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Elizabeth is an attorney at Henson Efron in Minneapolis. Her practice is focused exclusively on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, post-decree matters, domestic violence, and third party custody.
Elizabeth is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), comprised of the top family law attorneys in the nation who are recognized as having the highest levels of knowledge, skill, and integrity. She is board-certified in family law trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Elizabeth is also a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice and has frequently worked as a Parenting Consultant, custody evaluator, and court-appointed neutral. A skilled writer and negotiator, she enjoys crafting creative solutions and is always prepared to advocate for her clients and their children both in and out of the courtroom.
Elizabeth graduated cum laude from St. Olaf College and earned her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas, where she was an editor of the Law Journal. She is a Past President of the University of St. Thomas School Alumni Advisory Board.
Before moving her practice to Minnesota, she practiced family law for nearly 12 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was Managing Partner of her former firm. She is experienced at handling parental child abduction cases and is a member of the International Child Abduction Attorney Network and the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and is a freelance singer and cellist. She also serves on the Boards of Directors of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF/Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Minnetonka Theatre Curtain Call Club, and Lutheran Summer Music.
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Chat withState: Minnesota
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
State: New Mexico
No misconduct found
225 South Sixth Street, Suite 1600, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
9 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Not the ally I needed
Liz did not provide the level of advocacy I needed during my divorce process. Her approach seemed more focused on maintaining neutrality and pleasing all parties involved, rather than assertively representing my interests and those of my children. Her responses to me were often delayed, even in urgen...
I'm so sorry you didn't have a good experience. It is certainly difficult when outcomes and timelines don't match client expectations. Still, it is very important to me that each client knows how much I respect them and care about finding the best possible solutions for them and their children. I would have welcomed the opportunity to discuss these issues during the course of my representation so that I could have improved your experience. I hope you will contact me directly to discuss your specific concerns.
Posted by Martha | May 22, 2019 | Child Custody
Recommendation for Elizabeth Hartwell
I worked with Elizabeth on cases for years as an opposing counsel. I found her to be smart, organized, persistent and a fine advocate for her clients. More importantly, to me anyway, is that she took the long view, especially in child custody cases, and worked hard to find long lasting solutions th...
Posted by Chad | April 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Extremely pleased with the level of commitment & personal interest taken with my case!
Elizabeth is extremely knowledgeable. She takes the time to make sure things are done correctly. Very compassionate. I would recommend her to anyone looking to retain her services. She helped my family in ways I could never repay - "Thank You Liz!" I've known Elizabeth for many many years. She knows ...
Posted by John | April 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
CPA
Liz Hartwell's calm and supportive professionalism throughout a difficult and otherwise emotional divorce process helped reach a very favorable financial settlement reasonably quickly.
Posted by Jessica | April 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
Simply the best
Ms. Drotning Hartwell is easily the best family law attorney you can ask for. Her unparalleled knowledge, fierce representation, and ethical professionalism were a guiding light in a very difficult situation. We would have been unimaginably lost without her. Thank you for everything!
"Liz is very kind and empathetic towards her clients, and she is zealous in the courtroom. I endorse this lawyer."
"Liz is a skilled negotiator, who will reach reasonable settlements when compromise is appropriate, and an accomplished litigator, who will fiercely advocate when necessary. Liz is respected by her clients, other attorneys, and the Court, without exception."
"I have known Liz for about 8 years, and we had many cases against each other as opposing counsel. She is a true professional and very easy to work with. We had a 100% settlement rate which is very great for the parties. I am happy to endorse her, and would recommend her services."
"I have known Liz for over a decade and worked with her on many cases. She is great to work with both as an opposing counsel and as a guardian ad litem. She is incredibly knowledgeable and has handled difficult cases with the utmost professionalism."
"I'm an attorney in New Mexico that worked with Elizabeth Hartwell for approximately 10 years before she relocated to Minnesota. Elizabeth has an impeccable reputation as a leading expert in family law. She handles the pressures of family law gracefully, with compassion for the parties, respect for the Court, and devotion for the law. She is well respected by her colleagues who trust her to stand by her word. I enthusiastically endorse this attorney."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
2018
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association
2017
Certified Family Law Specialist, Supreme Court of New Mexico
2004
Editor, Law Journal, University of St. Thomas School of Law
N/A
Dean's Scholar, University of St. Thomas School of Law
2020 - Present
Attorney, Best & Flanagan LLP
2018 - 2020
Attorney, Heimerl & Lammers LLC
2007 - 2018
Shareholder, Geer Wissel Levy & Hartwell, P.A.
2023 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2020 - Present
AAML Divorce CampPlanning Committee
2020 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Hennepin County Bar AssociationMember
2019 - Present
Minnesota Women LawyersMember
2019 - Present
Cantus Vocal EnsembleBoard Member
2019 - Present
Lutheran Summer MusicChair, Advisory Council
2019 - Present
Lutheran Summer MusicBoard Member
2018 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Family Law LeagueMember
2014 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsEducation Committee Member
2020 - 2021
University of St. Thomas School of Law Alumni BoardSecretary
2018 - 2018
New Mexico Supreme Court Domestic Relations Rules CommitteeMember
2016 - 2018
Albuquerque Bar AssociationBoard Member
2007 - 2018
New Mexico State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2011
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2022
School Law 101 for Family Law Attorneys
2022
Facilitator
2022
Finding Boundaries and Balance in Legal Practice
2021
Family Law Practice
2020
2019
Family Law Practice
2011
Death and Dissolution: Oldham, the Probate Code, and Beyond
2022
2011
English