Christopher Lee Vatsaas

Christopher Lee Vatsaas

also known as Chris Vatsaas, Christopher Vatsaas

4.7
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 14 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at White Bear Lake, MN
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Mediation ... +2 more

Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell, PLLC, 2109 County Road D East, White Bear Lake, MN

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 14 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2011

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell, PLLC

Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell, PLLC, 2109 County Road D East, White Bear Lake, MN, 55109

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Christopher Lee Vatsaas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews

Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Excellent lawyer

Chris is an incredible lawyer. He was my attorney throughout my custody case, as well as for my estate planning. I recommended him to friends and family, who ended up hiring him, and were as pleased as I was. He is a very professional, no-nonsense kind of lawyer. It's obvious that he knows what he's ...doing and is committed to get the results you're looking for. He's also very personable, which is important to me in a lawyer and often not a common trait amongst lawyers.

Posted by Brandie | April 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Fantastic Attorney!

Chris was a top notch attorney who was always empathetic to my situation yet professional to my needs at the same time. He Knows his stuff! Chris had many nuances in my case but was always looking out for my best interest. He always figured out the best way to get me what was needed. I didn't feel li...ke Chris was just working for a paycheck I really felt like he cared about my case. I would hire Chris again in the future if needed. I had a great experience under my circumstances.

Posted by Ron | April 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Will

Chris did an excellent job of explaining things and keeping me updated. His co-workers also did a wonderful job.

Posted by Amanda | December 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Very professional

I met with a few attorneys before meeting Chris and before I met him I was very scared. I was young and about to go through a divorce with 2 young children. I had been judged and put down by many people at the time for even being married let alone going through a divorce and the minute I started talk...ing with Chris I felt much more calm. I was very anxious through the whole divorce and didn't know anything about the process and he answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone!

Posted by Isaac | March 25, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

QUITE POSSIBLY THE WORST LAWYER IN MINNESOTA

Christopher Vatsaas does not have a single creative bone in his entire body or the spine necessary to defend his clients’ interests. Having to lose the house but keep the debt in my name was completely insane. I was presented with the same solution to this question over and over again. He would claim... to have spent hours rewriting the divorce decree to protect my interests; only to find the slightest changes that did nothing to protect my interests. Chris' response was simply "I have been involved in a lot of cases and this is the best i was going to get", the underlying tone of just eat it no matter how bad it tasted. This case took over 18 months and more than $10,000 to resolve. After an initial meeting with me and my ex-wife, Chris had promised a case that was simple and would most likely to be resolved in 60 days. After dragging out for so long I had to settle as I was forced to relocate out of state by my employer. His inability to capture my intentions or defend my interests has resulted in a lack of protection which leaves me at a disadvantage to any involvement in my children’s lives

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Lee Vatsaas's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Eric Robert Parker headshot
Eric Parker

Unknown lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris is immaculately prepared and sees all the angles. He solves complex problems and will push hard for his clients."

Christopher Paul Renz headshot
Christopher Renz

Family lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I fully endorse Chris Vatsaas in the area of family law. In the time I've worked with Chris, he has demonstrated a significant breadth of knowledge in the family law arena, commitment to clients, and common sense approach to issues. If you have a family law issue, you should contact Chris."

Jill Marie Sauber headshot
Jill Sauber

Family lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse and trust Chris. Chris is a family law powerhouse, helping clients with dissolution, child custody, mediation, and much more. I feel privileged to work alongside Chris, and to know him personally. You are in good hands with Chris."

Bethany Thomley Hurd headshot
Bethany Hurd

Family lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Chris on several matters. He approaches issues directly and maintains a level head even in tough situations. Chris' clients have a dedicated advocate on their side."

Kathryn Elizabeth Wells headshot
Kathryn Wells

Unknown lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a forward thinking and dedicated attorney. He’s easy to work with and I highly recommend him for estate planning as well as family and business law matters."

Michele Rose Loughrey headshot
Michele Loughrey

Family lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a great attorney with a big heart. His values and skills are a great asset to his clients."

Bryan Alan Welp headshot
Bryan Welp

Family lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris takes a thorough and thoughtful approach to his cases and strives to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. He truly is a trusted adviser and knows how to achieve the best possible outcome in each case."

Samantha Joanne Graf headshot
Samantha Graf

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris is an exceptional lawyer. He has the ability to remain calm during difficult cases while still effectively advocating for his client's interests."

Jack W. Clinton headshot
Jack Clinton

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Chris is very versed in options and can serve clients very effectively."

Karolina Margaret Hoerl headshot
Karolina Hoerl

Mediation lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris is an exceptional mediator, who truly cares about the outcome for the parties involved. He puts his whole heart into reaching a resolution, and his background in finance is extremely useful and helpful."

Katie Marie Jarvi headshot
Katie Jarvi

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris is a thoughtful, passionate attorney who treats every case as if it was his only case. He offers creative solutions to his clients, and zealously advocates for them in the courtroom."

Erin Kay Turner headshot
Erin Turner

Family lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris will always understand the complicated details as well as the big picture of every one of his cases. His clients appreciate his ability to analyze their cases, and provide detailed options to help them achieve their goals."

Christopher Donley Johnson headshot
Christopher Johnson

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"Chris is an extremely conscientious and dedicated attorney. His clients regularly see better-than-expected results thanks to his hard work and passion."

Walter G. Bauch headshot
Walter Bauch

Family lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Other

"I acted as a mediator in a case in which Mr. Vatsaas represented one of the parties. Mr. Vatsaas came to the mediation well prepared and was an excellent advocate for his client while maintaining professional civility."

Angela Rose Anderson headshot
Angela Anderson

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Christopher and I work in the same area and I have had the privilege of having him as opposing counsel on a family law matter. Christopher is passionate about family law and extremely dedicated to his practice and clients. Christopher is honest, straight forward and reasonable. In the case we had together, he was a strong advocate for his client yet was focused on settlement. I believe that Christopher has a great deal of integrity and would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for quality legal representation in a family law matter."

View All Endorsements
Courtney June Schneider headshot
Courtney Schneider

Child custody lawyer

Linda S. S. De Beer headshot
Linda De Beer

Family lawyer

Jill Marie Sauber headshot
Jill Sauber

Estate planning lawyer

Stuart Charles Bear headshot
Stuart Bear

Estate planning lawyer

Kathryn Elizabeth Wells headshot
Kathryn Wells

Business lawyer

Bethany Thomley Hurd headshot
Bethany Hurd

Family lawyer

Mylene Ann Peterson headshot
Mylene Peterson

Family lawyer

Daniel John Van Loh headshot
Daniel Van Loh

Divorce and separation lawyer

Victoria Lynn Jacobson Brenner headshot
Victoria Brenner

Family lawyer

Marcus Paul Beyer headshot
Marcus Beyer

Family lawyer

Sarah Beth Sicheneder headshot
Sarah Sicheneder

Family lawyer

Michele Rose Loughrey headshot
Michele Loughrey

Estate planning lawyer

Joshua Nathaniel Brekken headshot
Joshua Brekken

Litigation lawyer

Jack W. Clinton headshot
Jack Clinton

Estate planning lawyer

Bryan Alan Welp headshot
Bryan Welp

Litigation lawyer

Samantha Joanne Graf headshot
Samantha Graf

Family lawyer

Kelly Moore Sater headshot
Kelly Sater

Family lawyer

Karolina Margaret Hoerl headshot
Karolina Hoerl

Family lawyer

Erin Kay Turner headshot
Erin Turner

Mediation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2018

North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

2010

Dean's Award, Legal Research & Writing, University of St. Thomas School of Law

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Shareholder, Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell

2018 - Present

Adjunct Professor, University Of St. Thomas School Of Law

2019 - 2024

Partner, Chestnut Cambronne PA

2017 - 2018

Associate Attorney, Chestnut Cambronne PA

2015 - 2017

Attorney, Johnson/Turner Legal

2012 - 2015

Associate Attorney, Brown Law Offices, P.A.

2011 - 2012

Associate Attorney, Tessneer Law Office

2010 - 2010

Law Clerk, Osterbauer Law Firm

2010 - 2011

Law Clerk, Guzman Law Firm, PA

Associations

2014 - Present

Mentorship Program, University of St. Thomas School of Law

Mentor

2017 - 2022

Minnesota Family Law League

Board Member

2013 - 2018

Cradle of Hope ... motherhood fund

President, Board of Directors

2012 - 2015

Minnesota Magic Basketball

Coach

2011 - 2024

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2011

Minnesota Heat Basketball

Coach

Education

2011

University of St. Thomas School of Law - Minneapolis

Juris Doctor

2008

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

B.S.B. - Bachelor of Science in Business

Speaking Engagements

2016

19th District OFP/HRO CLE at Northfolk Winery

Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, and Ex Parte Motions in Family Law Cases

2012

Education Minnesota Conference (Spring 2012, College of St. Benedict)

Estate Planning 101

2011

Education Minnesota Professional Conference (October 2011)

Estate Planning Basics

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution