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Carl Eric Christensen

Litigation Attorney at Minneapolis, MN

5.0   10 reviews
  • Licensed for 4 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2018
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State MN
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Carl

Learn Carl’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Litigation
    50%
    We are trial attorneys. We specialize in consumer law, business, and intellectual property litigation.

    17 years, 100 cases

  2. Foreclosure
    25%
    We bring cases against banks behaving badly. Foreclosure defense and loan servicing error services included Truth-in-Lending, consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, and RESPA.

    17 years, 150 cases

  3. Intellectual property
    25%
    We litigate trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. Advising in all components of soft intellectual property prosecution and litigation: trademark prosecution, emphasizing brand protection and development; copyright prosecution.

    17 years, 30 cases

Carl Christensen founded Christensen Law Office PLLC. Previous to that he clerked for the Honorable Kenneth Sandvik in the Sixth Judicial District, Lake and Cook Counties and had a short stint as a prosecutor in greater Minnesota. Carl's scholarship includes multiple presentations and publications on foreclosure, collection, and consumer law. As a student, Carl also contributed to various textbooks on intellectual property and domain name law.  He acquired his extensive knowledge of intellectual property and domain name law while a student law clerk at the National Arbitration Forum, a ICANN-designated domain name dispute resolution provider. While in law school, Carl’s trademark and property research enabled him to study land reform law in South Africa, a country he first visited under the auspices of the U.S. Peace Corps as a member of the first group of volunteers in post-apartheid South Africa.  Carl is currently an adjunct professor of law at William Mitchell College of Law, his alma mater, teaching the Intellectual Property Foundations course.

Prior to law school, Carl worked for various non-profits, including Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc., contributing to the renovation of Minneapolis’ historic Band Box restaurant, as well as the Minnesota State Horticultural Society.

Carl received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and his B.A. from Washington University.

When not in the office, Carl enjoys cross country skiing and spending time outdoors with his partner Karin, their daughter, and their dog, Maple.

Our approach to the client relationship sets us apart from other firms. Founded in 2008, Christensen Law Office PLLC has garnered a reputation for tirelessly advocating for each one of our clients. Whether by prosecuting your civil claims, defending you in a lawsuit, or navigating a business transaction with you, every client of ours deserves a fair and honest evaluation. We work with you to make sure that your voice is heard. Our clients aren’t just cogs in a wheel to us, we care about you and the results that we are able to obtain for you.

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Contact Carl

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Christensen Law Office, PLLC
800 Washington Ave N #704
Minneapolis, MN, 55401

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
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Posted by Diane Smith | December 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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. During our first meeting, Carl assured us we were on sound legal ground. He was confident our suit and counter-suit would be resolved in short order. That was hard to believe after such protracted litigation. He asked a number of questions, and, at times, pushed back against our position. Carl’s approach illuminated the issues for us as litigants and for him as an attorney. This also prepared us for push back by the opposing party and provided perspective on what the opposition’s motivations were in a clear, direct way. Carl then closed the case with binding mediation to the satisfaction of both parties. His ability to quickly understand the nature of the suit, the counter suit, as well as the personalities and natures of the litigants led to a solid outcome—no small feat—the result of a fine legal mind and years of experience as a litigator.
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Posted by Dave | April 24, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 great job for me.
Posted by Dan | January 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 now I am in my home to stay.I highly recommend Carl and thank him and his office for their outstanding representation!
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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!!
Posted by Jennifer | May 22, 2015
Applause for Carl Christensen!
My husband and I were referred to Carl from a large well respected downtown Minneapolis law firm and we are so thankful for that referral! For the first time ever, my husband and I found ourselves named as defendant's in a lawsuit. Very nervous, upset and worried with our situation Carl was sure to put us at ease immediately. His wonderful personality, knowledge of the law and constant responsiveness to our needs were exactly what we needed. Carl was able to make this lawsuit go away within just a few short weeks! We actually became the Plaintiff's in a new lawsuit which stemmed from the original suit and we prevailed and WON! The results were exactly what Carl had anticipated and he wasted no time making sure that he got them for us. We would highly recommend Carl and we will certainly hire him again in the future should the need arise. Thank you Carl!
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Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2015
Richard Freeze
Mr. Christensen, stood above the 5 lawyers I talk to first. He handed my case as if it was his only case. I endorse him and found him to handled my issue with the highest level of integrity. In the matter of Estate and Real Estate law Mr. Carl Christensen is clearly a leader in this area.
Posted by Jeff | February 5, 2013
Foreclosure law
Over the past couple years I've hired Carl for a number of different legal situations and have been extremely pleased with his counsel and the results he's achieved on my behalf, I've recommended his services to other friends and family as I've found that he is direct and fair and very well versed and informed in current foreclosure law.
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Posted by David | April 29, 2010
Carl E. Christensen
Mr. Christensen defended me against a frivolous small claims lawsuit that we won. He further assisted with the frivolous appeal to District Court that followed (also handily won). The case touched on law pertaining to elder abuse, especially financial abuse, a topic with which he has had much experience as a prosecutor. At all times I was impressed with his legal savoir faire and his humor...it's not fun to be sued but in his care it almost became fun. The legal brief to the District Court (prepared by his staff, under his direction) was thorough, convincing, and led to the immediate dismissal of the complaint. In short, I would not hesitate to use Carl's services again or to recommend him to others.
Read less
Posted by Don | April 26, 2010
Review
I found Carl to be an excellent attorney. Very knowledgeable of the law and the facts of the case. He always kept me informed and answered all my questions. I would recommend Carl to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 200-375 per hour
  • Contingency 33%-45%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Christensen Law Office PLLC
  • 2008 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor
  • William Mitchell College Of Law
  • 2008 - 2012
  • Law Clerk for the Honorable Kenneth Sandvik
  • Sixth Judicial District
  • 2006 - 2007

Education

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1993

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
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National Association of Consumer Advocates
  • 2008 - Present
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2008 - Present
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • 2008 - Present
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • 2005 - Present
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Debtor/Creditor Remedies Section
  • Co-chair
  • 2011 - 2013
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral and Information Service Oversight Committee
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2012
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • SBA Emerging 200
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • 2012

Publications

  • Minnesota CLE
  • Legal QuickSheet on Defenses to Foreclosure Actions
  • 2011
  • 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
  • N/A
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Distressed Real Estate: Legal Defenses and Workouts
  • Distressed Real Estate: Legal Defenses and Workouts
  • 2013
  • 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
  • 2012
  • 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
  • 2011
  • Ramsey County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
  • Foreclosure Defense Litigation
  • 2010
  • New Lawyer Basics
  • Consumer Law Basics
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (7)
Endorse Carl
Litigation Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Foreclosure Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Friend
"Carl is an excellent advocate, and his practice demonstrates the courage required to work with banks in foreclosure situations."
Real estate Attorney | Feb 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Foreclosure Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Litigation Attorney | Jun 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Carl is a credit to the profession. He advocates diligently for his clients while maintaining respect for all involved."
Real estate Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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.""
Litigation Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer because he is honest, hardworking and conscientious. He works hard to represent clients with vigor, creativity and competence."
Intellectual property Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Trademark application Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
View more endorsements
Intellectual property
Real estate
Real estate
Debt collection
Trademark application