Maren L. Swanson

I have been a lawyer since 1981. I grew up in Northfield, graduated from St. Olaf College with a major in English (I like to read!), got a masters degree in teaching from the University of St. Thomas, taught high school English, and then finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life— be a lawyer!

When I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School, my grand ambition was to use the law to overcome social injustice. It turned out that my work as a lawyer would be on a much smaller scale, helping one client at a time accomplish something essential to his or her life, but this work has come to feel as important and sometimes as monumental as overcoming social injustice.

When I began practicing law in 1981, in the small cities of Owatonna and then Northfield, I was a “GP” (general practitioner) who handled everything from divorce to real estate, probate, criminal defense, litigation, and more. Though I now focus almost entirely on family law, I believe the breadth of my background makes me a much better family practice lawyer.

I was city attorney for the City of Northfield for 21 years and was proud of helping dozens of mayors, council members and staff people as they navigated their way through difficult legal and political issues. I believe my longevity as Northfield city attorney spoke to my ability to give sound legal advice and to communicate and get along with all kinds of  people—traits that promote success in any lawyer.

I am a devoted wife and mother, but I have been divorced and I have been a single parent. I understand the fear and stress that my clients experience and I do my best to explain things and reassure them as we move through the process together.

I represent both men and women. I have no trouble seeing each case from my client’s perspective. I have litigated difficult cases involving allegations of physical, verbal and sexual abuse, custody fights, and disputes over property and financial support. I am a strong advocate for my clients.

I look forward to meeting anyone who needs high quality representation in family law and other legal matters. I offer a free consultation up to a half hour on family law matters. I am especially eager to talk to anyone about collaborative family law!

Read articles by Maren Swanson

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AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Family Law
• Municipal Law
• Real Estate
• Simple Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Powers of Attorney

BAR ADMISSIONS

U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 2005
Minnesota, 1981

EDUCATION

University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, MN:  Juris Doctor, with honors, 1981
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN:  Master of Arts in Teaching, 1974
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN: Bachelor of Arts, with honors, 1970

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Minnesota State Bar Association
Rice County Bar Association
International Collaborative Law Institute
Minnesota Collaborative Law Institute
League of Minnesota Cities—City Attorneys Association

PRO BONO AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Pro bono legal services
War Kids Relief
Past member of Rotary Club
St. Thomas Academy Swimming & Diving – Captain’s parent

OTHER INTERESTS

• Reading, cooking and entertaining, walking the dog