Excelsior Family Lawyers

Amanda grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and received a degree in public relations and marketing. During college she enjoyed rowing for the University of Minnesota’s women’s crew team. After graduating from UST, magna cum laude, Amanda began practice at a small firm in Waconia, Minnesota. There, she spent her time practicing in a wide variety of areas and learned that she most enjoys solving problems for real people: individuals, families and small businesses. In 2011, Amanda and Katie Hanson opened Bloomgren Hanson Legal with a goal of providing practical people focused...

Gillian J. Blomquist grew up in California and lived in Arizona and Vancouver, Canada, before adopting Minnesota as her home.
Gillian has worked in the legal field since 1998, starting as a paralegal with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, and then working as a family law paralegal while she completed her master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. In Arizona, she worked for the Attorney General’s Office on child protection matters. Upon returning to Minnesota, she spent time working for the 10th Judicial District as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for children in juvenile and family court. As...

Graduated from Concordia College Moorhead, MN in 2001 majoring in business administration. Attended the University of North Dakota School of Law with the Juris Doctor in 2004. Erin has been in private practice since 2004.

Katie Lammers leads Heimerl & Lammers’ family law department. She is an experienced attorney practicing in all areas of Minnesota family law. Understanding complex legal issues is only one aspect of being an attorney. A great lawyer also connects with their clients on a personal level. Katie listens carefully to all of her client’s concerns and works in partnership with them to create a collaborative legal plan. While Ms. Lammers has solid litigation and courtroom experience, she promotes the financial and emotional advantages of resolving family law cases through mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Katie attended Arizona State University, where she received her...

Politics, public policy and solving problems have always been interesting to me. I like debates on important issues in our world. I think that is what led me to study law. The skill of presenting evidence to persuade others to agree with your view is at the core of being a good lawyer. Nearly 30 years of practicing family law has sharpened this skill for me. I don't mind the intense emotions that often accompany divorce and child custody matters. My firm handles many contested cases each year but we always strive to resolve conflicts outside of court....

With over 35 years of experience as an attorney, I have dedicated the past twenty-four years to helping families and individuals navigate the challenges of divorce, custody, parenting time, and step-parent adoptions. Having personally gone through a divorce and successfully raising two children in a bi-nuclear family, I understand the complexities and emotional toll these situations can bring. My approach is grounded in the belief that "Children are not a prize to be won." I am committed to ensuring that they receive the love and support they need from both parents. My role is to guide you through the legal process, allowing...

Before starting my own law firm, I worked for law firms in New York City. I represented people and businesses in lawsuits in court. Other clients needed help with transactions for themselves or their businesses. Some of my favorite clients were young families and small business owners and working with them inspired me to start my own law firm in 2011.

WHAT I LEARNED

Starting my own business helped me understand the challenges and opportunities that confront business owners at all stages of their entrepreneurial journeys. I was immediately amazed at the creative and innovative ways that these businesses worked with their...

Patrick C. Burns is an experienced lawyer with a comprehensive practice of real estate, family, and general litigation. Mr. Burns has extensive experience in the courtroom, and is known for his focused and intense advocacy for his clients. He is one of the few attorneys to successfully appeal an intent to revoke a housing license in Hennepin County and regularly represents landlords in all types of leasing, licensing, and litigation matters. He has successfully foreclosed on hundreds of liens and regularly advises homeowners' associations on declarations, amendments, and remedies in collecting dues. He is also an experienced family law litigator...

Eric graduated magna cum laude from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN in 1990. In 1994 he received a Doctorate of Law (JD) degree from the University of Minnesota. Following that, he spent the next two years as a judicial clerk for the distinguished Honorable Lois J. Lang, Judge of District Court, with a workload that primarily involved the drafting of divorce decrees, orders, and legal memoranda on a host of issues pertaining to divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, spousal maintenance, distribution of marital and non-marital property, valuation of property, domestic abuse and harassment, and the like....

Adam Blahnik is a Minnesota divorce attorney and law partner at Blahnik, Prchal & Stoll PLLC, a law firm based out of Prior Lake, Minnesota (in Scott County). Adam practices in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, prenuptial agreements, paternity, Orders for Protection (OFP) and Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO). Adam also practices in tribal court, and frequently represents clients at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Prairie Island Tribal Court.

Adam received his juris doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 2005, and was admitted to practice...

John grew up in Bloomington, MN and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1985. He attended Mankato State University on a football scholarship before attending Indiana University School of Law and receiving his JD with honors in 1992. He moved his office to Burnsville, MN in 1994 and has remained in the same location for over 20 years. At Burns Law Office our practice is limited to family law matters such as divorce/separation, child custody, child support, father's rights, alimony/spousal maintenance, prenuptials and related matters. John is one of the most respected and experienced attorneys in...

From low-income families, to high net-worth individuals and small/medium sized businesses, Attorney Franklin prides himself in providing the same high-quality representation to all clients. Having practiced at both AM100 law firms, boutique law firms and working at various states Attorney's Offices, Mr. Franklin confidently addresses the complex aspects of all legal affairs. Additionally, Attorney Franklin deeply understands the relation between client’s corporate, investment, and entrepreneurial interests when assisting clients with legal strategy. As a leader and educator, regularly contributes to industry discussions, participates in regulatory initiatives, and advocates for favorable legal frameworks that promote fairness and justice. Individuals, business...

Jacquelyn is a top-rated attorney focusing her practice exclusively in family law. She represents fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, grandparents, and other stakeholders in family law cases. Jacquelyn is motivated to practice in the area of family law by her own childhood. As the daughter of divorced parents, she has personal experience with the struggles that exist when co-parenting and blending families. As a mother of three children herself, she has an intimate understanding of what is at stake for each client. Jacquelyn is dedicated to counseling her clients through the deeply personal - and often complex - issues involved...

EXPERIENCED REPRESENTATION WITH PERSONAL CLIENT SERVICE
O’Connor Law and Mediation PLLC is a law practice in Burnsville, Minnesota providing legal counsel focusing on family law. Our attorney, Kathleen E. Rusler O’Connor has over 25 years of experience in family law handling cases such as divorce, custody, child support, mediation and protection orders from initial pleadings through to settlement or trial. One of her many strengths is considering each client and each case on an individual basis and giving each client her personal attention.

HELPING YOU FIND THE MOST APPROPRIATE SOLUTION
Attorney, Kathleen E. Rusler O’Connor is ready to help you find your way...

Elizabeth is an attorney at Henson Efron in Minneapolis. Her practice is focused exclusively on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, post-decree matters, international and domestic parental abduction, and third party custody. Elizabeth serves as a compassionate and fierce advocate for her clients. A skilled writer and negotiator, she enjoys crafting creative solutions and is always prepared to advocate for her clients and their children both in and out of the courtroom. Elizabeth graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College and earned her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas, where she was an editor of the Law Journal. She...

I am a lawyer living in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, and practicing in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area. I enjoy sharing ideas with people, getting active outside, and spending time with my friends and family. I hold degrees in Philosophy and Law from the University of Minnesota.

Anna graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Law and Society. She then went on to pursue her degree in Paralegal Studies and began working as a litigation secretary. After working in the legal field for 2 years, she went on to pursue her law degree. Anna obtained her law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. During law school, Anna clerked as a certified student attorney for the Washington County Public Defender's Office where she represented clients in bail hearings. After she left Washington County, Anna spent her final year of law school as a law clerk at...

Jean Paul is a senior attorney at Burns & Hansen. His practice focuses on helping clients through disputed family law matters. Harnessing almost eight years of experience in family law, Jean Paul provides candid advice and empathy to his clients in cases that require creative negotiations, aggressive advocacy, or further investigation. Jean Paul advocates for his client's interests and goals in a cost-effective manner. Prior to joining Burns & Hansen, Jean Paul served as a judicial clerk for Referee Madden at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center, where he learned to analyze complex social and financial issues in family law...

The firm’s founder, Thomas R. Hurwitz has practiced law in multiple areas throughout his career. He is highly respected in the legal community for his work in numerous areas. He was chosen by his peers as a “Super Lawyer” – one of Minnesota’s Best Lawyers. Mr. Hurwitz is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Hennepin County Bar Association, and joined the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association in 1990. Mr. Hurwitz is listed in Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses and the National Registry of Who’s Who for his work as an attorney. Thomas Hurwitz has received numerous commendations...

I am an associate attorney with the law firm Burns & Hansen P.A. based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I primarily practice in the areas of real estate law, contract matters, and civil litigation. I have significant experience addressing landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions, rent escrow matters, illegal activity provisions, and local and state ordinance violations. In civil matters I specialize in cases involving breaches of contract, property disputes, and building contractor cases. I approach my cases with a strategy specifically tailed my clients' circumstances. I am willing and able to advocate for my client's needs, be that by negotiating settlements or...

Jennifer L. Thompson is a Minnesota child protection attorney whose passion is to provide Family-Centered Advocacy for Every Season of Your Lifetime.SM Some seasons of life are full of joy – like adopting the children of your spouse or those who’ve been in foster care. Others are more stormy – especially when social services gets involved with your own children. Whether your children have been removed from your home, you or your facility are under investigation by social services, or you are seeking to intervene in the child protection case of someone you care about, JLT’s effective, empathetic experience will help...

As a family law attorney, my primary focus is to support clients through the legal process so they may transition into the next chapter of their lives. Prior to representing clients, I worked as judicial law clerk in Hennepin County Family Court. Working side-by-side with judges, I gained an immense understanding of family court procedure, and how judges decide cases. I translate that experience to my practice every day, assisting clients in making the best decisions for their families. I have experience representing clients in all aspects of family law cases, including divorce proceeding, child custody and support matters,...

Heimerl & Lammers LLC welcomes Angela Streit as an associate to the firm’s family law department. With her combined 11 years of experience in the legal field, Angela is very knowledgeable in multiple areas of law including family law, appellate litigation, railroad law, motor vehicle accident law, and premises liability. She has settled into her newfound passion for family law.

Before joining Heimerl & Lammers, Angie worked as a judicial law clerk for the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She also has 6 years of experience with an international legal research and publishing company. This work has made her proficient in finding...

Chantell Bergquist is an associate attorney at Burns and Hansen and focuses on family law and civil litigation. At a young age, Chantell knew that she wanted to become an attorney because she saw the need for empathic attorneys, not the robotic kind of attorneys people generally picture. Before graduating from Bemidji State University, Chantell was already attending Mitchell Hamline School of Law so she could take the fast track into practicing family law. Chantell is also a published author in Mitchell Hamline's Law Review. She is thoughtful and meticulous, leaving no stone unturned as she maneuvers through the case toward...

I have 17 years of experience, and have been practicing in the area of family law since 2004. I have represented hundreds of clients (mothers, fathers, wives and husbands) in complex and simple divorce actions, custody/parenting time actions, child support proceedings, grandparent visitation actions, and a myriad of other family law actions. I am a zealous advocate for my clients, but I also provide my clients with knowledgeable legal advice about their options so that my client can make an informed decision about how he or she wants to proceed. I do my best to resolve my cases outside of...

Ms. Kugler practices exclusively in the area of family law. Karen works toward equitable settlements, but is skilled in trial advocacy. Karen discusses the risks and expense of litigation with her clients. She is a knowledgeable, empathetic, and assertive legal advocate and handles all family law issues: spousal maintenance, child support, property division, and custody at the trial and appellate levels. Karen is past Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) Family Law Section and is a past Co-Chair of the RCBA Family Law Section. She is a frequent writer and speaker regarding family law, co-authoring the Child Support...

Corwin R. Kruse, Esq.

EDUCATION

J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, magna cum laude
Editor: William Mitchell Law Review

M.A., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Major: Sociology

B.S., University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Honors: Dean's List
Major: Sociology

B.B.A., University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.

Honors: Dean's List

Major: Business Administration


BAR ADMISSIONS

Minnesota, 2004

U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2005

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT

Katz & Manka, Ltd., Family Law Attorney, 2010-2019

William Mitchell College of Law, Adjunct Professor, 2005-2016

Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Associate, 2005-2009

Minnesota Court of Appeals, Judicial Law Clerk to...

Matt is a knowledgeable attorney practicing in the area of family law. Matt blends empathy, practicality, diligence, and respect to advocate for outcomes that serve clients in the long term and defuse tension among families of all types. Matt favors a creative, collaborative, and results-focused practice style and is keenly aware that every case requires its own unique approach. Matt has worked as an attorney editor at Thomson Reuters, as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Richelle M. Wahi in Dakota County. In addition to judicial duties, Matt assisted...

Kyle Prouty is an experienced family law attorney. Kyle is skilled at providing families with the advice and knowledge needed to go through the family court process in Minnesota. He recognizes that each case brings unique challenges and is passionate about providing tailored legal services to each client.

Kyle graduated magna cum laude from St. Cloud State University. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline) in St. Paul. Since graduating, Kyle has worked exclusively in family law and has represented clients in the areas of divorce, custody, domestic abuse, third-party custody, and other areas of...

Crawford Law Office is committed to providing skilled and effective legal representation in divorce and other family law and civil litigation matters throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. At Crawford Law Office we employ exceptional legal expertise with common sense in our work. We offer our clients the advice and counsel they need in order to make informed decisions about their legal matters while making every effort to cost-effectively resolve their case. We understand that each client we represent faces a unique situation and with that in mind we...

Kristy helps her family law clients achieve exceptional results by focusing on their needs and objectives. She thinks outside the box to tailor solutions with client goals. Kristy is a powerful negotiator and seasoned litigator. You can count on Kristy and her team to come through in a pinch and handle your issues in a professional and thorough manner. As Kristy says, “we got this.”