Minnesota Lawyer

We are pleased to announce the 2021 Up & Coming Attorneys and Unsung Legal Heroes. All of the Up & Coming Attorney honorees are in their first decade of practice. Unsung Legal Heroes come from several categories.

Their stories are truly inspirational. Even as they work in a profession that can demand the billable hours, and the often-grueling preparation of legal research, client communications and attention to detail, these professionals never lose track of motivation, passion and vision.

Rachelle Anderson has advice for any young lawyer who’s in their first real job: Act like the firm is your client for the first couple of years.

Raha Assadi-Lamouki’s brother died at age 21 after four bouts with cancer. Her family’s experience (including her own) during that time shaped her, and led her to pursue law as a way to change the status quo.

A partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Elsa Bullard has channeled an adventurous nature into her law practice.

Anu Chudasama takes ethics seriously, as her service as chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Professional Regulation Committee and an ethics investigator for the 2nd Judicial District attests.

In her childhood, Jennifer Cross dreamed of an unlikely career as a doctor, dentist and attorney. The experience of shadowing a pediatrician for a day extinguished the idea of being in health care.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in bioengineering, Sarvesh Desai might be expected to be an intellectual property attorney.

Not all the best spring breaks take place on the beach. Just ask Alex Dyste-Demet.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in economics and history, Jason Engelhart considered a career in journalism before deciding law likely had more promise and opportunity.