I have a strong foundation in real estate law and bring a fresh perspective to the table, understanding the nuances and complexities of various real estate matters. Whether representing small business owners or helping to navigate large-scale commercial property transactions, my focus is on delivering outcomes that align with my clients’ objectives while fostering mutual respect and fairness in every deal.

As a member of the Henson Efron business law practice group, my work encompasses a broad spectrum of real estate-related legal services, including but not limited to:

• Negotiating and drafting purchase and sale agreements
• Advising on commercial real estate transactions
• Handling lease agreements and addressing landlord-tenant disputes
• Crafting and reviewing contracts to safeguard clients’ interests

I am a firm believer in the value of continuous learning and adaptation, and I am always eager to explore innovative solutions and strategies to advance my clients’ interests. My dedication to staying informed about the latest developments in real estate law allows me to offer well-rounded and effective legal counsel.

My journey in family law began with an insightful clerkship in the Hennepin County Family Justice Center, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of family law from a judicial perspective. Over those formative years, I was deeply involved in a myriad of hearings and trials, offering me the invaluable opportunity to discuss cases with judges and draft critical court orders. This experience now underpins my approach at Henson Efron, where I leverage these insights to provide clients with realistic expectations of the family court process, how judges might perceive their cases, and the most effective strategies to achieve their objectives.

I focus exclusively on family law, addressing a wide range of matters including:

• Divorce
• Prenuptial Agreement
• Child Custody and Support
• Spousal Maintenance
• Orders for Protection
• Post-Divorce Cases

My passion for family law is rooted in a deep-seated desire to support individuals navigating significant life challenges.

As a legal professional, I am proactive and inventive in my approach to problem-solving, ensuring that my clients navigate legal challenges with strategic and comprehensive solutions. I leverage my strong organizational skills and analytical mindset, and work closely with my team, to advise our clients on complex legal matters, such as:

• business formation
• mergers and acquisitions
• reorganizations
• distribution, supply and other commercial transactions
• employment relationships
• general contract matters

At Henson Efron, I am proud to be part of a collaborative team that harnesses the strengths of its various practice areas to consistently deliver outstanding results for our clients. The firm’s commitment to teamwork aligns with my professional principles, and I am gratified to contribute to a culture that values exceptional client service and promotes the development of innovative legal strategies.

I was drawn to Henson Efron because of the firm’s multiple practice areas, diverse litigation services, rich history, and engagement with the community. I believe that “iron sharpens iron,” and I observed that the attorneys who work here have remarkable credentials and are consistently recognized for their legal acumen. My peers and colleagues note my client-centered approach, resourcefulness, and attention to detail. People I work with also appreciate my diverse experience and the way I apply a strategic mindset and common-sense thinking to problem resolution.

Prior to Henson Efron, I worked during law school at a local civil litigation firm and externed at the Minnesota Court of Appeals with the Honorable Renee L. Worke. I also represented asylum seekers at the Board of Immigration Appeals as part of the University of St. Thomas’s Immigration Appellate Clinic.

After law school, I clerked for two years at the Minnesota Court of Appeals: serving as an elbow clerk to the Honorable Jennifer L. Frisch in year one and as a shared clerk with the Honorable Kevin G. Ross, Jennifer L. Frisch, and Sarah I. Wheelock in year two.

I was drawn to Henson Efron because of the cohesive team environment with a wide range of skill sets and breadth of knowledge. As part of the team, I focus on:

• organizing and supporting the drafting of estate planning documents
• working with clients to collect needed information and assist with beneficiary designations
• coordinating probate and trust administration, including: collecting assets, preparing pleadings, inventories, and accountings
• guardianship and conservatorship administration and pleadings
• preparing and filing fiduciary tax returns
• real estate deeds and related recordable documents
• discovery coordination and review
• researching and file management

My collaborative nature, creativity, attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities enable me to contribute effectively and succeed in diverse environments.

I am proud to be a part of the family law team at Henson Efron, bringing a unique and empathetic approach to solving problems for our clients. I assist the team by focusing on the following:

• preparing for mediations, settlement conferences, and trials
• drafting motions, affidavits, and other pleadings
• organizing and preparing informal and formal discovery
• calculating, preparing, and analyzing budgets, income, spousal maintenance, and child support
• preparing property division spreadsheets and analysis
• drafting qualified domestic relations orders

Transitions are tough and inherently come with emotions and uncertainty. I bring stability through strong case management and organization skills and an appreciation for teamwork. My goal is to help create a positive client experience and work toward securing a better future for them.

I am honored to assist my clients with all of their estate planning needs in order to help them preserve their legacy and plan for the unexpected. Considering all the facts unique to them, I thoughtfully guide my clients on the most effective estate planning tools and empower them to make informed decisions in order to accomplish their goals. My services include:

• estate planning: planning and preparation of wills, revocable trusts, health care directives, financial powers of attorney, beneficiary designations for life insurance and retirement plans
• estate and trust administration
• gift and estate tax planning
• guardianships and conservatorships

My life philosophy is always providing value, so breaking down complex situations into strategies and next steps is reassuring to my clients. I genuinely care about my clients, beyond their legal needs, and reserve time to make sure they feel comfortable, safe and heard.

As a paralegal with seven years of family law experience, I’m excited to be at Henson Efron, learning from the best in the business. Here, I’m able to take my extensive knowledge of family law in Minnesota and improve the way I serve clients.

I enjoy working with clients to identify their goals in their case and identifying the necessary steps to achieve those goals. My strengths include being an active, empathic, non-judgmental ear for our clients, and being proactive. I am also an organized and detail-oriented multitasker, possessing strong written and oral communication and investigative skills. It all comes into play when communicating with clients, courts, mediators, experts, and others in the legal process.

The services I provide for my clients include the following:

• draft pleadings for all levels and types of family cases (dissolutions, custody matters, child support matters, orders for protection, harassment/restraining orders, 3rd party custody matters; adoptions, CHIPs cases)
• draft informal and formal discovery requests and responses; review discovery responses and draft deficiency letters
• calculate, prepare and analyze budgets, income, spousal maintenance and child support
• prepare property division spreadsheets and analysis
• assist with social evaluations or financial valuations
• prepare for mediations, settlement conferences, and trial
• draft pre-trial and post-trial submissions and post-decree pleadings

I obtained my B.A., magna cum laude, from Brown University in 2014. While there, I was active in student groups and the recipient of several awards, including the MH Hicks Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Archaeology, and the Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award.

In 2017, I obtained my J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where I earned a spot on the Dean’s list and was the recipient of the John Kukowske Memorial Scholarship and the Dean’s Distinguished Scholarship. I was also an active participant in the International Moot Court and a Student Director of the Immigration and Human Rights Law Clinic. Professionally I am affiliated with Minnesota State Bar Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Minnesota Chapter, Legislative and Public Policy Committee, Hennepin County Bar Association, and Minnesota Women Lawyers.

Clients say…

“Caitlin is optimistic, resilient, and cheerful while also being incredibly realistic and balanced.”

“In my work and experience with Caitlin, I found her to be hard-working, resourceful, and direct. Her intelligence and work ethic truly make her stand out.”

“When the task at hand is challenging, it might be common to be cynical or complain. As I’ve observed Caitlin, she doesn’t resort to this negativity. Instead, she positively brightens the environment around her. I know clients are drawn to her because of that spirit.”

“Caitlin was one of my favorite people to work with. I externed with the judge she clerked for and her encouragement guided me through a tough time in law school.”

One of the best parts of my career is getting to know my clients and developing long-term relationships with them. It’s the ideal way to develop approaches and solutions to achieve my clients’ business and personal needs and goals. Clients say they appreciate my attention to detail, preparation, and follow-through.

I have been practicing law since 1984, mainly in the areas of corporate law, corporate finance, general business law, and real estate. One of my strong suits is the knowledge and experience gained from over 35 years of practice representing small and medium-sized businesses, both well-established and start-ups, and their owners. I represent a variety of businesses and individual clients, providing them with full-service legal representation on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters including:

• business start-ups
• corporate finance
• mergers and acquisitions
• business recapitalizations
• restructuring shareholder disputes
• general tax issues
• real estate leases

I have extensive experience in preparing and negotiating documents for various sophisticated business transactions, including commercial loans, business acquisitions and divestitures, equipment and real estate lease transactions, employment and independent contractor arrangements, distribution and licensing transactions, shareholder and buy-sell agreements, and technology utilization and transfers. My experience includes advising boards of directors, senior management, and shareholders on corporate governance, shareholder relations, and fiduciary duty issues.