CONTACT
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley, JD
University of Cologne, Germany, LLM International and Comparative Law
Arizona State University, BA Journalism
Mitchell Hamline Law, Certificate in Elder Law
TITLES/MEMBERSHIPS
Minnesota State Bar Association
Dakota County Bar Association
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Minnesota Women Lawyers
VA Accredited Attorney
VOLUNTEERING
Global Rights for Women, Volunteer
Wills for Heroes, Volunteer Attorney
Alzheimer’s Association, Volunteer
Domestic Abuse Legal Advocacy Center, PSC, Volunteer Attorney
BAR ADMISSIONS
Minnestoa
New York (inactive)
California (prior admission)
Supporting my parents through their dementia, long-term care, and end-of-life journeys shaped me both personally and professionally. I had long used my legal training to promote dignity and rights; after all, I have worked for a majority of my career in the human rights field. But my parents’ experience opened my eyes to how much families need holistic legal support as loved ones age.
In my own journey, I often felt confused about legal, financial, health, and social issues my parents faced. Fortunately, my family worked with kind lawyers and social workers who did their jobs well, and enabled me and my young kids to enjoy “tea parties” with my mom and chocolate-chip pancake feasts with my dad at his memory care facility. It was at times overwhelming and painful to witness my parents’ decline, but having experts at our side made the path feel more navigable.
This experience changed me. I knew that I needed to dedicate the next phase of my career to helping families navigate aging, care, and the financial strain, and helping individuals maximize their autonomy and dignity. I followed my passion, and now have the privilege of working as an elder and estate law attorney at Schromen Law, LLC. In many ways this was a natural evolution from my prior work at Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and as an instructor in the University of Minnesota Human Rights Masters program. Human rights law protects the rights to housing, health, freedom from discrimination, and self-determination: all of which are also key issues for older adults. I now feel that I am able to make a more concrete and impactful difference in individuals’ lives by offering direct legal services to clients.
Schromen Law is a unique estate planning and elder law firm. The services provided are truly holistic, and our approach is both strategic and compassionate. We are pragmatic, and value your peace of mind and wellbeing. We listen, learn, and guide you through difficult decisions. When you need other resources, we connect you with our network of community leaders and service providers. We do this with purpose, passion, and gratitude for the opportunity to work with families like yours.
