Jennifer M. Macaulay

PRO

Jennifer M. Macaulay

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Child custody Lawyer at Edina, MN
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Appeals, Criminal Defense

3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 550M, Edina, MN

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Jennifer

Biography

We provide creative, compassionate and cost-effective legal representation.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 30%

Child custody is a part of many of our divorce cases. But sometimes things fall apart after a divorce and we need to go back to court to adjust the divorce decree. When a child is born outside of a marriage, we need to establish custody and parenting rights through a separate procedure. Keeping our focus on the best interests of the child (which is the standard that ultimately governs the court's decision) helps us to resolve these cases in a way that is in the best interests of the family.

24 years

30%
Divorce and Separation 30%

Ending a marriage through divorce is a traumatic experience. I work with my clients to lessen that trauma and work toward an amicable and fair resolution. When this isn't possible, I can be a bulldog, but aggressive, time-consuming (and expensive) tactics are never the goal. Getting our clients to a place where they can move on with their lives comfortably is the goal.

24 years

30%
Appeals 20%

I have worked on more than 200 appellate and postconviction matters in state and federal court in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Seventh and Eighth Circuits and the United States Supreme Court. Although the majority of my appellate work is criminal and postconviction, I have also worked on dozens of civil and family law appeals.l

25 years

20%
Criminal Defense 20%

I tend to specialize in complex cases in all areas of my practice, and criminal defense cases are no exception. I enjoy working to protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individuals charged with everything from a traffic violation to violent felonies.

24 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2015 2010

Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 23 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2002

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Macaulay Law Offices

3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 550M, Edina, MN, 55435

macaulaylaw.com/

Macaulay Law Offices, Ltd.

649 Grand Ave Suite 1B, Saint Paul, MN, 55105

macaulaylaw.com/

Jennifer M. Macaulay's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 27 reviews

Posted by Michelle | November 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Knowledgeable & Amazing Advocate

Jennifer is an amazing lawyer. She is a gifted orator and thoughtful in her writing. If you want an attorney who listens to you, advocates for you and knows her stuff...she's the one! I'm beyond happy with her performance in my family court issue and would recommend her without the slightest hesitati...on. Thanks Jennifer!

Jennifer Macaulay

Replied last November 03, 2020

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Michelle. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Posted by William | November 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Custody

Jennifer has been a serious blessing to my family. She has successfully assisted me with multiple legal issues pertaining to my child and her mother. All future family law matters will be with her by my side. Thank you Jennifer!!!!

Jennifer Macaulay

Replied last November 03, 2020

Thanks, William. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Posted by Tim | November 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Top Shelf

I have worked with Jennifer both as an attorney on the same side and on opposing sides of issues. She is professional. A skilled and zealous advocate. Fair. and Firm. She knows what she is doing. I have also seen her work as an attorney for both family and friends. They, and we, have bee...n uniformly thrilled with her work. And her fairness in explaining options, strategies, and fee arrangements.

Jennifer Macaulay

Replied last November 03, 2020

Thanks, Tim. Given that I hold you in such high esteem as a colleague, your review is particularly nice to see. I appreciate the trust you've put in me.

Posted by Marie | November 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

An absolute gem

I was five months pregnant when I grabbed my toddler and literally fled in the night from an abusive marriage. She gave me amazing advice on how to navigate child custody and safety. Her guidance through writing the divorce decree set the kids and I up for safety, physically and financially. Jennifer... helped me get out and stay out. I'm forever grateful.

Jennifer Macaulay

Replied last November 03, 2020

I'm grateful that you trusted me to handle this. You were a pleasure to work with. I am glad to hear that things are going well for you post-decree. That is always the goal: to get our divorce clients sufficiently set up through the divorce decree, to avoid or navigate any conflict in the future.

Posted by Susan | January 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney

A Great Lawyer

As a lawyer and a private investigator, I have had the privilege to work with Jen on a number of cases. She is smart, understands the issues that matter, is a gifted writer, and a person who cares deeply about her clients. I have referred my own family to Jen and have the greatest of trust in her. ...

Jennifer Macaulay

Replied last January 11, 2019

Thank you for the review, Susan! I hope that you and your family are doing well.

See All Client Reviews

Jennifer M. Macaulay's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jennifer
Samuel Edward Surface headshot
Samuel Surface

Family lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Macaulay was opposing counsel on a custody matter. While it was a case that dealt with difficult subject matter and heated disputes between the parents (and our respective clients) she was a skillful advocate for her client. Despite all that, on a professional level, she was an effective communicator and pleasure to work with."

Victoria Allison Elsmore headshot
Victoria Elsmore

Family lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jennifer has been opposing counsel on a few different cases. She is very knowledgeable in the law, a fierce advocate for her client, respected by the bench and always well-prepared."

James Crescent MacGillis headshot
James MacGillis

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jennifer and I worked together on a complex matter for a client. She demonstrated professionalism, compassion and skillful advocacy. I endorse Jennifer."

Danielle L. Baumhofer headshot
Danielle Baumhofer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph F. Henderson headshot
Joseph Henderson

Unknown lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jennifer has a strong reputation in the legal community and receives consistently high praise from any of her clients with whom I've worked. She is a top-notch communicator who shows a deep and empathetic understanding of her clients' needs."

Sarah Martha Macgillis headshot
Sarah Macgillis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jen is a dedicated and talented lawyer who is very committed to the defense of her clients. I endorse her."

Sheridan Keith Hawley headshot
Sheridan Hawley

Appeals lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jennifer is a talented attorney who genuinely cares about her clients."

View All Endorsements
Samuel Edward Surface headshot
Samuel Surface

Family lawyer

Victoria Allison Elsmore headshot
Victoria Elsmore

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joyce Grannis headshot
Joyce Grannis

Mediation lawyer

Andrew V Moran headshot
Andrew Moran

Mediation lawyer

Craig E Cascarano headshot
Craig Cascarano

Criminal defense lawyer

James Crescent MacGillis headshot
James MacGillis

Business lawyer

Joseph F. Henderson headshot
Joseph Henderson

Business lawyer

Sharon Renee Osborn headshot
Sharon Osborn

Criminal defense lawyer

Dana Kathryn McKenzie headshot
Dana McKenzie

Mediation lawyer

John Lundstad-Vogt Brooks headshot
John Brooks

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles L Hawkins headshot
Charles Hawkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Jean Marie Brandl headshot
Jean Brandl

Criminal defense lawyer

Susan Lynn Johnson headshot
Susan Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Vincent Francis Waters headshot
Vincent Waters

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce Douglas Nestor headshot
Bruce Nestor

Appeals lawyer

Sarah Martha Macgillis headshot
Sarah Macgillis

Appeals lawyer

Brockton Dane Hunter headshot
Brockton Hunter

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Mcnee Marsden headshot
Brian Marsden

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2000

Women in the Law Scholarship, William Mitchell College of Law

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Principal, Macaulay Law Offices LTD

2004 - 2021

Adjunct Associate Professor Legal Writing, University of Minnesota Law School

Associations

2007 - Present

Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2001 - Present

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Ramsey County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v RHB, 821 N.W.2d 817 (Minn. 2012)

Reversal; victory for the client

U.S. v. Tyler, 580 F.3d 722 (8th Cir.(Minn.) Sep 04, 2009)

District court sentence vacated and remanded.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

William Mitchell College of Law

Juris Doctorate, cum laude

1996

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

BA/BS

Speaking Engagements

2006

Meet the Customer

Harnessing internet legal research resources

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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