Contact Me

612-252-2870

Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell

Attorney
Assisted By
Kayla Stender
(612) 252-2819

SERVICES

Since 2006, I have dedicated my career to family law, offering strategic, empathetic counsel to individuals and families facing life’s most personal legal challenges. I am dedicated to protecting my clients’ interests while guiding them through complex issues such as custody disputes, spousal maintenance, business and asset valuation, and parenting time. Whether helping clients navigate high-conflict situations or working toward amicable resolutions, I tailor my approach to meet their unique needs and goals. 

I focus on settlement-oriented solutions that prioritize long-term stability and minimize the emotional impact of divorce and separation, particularly when children are involved. However, when resolution outside of court is not possible, I am a seasoned advocate fully prepared to litigate on behalf of my clients. 

 I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and board-certified in family law trial advocacy. I am also active in the Association for Family & Conciliation Courts and share their mission of minimizing the negative impact of divorce and separation on parties and their children.  I am also deeply engaged in the legal community, serving as a parenting consultant, custody evaluator, and court-appointed neutral under Rule 114. As an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, I share my knowledge and passion for family law with the next generation of attorneys. 

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EDUCATION 

  • J.D., University of St. Thomas School of Law, 2006 
  • B.A., cum laude, St. Olaf College, 1999 

BAR ADMISSION 

  • Minnesota 
  • New Mexico 
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota 

CERTIFICATIONS 

  • Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice 
  • Board-Certified Family Law Trial Attorney, National Board of Trial Advocacy 

HONORS 

  • Minnesota Super Lawyers honoree, 2023-present 
  • Top Lawyer, Minnesota Monthly Magazine, 2023-present 
  • North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2018-present 

PROFESSIONAL 

  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 2023 – present 
  • Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, International & Minnesota Chapters 
  • Minnesota State Bar Association 
  • Hennepin County Bar Association 
  • American Bar Association 
  • U.S. Department of State Attorney Network, Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 
  • Volunteer Attorney, The Advocates for Human Rights 
  • Mentor, University of St. Thomas School of Law 

 COMMUNITY 

  • Lutheran Summer Music Board of Directors, 2020–present; Vice Chair, 2023 -present 
  • Breakthrough T1D, Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter Board of Directors, 2024 – present 
  • Minnetonka Theatre Curtain Call Club Board of Directors, 2024-present 
  • University of St. Thomas School of Law Alumni Board, 2020-24; President, 2022-2023 
  • University of St. Thomas School of Law Board of Governors, 2022-2024 
  • Facilitator, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Minnesota Divorce Camp, 2022–Present 
  • University of St. Thomas School of Law Spiritual Life Committee, Vocation Panel Participant, 2024 

 

  • “To Answer the Phone or Not to Answer the Phone? Notes on Clients and Boundaries” Bench & Bar of Minnesota, January/February 2022) 
  • “Non-Abatement”—Chapter 11 of the New Mexico Family Law Manual: Topics in Family Law for the New Mexico Judiciary (New Mexico Judicial Education Center Institute of Public Law 2011) 
  • “What If It’s a Zebra: Spotting and Effectively Managing Exceptions in Families,” Association of Family & Conciliation Courts 61st Annual Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, June 2024 
  • “Finding Boundaries and Balance in Legal Practice,” Minnesota Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers CLE, May 2022 
  • Guest Lecturer, University of St. Thomas School of Law, 2019, 2021-23 
  • “School Law 101 for Family Law Attorneys,” Minnesota Family Law Institute, March 2022 
  • “Starting Over: Relocating and Building a Practice,” Minnesota Family Law Podcast, May 2021 
  • “Handling Your First Domestic Abuse or Harassment Case,” Minnesota State Bar Association New Lawyers Section CLE, January 2020 
  • “Death and Dissolution: Oldham, The Probate Code, and Beyond,” Second Judicial District Court (New Mexico) Continuing Legal Education Seminar, August 2011 

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