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Up & Coming Attorneys, Unsung Legal Heroes announced
Minnesota Lawyer recognizes the 2026 class of Up & Coming Attorneys and Unsung Legal Heroes supporting law firms and legal departments statewide.
2025 Unsung Legal Heroes
The Unsung Heroes — the paralegals, IT professionals, investigators and more — are the people who keep the office running and ensure the attorneys have the information and resources they need to serve a firm’s clients.
Kristen M. Ahart, Ciresi Conlin LLP
After graduating with distinction from the University of Northern Iowa in 2019, Kristen Ahart hoped to pursue her long-held dream to become an attorney.
Christine Berndt, Robins Kaplan LLP
With a talent for bringing people together, Christine Berndt turns every company event into an opportunity to build lasting connections.
Criminal Division Legal Assistants, Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
The mission of the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s Office is to investigate and prosecute criminal cases when county attorneys refer them to the office.
Martha Gentilini, Lathrop GPM
Martha Gentilini has played a critical role in several of Lathrop GPM’s core functions — professional development, recruitment, and talent management — for nearly 25 years.
Colleen Gessell, Dykema
Colleen Gessell is modest to a fault. She actively shuns the spotlight, even when it’s lit just for her.
Kevin Kajer, State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Throughout more than 30 years of public service, Kevin Kajer has overseen approximately 1,000 employees across Minnesota who provide legal services to those who cannot afford it.
Asja Karic Carrera, Jeff Anderson & Associates
Nothing about working at Jeff Anderson & Associates is easy.
Krista Larson, Stinson LLP
Law firms have begun to recognize that attorneys face the same kind of mental health issues as others working in high-pressure professions.
Kristin Mapel Bloomberg, Ph.D., Robins Kaplan LLP
Historian Kristin Mapel Bloomberg found there is life after a career in teaching and research at, of all places, a major law firm.
Megan Marcouiller, Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office
Immigration and employment lawyers have had their hands full since the beginning of the year, to put it mildly.
Legal Tech
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- Experts foresee legal malpractice risk for those who eschew AI
- Legal Decoder launches AI-powered billing analytics interface
Top News
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Expert Testimony
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Legal Tech Directory
