Let me tell you a little bit about myself and why I am so passionate about family law and child protection. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2007. I came to Grand Rapids August 2007 to clerk for the Honorable John R. Hawkinson. I clerked until I joined Legal Aid Services of Northeastern Minnesota in May 2009. This experience helped me realize the extent of the legal need in rural communities. I found that the most difficult cases can be the most rewarding.
Initially I was the foreclosure specialist, but also practiced in other poverty law issues including family law, landlord tenant law, and consumer protection law. My caseload gradually focused more on family law, particularly including cases involving domestic violence and chemical dependency. I became licensed in federal court as well as the Leech Lake Tribal Court in order to broaden my availability to help. I became the managing attorney in the Grand Rapids office in fall of 2011. I continued as managing attorney until I opened Weis Legal Solutions in March 2020.
During my time at Legal Aid, I handled a large caseload including divorces, custody, order for protection, harassment restraining orders, administrative law, social security, debt collection, victims rights, and Leech Lake child protection cases. I was honored with the Dawn Carlson Family Advocate Award and the Minnesota Justice Foundation’s Direct Legal Service Award in 2019.
I have served on the North Homes Children and Family Services board since 2012. I have served as a trustee for the Itasca County Law Library Board of Trustees since 2010. I have served on numerous other committees reflecting my commitment to the family law and child protection.
I married my husband Ken in 2010 and now have two children, ages 8 and 5 years old. We have three horses and two cats. I enjoy horseback riding, biking, camping, boating, and fishing.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Sociology
Minors: Communications and Women’s Studies
Activities & Affiliations
North Homes Children and Family Services Board of Directors
Board Member, 2012
Board Secretary, 2014
Board Chair, 2015
Itasca County Law Library Board of Trustees
Children’s Justice Initiative Committee
15 District Ethics Committee
Domestic Violence Court Committee
Itasca County Bar Association
Early Neutral Evaluator
Minnesota State Bar Association
Family Law Practice Group
Steering Committee Itasca ICMC/ENE Program
Bar Admissions
State of Minnesota
Leech Lake Tribal Court
United States District Court, District of Minnesota