Excellence is not a skill.  It is an attitude.

                                           -Ralph Marston

Philosophy and Experience 

Families come in all shapes and sizes and the legal challenges facing families are unique.   My practice is focused on helping clients navigate difficult and emotional legal challenges, including dissolution, child custody disputes, child abuse and neglect (CHIPS) cases and juvenile delinquency cases.   I also help my clients grow their families through adoption, third party custody, and grandparent custody.  I also practice in the administrative courts in the Department of Human Services challenging findings of maltreatment.   

In considering an attorney to assist you in your family law or juvenile law proceeding, it is important that you choose counsel who is both knowledgeable about the law and makes you feel comfortable.   I advise clients to look for an attorney whose philosophy of practice is comparable to their goals for how they want their case to be handled.  I believe in collaborative and cooperative settlements in the best interests of children and families whenever possible, but am also a zealous advocate and fully able to take cases to trial when necessary.     

I spent several years in the Anoka County Public Defender's Office both as a law clerk and as an Assistant Public Defender. I focused my practice on Juvenile Delinquency and represented juveniles in all proceedings including Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction and Certification.  I also represented parents in child abuse and neglect (CHIPS) proceedings.    I then served as a staff attorney for Children's Law Center of Minnesota, representing clients around the state.   I have extensive experience in Child Protection and Child Custody proceedings, and have lectured on best practices for representing children.   My talents in these specialized areas give me a unique ability to help young people and families. 

I also spent time in private practice in family law in two law firms prior to establishing my own firm.   I also am fortunate enough to have been able to honor my commitment to indigent defense in the juvenile court throughout my career.  I recently served as a Assistant Washington County Public Defender and as a member of the attorney panel representing the Guardian ad Litem in Juvenile Court in Hennepin County .  I continue to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem.

In my current practice, I continue to embrace helping clients face both difficult and joyful family decisions, and focus on making the legal process accessible for clients.  I also serve on the juvenile appellate panel for the 10^th Judicial District, and have argued cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. 

I am also expanding my practice to include parenting consulting services. My work as a parenting consultant is most appropriate  for families who need assistance after thier divorce or custody case is complete to address the ongoing challenges of co-parenting.    My extensive experience working with parents of children and teens in crisis makes this a natural fit for my practice.

Please contact our office with any questions.  We look forward to working with you.