Cassandra represents management in many aspects of labor, employment, and employment-related litigation, with a particular focus on harassment and 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.
She also has broad litigation experience representing 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.
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 practical boots-on-the-ground insight into the mechanics of litigation that better enables her to create a more proactive approach and more cost efficient outcomes.
Cassandra is involved in all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation demands and charges 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.
Cassandra has a particular fondness for startups, particularly those in the craft beverage sector. In another life, Cassandra volunteered slinging beer samples and leading 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. With a deep appreciation for the effort required to build a thriving business, Cassandra helps entrepreneurs and founders protect their most valuable assets while setting them up for success and helping them avoid common employer missteps.
Cassandra has been named a Minnesota Super Lawyers "Rising Star," a recognition of the top up-and-coming attorneys 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 U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association's Pro Se Project that provides pro se litigants the opportunity to meaningfully consult with volunteer counsel, enhancing 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 in various leadership roles over the years.
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 and on the advisory board for Hamline University's graduate paralegal certificate program.
Outside of work, Cassandra loves traveling with her husband and their three kids, testing out Serious Eats recipes, maintaining Spanish and Danish streaks on Duolingo, nurturing the house plants she accidentally collected during the COVID pandemic, and feeding her dog too many treats.