My Background
Education
I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2009. For my undergrad degree, I got a BA in Economics from St. Olaf College in 2005.
While in law school I was a student attorney in the Minnesota Consumer Protection Clinic. I worked primarily on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act cases.
Early Career
After law school I completed a Judicial Fellowship in Hennepin County and then became a law clerk for Judge Larry Clark, down in Red Wing. I wrote numerous orders and memoranda for Judge Clark on issues ranging from landlord-tenant disputes to 4th Amendment search and seizure challenges in criminal cases.
Next, I worked as Associate General Counsel for the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). There, I split my time between habeas corpus petitions, coordinating lawsuit defense with the Office of the Attorney General, and providing legal counsel to the DOC’s managers.
My Practice and Apprenticeship.
Even though I was doing high level work at the DOC, it was not a great fit for me. I realized I wanted to help people more directly, so I decided to set out on my own and start a firm with my name on it.
Bankruptcy may seem like an odd choice given some of my past jobs, but I chose it for several reasons. First, it allows me to quickly and efficiently help people improve their quality of life. Second, I don’t like how credit card companies and the healthcare industry are set up to keep us giving them as much as they can get while the average person just scrapes by. Third, I had a mentor ready and willing to show me the ropes.
Randy Winner is a 35-year veteran of the profession. In the three months I stayed with him in Montana, he taught me the sorts of things that can only come from years of experience. He also trusted me to interview clients and prepare their cases for filing.
I am shamelessly copying many of his proven processes and strategies.
Personal
I live in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood in St. Paul (East Side Pride!) with my wife, one-year-old daughter, and a doggo. I have probably too many hobbies, but they include rock climbing, reading sci-fi, gaming, and playing Ultimate Frisbee.
Photo by Ben Hejkal.