Morrison Sund PLLC, a general practice law office with deep roots in Minnetonka, was established more than 30 years ago. The firm’s lawyers are trusted by clients from all walks of the legal spectrum, including litigation, real estate, corporate and business law, trusts, estates, wealth transfer planning, bankruptcy and financial restructuring, employment law, and family law.
After starting her legal career in Boston, Erika L. Stein joined Morrison Sund in 2012. Her practice focuses on estate planning and probate and trust administration as well as tax planning and business succession planning.
Stein, now a principal of the firm, says being a managing member was a great learning experience and a fantastic way to think strategically about what the future holds for the company. We all meet together to make decisions. Our ownership group is active. It’s provided me with the opportunity to understand the entire practice area of the firm and the needs of lawyers and staff in each.
Kelsey S. Nelson joined our firm in May 2022. She brings more than a decade of experience to a practice focused on trusts, estates, probate and conservatorship/guardianship planning. Nelson notes that she was previously involved in elder care and long term housing. “After representing businesses that care for the elderly and end-of life population, I wanted to work more closely with my family. I have also brought some experience in elder care and planning medical assistance for families. This is an important area.
Both clients and Morrison Sund are attracted to Morrison Sund’s local presence. Stein states that many of us are residents of the Western suburbs and that many of our clients, as well as our networks, are located in this area. I am a member of a large group of Western suburb professionals who work in trusts and estates.
Nelson says, “I have kept an eye on the firm for a while because of its reputation within the community.” “I enjoy meeting people in the grocery shop or at my sons’ football games, and being someone they can trust when they need advice.” I love building relationships with clients that go beyond one matter.
Because of the many practice areas that complement each other, and its collaborative work culture, it creates a positive environment for client relationships. Stein claims that four clients reached her in one week with questions about separate legal matters not related to trusts or estates. We are often the only lawyer they know in this area. It’s great to be able to quickly answer questions or forward them to colleagues.
Nelson says that “we work well together across every practice area, which allows us to better represent clients and their needs.” Nelson adds that 90% of trusts and estates clients have real estate. This makes it easy to contact our real estate department if you have any questions. Many clients have issues with corporate matters, such as forming an LLC to manage the family farm or disputing the valuation of the family business. These issues are handled by our talented team.
Stein states that the firm’s flexibility allows its lawyers to develop their practice areas in any direction they choose. Stein said, “If you wish to concentrate on a specific type of client or move in a particular area of practice, it is encouraged.” A smaller firm offers more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
Because of its essential nature, the firm never closed its doors completely during the pandemic. Attorneys and staff could use the entire floor of this building to their advantage and have plenty of space to spread out and work safely.
“Another advantage of being smaller is our ability to collaborate with each person and adapt as needed. This flexibility allowed us to respond in a different way to the pandemic than many other firms. It was very easy for those who are skilled in technology to switch between remote and in-person work. It was difficult for those who weren’t so tech-savvy to adapt to different communication styles and methods of connecting with clients and attorneys. While we had our doors open to meet clients, everyone worked remotely. It’s helped us become better communicators as well as better lawyers.
Nelson said that another reason she chose to stay with the firm was the fact that it was still open for business. “I was looking to be able to visit the office and connect with people, and possibly with clients. It’s been a very good experience to be able to interact with clients and communicate with people for the past two years.
Morrison Sund’s lawyers also maintain a connection to the community through their generous support of charitable and pro bono initiatives.
Stein says that instead of trying to reach consensus among ownership groups, Stein has a policy which allows each member to make their own charitable donations with firm funds. We sponsor Little League teams and serve on local boards. Our attorneys can make generous investments in causes that are important to them. I’ve been a member of the Children’s Theatre Company’s board, as well as being the chair of the Minnesota Chapter of Positive Coaching Alliance. I also served on the Gift Advisory Council at Dunwoody College of Technology. I’ve also provided pro bono legal services through Cancer Legal Care over many years.
It is a place where women can create meaningful practices on their terms, according to Morrison Sund. Nelson states that the word that comes to my mind when I think of the firm is “openness.” We are a client-centered firm that can meet clients wherever they may be. We strive to understand the goals and objectives of our clients and create a framework to help them make informed legal decisions.
Stein states, “I feel a strong sense gratitude for my coworkers who are so generous with their time, energy, and mutual support of clients, as well as the clients who trust me to solve their most difficult challenges.”
The post Erika Stein & Kelsey Nelson at Morrison Sund: Suburban Firm with Big Community Impact was first published on Attorney at Law Magazine.