Heather, a "Rising Star"

We are humbled to announce that our law partner, Heather Chakirov, has been named a “Rising Star” this year! This recognition is given by the well regarded Super Lawyers publication, which recognizes the top lawyers in Minnesota and throughout the United States based upon a selection process involving peer recognition and appreciated contributions to the legal community. We are thrilled for Heather to receive such a recognition, and are honored to work beside her everyday!

To learn more about the “Rising Stars” recognition, visit the link here.

In celebration of this moment for Heather and our firm, we asked Heather to reflect on her legal career thus far, and to share a little about what has kept her fire lit through the years. We want to thank Heather for humoring us by allowing us to share!

Enjoy, and Congratulations again, to Heather and her “Rising Star” recognition!

Q: “Why did you become an attorney in the beginning?”

Heather: “I became an attorney because I recognized that the practice of law is uniquely fitted to my skill sets.  I have a passion for analyzing and parsing through the details of issues, and figuring out how to resolve problems as well as prevent problems from arising in the future.  I also was drawn by the opportunity that the practice of law presented to grow personally and professionally, and to help others in the process.”

Q: “What makes you come to work in this practice of law everyday?”

Heather": “I think what keeps me motivated is the constant variety and challenges posed in every facet of the practice, from the issues that are faced, to the type of law being applied to those issues, and so on, and observing the everyday juxtaposition of those aspects of the work.  I love the structure that is offered by the rules and procedure, but also engaging in research of case law and finding creative arguments to novel issues. I thoroughly enjoy the steadiness of transactional work, but also the dynamism and strategy that goes into weaving a legal memorandum or brief and in developing a theory and strong approach to the litigated case, as well as the satisfaction that comes with using the power of language to craft a stipulated settlement agreement that thoroughly addresses my client's interests.  Observing all of these differing dynamics and how they contrast and intersect makes being an attorney unceasingly interesting.”

Q: “How has the legal industry transformed since you came into practice?”

Heather: “The primary way that I think the industry has transformed since I started practicing is the shift to the use of even more technology in practice.  When I started practicing, mail, facsimile and in-person filings were still the methods of filing, whereas now, electronic filing is mandatory.  This has been a great shift, and has rendered the practice of law even more efficient.  On a personal note, I am also especially happy not to have to stand by the fax machine on a Friday night waiting for my 100 page motion filing to submit!  I also see significantly more use of laptops in mediation and in Court versus bringing paper files, the pivot toward use of Zoom for alternative dispute resolution and hearings so that proceedings could move forward notwithstanding the pandemic, and other ways that technology has revolutionized law practice and rendered it such that access to information is at our fingertips.” 

Q: “What’s next for you in your legal career?”

Heather": “I plan to continue to develop my firm and my practice, building upon the family law work that I have proudly been engaged in for almost a decade, but also increasingly diversifying my practice to encompass more estate planning and Probate work, as well as Guardianship work which is of particular interest given the opportunity it provides to help families of children with special needs. I am also always striving to improve and provide the best possible service and experience to clients as they navigate through challenging times in their lives.  I will also continue to look for more opportunities to volunteer and ways to give back to the community that has given me so much, and which I consider myself very fortunate to be able to serve and call home.”