Drewes Law, PLLC

Break Away from Debt

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Minnesota and has no record of discipline from the Minnesota bar association.*

Firm Overview

Drewes Law, PLLC strives to competently and compassionately provide assistance to clients in
need of various types of finance related legal support.

Example cases

One of my most memorable cases was one in which a client came to me for help after she and her husband had gone into large amounts of debt after a bad investment. "Jill" and her husband, "Jack", were very hardworking and successful in their careers and with financial investments. A few years ago, "Jack" invested a large amount of money into an investment venture that ultimately failed because "Jack" and "Jill" were swindled. Shortly after being victimized by a scam, "Jack" suffered a series of strokes and it was discovered that he had brain cancer. The failed investment and mounting medical bills put "Jill" in a financial position she never thought she would be in, unable to pay the mortgage and unable to buy the basic necessities.

By the time "Jill" came to meet me, "Jack" was confined to his bed. "Jill" needed to direct all of her attention to her husband as he became more ill, but she also needed to file a bankruptcy by a deadline. The case was complicated for many reasons but, most of all, it was complicated because "Jack" was dying. "Jill" was, understandably, extremely distraught and needed a lot of my attention throughout her case because she was highly anxious. I did my best to make the process as easy as I could for her by being readily available to take her call or return an email, even if it was after hours or on the weekend. It was important that her mind not be distracted by questions regarding her case. "Jack" was extremely concerned that he would pass away and leave "Jill" with huge debts and nowhere to live. It was important to me that I did what I could to ease "Jack's" mind so, I worked as quickly as I could. I filed "Jill's" case on a cold December day. "Jack" passed away three days later. "Jill" now works part-time at a job she loves and happily lives with her son and grandchildren.

Main Office

Main
1516 West Lake Street
Suite 300
Minneapolis MN 55408

Phone

(612) 285-3061

Fax

(612) 285-3062

Websites

http://www.dreweslaw.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

1hr free consultation by the end of which, most clients will have enough information to decide if bankruptcy is right for them.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

The fees are based on each individual case. We will discuss fair compensation during our free initial strategy meeting. Drewes Law,
PLLC provides incredible value to its clients.

Hourly Rates

Most cases are flat fee. When hourly rates are needed the scale is $150-250 an hour for attorneys.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(612) 285-3061

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Spanish

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

Financial distress can diminish quality of life. Bankruptcy law lets me alleviate some of that
distress for people and allows them to live financially healthier lives.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I appreciate all input a client can provide on how to handle their own case. I believe my role is to
educate my clients so that they can make the important decisions related to the case. Frequently,
clients who do web research run into websites that provide misinformation, but talking through
the legal basis of the law often creates a sense of understanding that I believe clients appreciate. I
applaud the efforts of Nolo for keeping accurate articles, although the law is always changing
and many rules are different state-by-state. Self-education without the help of a local attorney
can be dangerous.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am more than willing to help clients by reviewing documents they prepare themselves, but in
bankruptcy this is usually not a good idea because of the high stakes involved. Frequently, we
can point out weaknesses so the client can be ready for any objections.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I have no problem coaching clients in most matters, although in bankruptcy, the stakes are high
and small errors can create large problems. I think it is best for someone going through
bankruptcy to seek the advice and support of an attorney for guidance through the entire process
and not just as a "coach." Clients who want to be coached must understand that not hiring an
attorney to handle the case is often more costly than allowing the attorney into the matter at the
beginning.

Morgan Ann Vaillant Spah

Prior to joining Drewes Law, PLLC, I was a bankruptcy attorney at a small local law firm for
4 years.

Starting in law school, I spent much of my time volunteering with the Minnesota Justice
Foundation and the Volunteer Lawyers Network. Working with these organizations allowed me
to hone my client relation skills early in my career. I learned how to really listen to clients and to
balance advocacy and compassion. Since law school, I've helped hundreds of people
successfully go through the process of bankruptcy. I do not have all of the answers--no lawyer
ever does, but I do have a network of colleagues that are able to assist when we encounter the
most complicated and unusual circumstances. A good lawyer knows that they don't know
everything.

I think my past clients would describe me as competent and compassionate. I'm also comforting
and casual. When dealing directly with my clients I don't talk like a lawyer with a flashy legal
vocabulary or look like a lawyer wearing a fancy suit. I think being a little more casual is
comforting to my clients.

Personal interests:

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and our two basset hounds.

License

Bar Number: 0387397
Minnesota , 7
Bar Number: 0387397
Minnesota , 0007

Education

Hamline University School of Law
Juris Doctor , 2006
St. Paul, MN
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Bachelor of Arts , 2003
Duluth, MN
Political Science-Public Policy
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Bachelor of Arts , 2003
Duluth, MN
Political Science-Public Policy

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.