbiology degree, I decided to re-evaluate my course. I took a look at my core strengths (writing, researching, communicating with others) and decided that I could better achieve my life goals through the practice of law.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would be a Teacher. It is a profession in which I could leverage my strengths, but more importantly, I think it would be incredibly rewarding to play that critical role in children’s lives. Educators have my utmost respect and have, in my opinion, one of the most difficult and important jobs out there.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
My legal writing professor has been an incredible mentor to me. She was an adjunct professor and had a great way of relating the things we were learning in class to real life practice scenarios. I have kept in touch with her ever since that first year of law school, and she has been incredibly generous to me with her time and advice.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
The attorneys and staff here truly care about serving our clients in the best and most efficient way possible. We have a breadth of knowledge and experience within our firm to address just about any scenario that comes our way.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Be kind to the judicial clerk – which is to say “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” There is a time for bravado, but kindness is always in style.
What is an item on your bucket list?
To travel the world!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Any beach, anywhere.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
I’m always up for dinner at Bar La Grassa and Revival.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
Reading.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
The reward of helping people get to the other side of stressful and/or emotionally challenging situations.
Who is your hero?
My mother.
What is a recent good book you read?
Not counting the scores of “beach reads” that I burn through, The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah was beautifully written, and particularly interesting to me as I grew up in Oklahoma. I am also a big Denise Grover Swank fan.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’m an avid baker.
What is your strongest asset?
My empathic nature.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
Grabbing dinner at Sea Salt near Minnehaha Falls, walking through the sculpture garden by the Walker Art Center, having a Jucy Lucy at Matt’s Bar, and walking or driving around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis.