$ 200-375 per hour
Carl Eric Christensen
About Carl
Biography
Carl E. Christensen is the founder of Christensen Law Office PLLC, established in 2008, where he has built a practice dedicated to business law, consumer law, intellectual property, real estate, and litigation. Before launching the firm, Carl clerked for the Honorable Kenneth Sandvik in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District and served briefly as a prosecutor in greater Minnesota.
Carl is widely recognized for his scholarship and contributions to consumer and foreclosure law. He has authored publications, presented at numerous Minnesota CLE programs, and served as an adjunct professor at William Mitchell College of Law, teaching Intellectual Property Foundations. His deep knowledge of intellectual property and domain name law stems from his work as a student law clerk at the National Arbitration Forum, an ICANN-approved domain name dispute resolution provider.
Beyond his legal career, Carl’s early professional life included work with nonprofits such as Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc., where he contributed to the renovation of Minneapolis’ historic Band Box restaurant. He also volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps as part of the first cohort of volunteers in post-apartheid South Africa, where he developed a lifelong interest in social justice and land reform law.
Carl is admitted to practice in Minnesota, New York, multiple U.S. District Courts, and the 8th and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeals. His legal achievements include landmark victories in consumer protection and real estate cases, as well as successful trademark and intellectual property litigation.
Recognized for his excellence, Carl has been named a Super Lawyer (2017–2025), received the MSBA North Star Lawyer designation for pro bono service, and holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Outside the office, Carl enjoys cross-country skiing, exploring the outdoors with his partner Karin, their daughter, and their dog.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Litigation
50%
19 years | 100 cases
Foreclosure
25%
19 years | 150 cases
Intellectual Property
25%
19 years | 30 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
33%-45%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 7 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in Minnesota for 20 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Christensen Sampsel PLLC
305 North Fifth Avenue,, Suite 375, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
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Carl Eric Christensen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Diane Smith | December 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Brilliant Litigator
Attorney Carl Christensen successfully closed our case in less than one month. The case had dragged on for over a year before retaining his services. While my husband and I initially thought Mr. Christensen was expensive, he actually saved us a large amount of money with a speedy resolution. ...
Posted by Dave | April 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend!
Carl was a huge help in our 8 year battle. He had very useful skills and was highly knowledgeable on many legal subjects. He was friendly, professional, and hard working. Carl helped save our home and for that we will be forever grateful!
Posted by Diane | December 7, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Real Estate Deed
Carl helped me with a difficult transaction, creating a deed to sell a property between two former partners. He was very professional, knowledgeable and protective of my needs. I highly recommend Carl he is easy to converse with, knowledgeable and helped me curtail a difficult situation. Carl did a g...
Posted by Dan | January 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Saved the day!
I can't thank Carl enough! I had an issue with my mortgage company that could have easily turned into me losing my home. I called five attorneys, all telling me there was nothing I could do. The sixth call was to Carl. He told me to bring in all of my paperwork. Bottom line, we resolved my case, and ...
Posted by Hilary | May 22, 2015
My Knight in Shining Armor
I can not thank Carl and his office more, he has changed our lives. We are forever grateful that you stood up against TCF Bank. They were breaking the law and within a day you were able to bring this nightmare!!
Carl Eric Christensen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Carl is a fabulous advocate for individual consumers facing a housing crisis in the Twin Cities Metro. He has worked tirelessly for the greater Minneapolis area community on housing and other consumer issues for years. He's smart, tough, thoughtful and pragmatic. Carl has never hesitated to lend a helping hand to me or many other practitioners in need of his sage advice. He is absolutely selfless in his approach to helping consumers navigate the dangerous waters of mortgage banks, and others. Carl has the respect of not only the judges and defense attorneys--he has the respect of his fellow plaintiff's lawyers like me. He's just a fabulous lawyer and a great human being, too."
"Carl is an excellent advocate, and his practice demonstrates the courage required to work with banks in foreclosure situations."
"I've sent a few referrals to Carl over the past few years in need of a real estate/litigation attorney. They were all very satisfied with his legal advice and candor. I fully endorse Carl."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Carl for more than twenty years, since our college days. He is a fantastic, smart and caring attorney who has done a great deal of good for Minnesota homeowners. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. He will fight for his client no matter how small of an issue is at stake because he cares about the work he is doing."
"Carl is a credit to the profession. He advocates diligently for his clients while maintaining respect for all involved."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is conscientious, caring, and works hard at making sure he understands the facts and the law. It's good to see someone who is looking for more than just "the right legal form.""
"I endorse this lawyer because he is honest, hardworking and conscientious. He works hard to represent clients with vigor, creativity and competence."
"As an intellectual property attorney, Carl provides first-class trademark and copyright services to his clients. As a teacher, he shares his experience and knowledge of the law with students at William Mitchell College of Law year after year. As a person, Carl is generous, hard-working, trustworthy, and charismatic. I have known Carl for five years and whole-heartedly endorse him as an outstanding attorney, wise teacher, and all-around great guy."
"Carl has a vast knowledge of trademark law. I know Carl to be an extremely capable trademark prosecutor/litigator and I've always admired his ability to articulate a clear legal strategy for his clients."
Frank Farrell
Intellectual property lawyer
David Forro
Real estate lawyer
Kevin Lampone
Litigation lawyer
John Saunders
Real estate lawyer
Peter Barry
Debt collection lawyer
Matthew Kulseth
Trademark application lawyer
Theodore Buselmeier
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
North Star Lawyer for Pro Bono Service, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
North Star Lawyer for Pro Bono Service, Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
SBA Emerging 200, U.S. Small Business Administration
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Attorney, Christensen Law Office PLLC
2008 - 2012
Adjunct Professor, William Mitchell College Of Law
2008 - 2008
Assistant Prosecutor, Greater Minnesota
2006 - 2007
Law Clerk for the Honorable Kenneth Sandvik, Sixth Judicial District
2004 - 2007
Clerk, National Arbitration Forum
Associations
2008 - Present
National Association of Consumer Advocates
2008 - Present
Better Business Bureau
2008 - Present
Hennepin County Bar Association
2005 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association
Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
2011 - 2013
Hennepin County Bar Association, Debtor/Creditor Remedies SectionCo-chair
2010 - 2012
Hennepin County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral and Information Service Oversight CommitteeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Nelson et al., case no. 48-CV-10-1496 (Jan. 8, 2013)
Granting of Defendants' summary judgment motion.
Anderson v. Countrywide Home Loans, 2011 WL 1627945, case no. 10-2685 (MJD/JJG) (Apr. 8, 2011)
Denial of defendants' motion to dismiss on count to void foreclosure
Cole v. Primary Mortgage, case no. 27-CV-09-16146 (July 1, 2010)
Ordering that the note and mortgage be voided, the sheriff's sale by defendant be set aside, and title in fee restored to plaintiffs
Peterson-Price v. U.S. Bank Nat. Ass'n, 2010 WL 1782188, Civ. No. 09-495 (May 4, 2010)
Denial of defendants' summary judgment motion
Education
2005
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
Washington University in St. Louis
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
N/A
Making Mediation Meaningful: Best Practices in Consumer Law Cases
2023
N/A
Developments in RESPA: The Impossible Error
2023
N/A
How to Defend Against Foreclosure – New Issues and New Defenses
2022
N/A
The Complete Lawyer: Consumer Law
2021
N/A
Mortgage Foreclosures A to Z: Defenses to Foreclosure
2019
Real Property
Attorney Liens in Minnesota: The Newly Inferior Interest
2019
Probate & Trust Law Conference
Strategies for Dealing with Foreclosures in Probate
2019
Elder Law Institute
Real Estate Issues Facing the Elderly: From Nest Egg to Nefarious Interloper
2016
Trends in Mortgage Foreclosure Law
Creditor/Debtor
2013
Distressed Real Estate: Legal Defenses and Workouts
Distressed Real Estate: Legal Defenses and Workouts
2012
Winning Discovery
Obtaining Discovery from Large Institutional Parties
2012
What Lawyers Handling Debt Collection Matters Need to Know
Representing Consumer Debtors/Substantive Defenses and Firewall Strategies
2012
Helping Distressed Homeowners Rise from the Ashes of Foreclosure
Helping Distressed Homeowners Rise from the Ashes of Foreclosure
2011
That Old Judgment or Claim May Have Value: Tips to Collect
The Answer
2011
Hennepin County Bar Association, Debtor/Creditor Remedies Section
Consumer Scams: Collection and Foreclosure
2011
Hennepin County Bar Association, Debtor/Creditor Remedies Section
New Cases in Foreclosure Defense
2011
Foreclosure Law & Practice--Hot Issues in 2011
Foreclosure Defense Litigation
2011
Debtor and Creditor Conference, 2011
Foreclosure Defense Litigation
2011
2011 Real Estate Institute
Top Ten Defenses to Foreclosure Actions
2010
Ramsey County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Foreclosure Defense Litigation
2010
New Lawyer Basics
Consumer Law Basics
2010
Hennepin County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Foreclosure Defense Litigation
Publications
2011
Minnesota CLE
Legal QuickSheet on Defenses to Foreclosure Actions
N/A
Contributing Author: Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Entities
Chapter 22: Intellectual Property
N/A
Contributing Author: Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Entities
Chapter 4: Joint Ventures
N/A
Contributing Author: Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Entities
Chapter 86: Law of Advertising
N/A
Contributing Author: Advising Minnesota Corporations and Other Business Entities
Chapter 15: Trade Associations
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides