2020 Unsung Legal Heroes: Molly Gulbrandson

As a teenager growing up in the Twin Cities, Molly Gulbrandson grew fascinated by a neighbor who worked as a criminal defense attorney. Shadowing him for a day, she saw the inside of a jail for the first time in her life.

After graduating from Hamline University, Gulbrandson decided against becoming an attorney and instead opted for a career as a paralegal. At Faegre Drinker, she often leads paralegal teams in significant cases and has carved out a specialty in product litigation. “I love the variety and daily challenges of the work,” she said. “It’s fast-paced and there’s a ton of work, and I work best when I’m busy.”

Gulbrandson’s co-workers describe her as a trusted, passionate and kind mentor and colleague. As a volunteer with the Minnesota Collaborative Justice Initiative, she helps clients answer a detailed questionnaire that informs pro bono attorneys of the legal support they need. She also assisted on Faegre Drinker’s anti-sex trafficking project.

What inspires you and motivates you to achieve your goals?

I have three daughters, and I think I’m teaching them by example that by being a hard worker, you can have a great impact. I want to do better because of them.

What’s the best piece of advice that you ever received?

I was taught by my parents to have an open mind and be kind. That applies to all aspects of my life.  It may not be advice, but it is a better way to live.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

It is very cliché, but I enjoy spending time with family and friends and being outside in summer, my favorite season. My guilty pleasure is true crime stories like 48 Hours, 20/20 and Dateline.

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