Cassandra has a broad litigation practice. Her pragmatic and client-centered approach to the practice of law is informed by the decade of practical experience she gained working as a litigation assistant and paralegal before entering law school. This experience gives Cassandra boots-on-the-ground insight into the mechanics of litigation that she applies to each case she handles.
Cassandra is involved in all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation demands through initial pleadings, discovery, negotiated resolution, motion practice, trial, and appellate work. Cassandra also helps clients successfully navigate through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration, and is often retained as local counsel to guide litigants through Minnesota courts. Her practice includes the representation of corporations and individuals in corporate contractual and partnership disputes; customs, imports, and trade matters; real estate and leasing issues; and litigation related to leases and guaranties, commercial transactions, and disputes. Cassandra also has experience working with employers as they navigate issues of employment law, particularly harassment or discrimination allegations. She regularly provides advice and counsel to employers on the drafting and implementation of employee policies, comprehensive employee handbooks, employee termination issues, and employment investigations.
Cassandra has a special place in her heart for startup businesses, particularly in the craft beverage world. She assists small businesses, including breweries, distilleries, and restaurants, with business formation and related matters. In another life, Cassandra volunteered to sling beer samples and lead tours at a small craft brewery tucked away in an industrial park. As that brewery grew, she was part of the ride all the way from the production facility, to the small tap room, and finally to the opening of its destination brewery. Cassandra’s knowledge of the craft beer industry coupled with her legal experience is a valuable asset to her clients. Understanding the blood, sweat, and tears that go into building a business, Cassandra’s goal is to set her clients up for success and protect their business as they grow.
In 2020 and 2021, Cassandra was selected as a “Rising Star” by Minnesota Super Lawyers. This distinction recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys and is awarded to no more than 2.5 percent of practicing attorneys in Minnesota. Cassandra maintains an active pro bono practice and has received the North Star Lawyer distinction from the Minnesota State Bar, which recognizes Minnesota lawyers who have provided more than 50 hours of pro bono legal service to the community. Cassandra also serves as a volunteer attorney for the Pro Se Project. The Pro Se Project is an important initiative of the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association to improve the administration of justice by provide civil pro se litigants who receive a judicial referral to the Pro Se Project with the opportunity to meaningfully consult with volunteer counsel and thereby enhance access to justice in our federal courts.
Before joining the firm, Cassandra was a judicial extern to the Honorable Magistrate Judge Steven E. Rau, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. She is deeply involved in the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, serving as the co-chair of the Law School Outreach Committee for 2019-2020, co-chair of the Newer Lawyers Committee for 2020-2021, and co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee in 2021-2022.
Cassandra earned her undergraduate degree from Hamline University and her law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and serves as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Outside of work, Cassandra loves to travel with her husband and their three kids, cook exciting new dishes, try to keep up with her Spanish and Danish streak on Duolingo, nurture all the house plants she accidentally collected during the COVID pandemic, and hang out with her two dogs.