Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
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Mollie M. Smith
Mollie M. Smith
 
msmith@fredlaw.com
p: 701.221.4028
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f: 701.221.4040
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Assistant: Kayla Freund 701.221.4045
MEET MOLLIE.
MEET MOLLIE

“
Everyone today faces so many challenges. I like to take on my clients’ legal challenges so that they can focus instead on the other important aspects of their lives.”
General Bio
 

Introduction

Mollie is a senior associate in Fredrikson & Byron’s Litigation, Tax Disputes, Energy, and Condemnation & Eminent Domain Groups. Although she has represented clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, Mollie focuses on complex federal tax disputes, wind and electric utility permitting matters, and representing both landowners and condemning authorities in large and small condemnation matters. 

Mollie’s energy law experience includes representing clients in local and state administrative law permit proceedings, including certificate of need and route permit proceedings. With respect to wind energy, Mollie assists clients with obtaining and complying with federal, state, and local permits, as well as permit due diligence reviews in connection with the sale or acquisition of wind projects.

Mollie’s condemnation and eminent domain experience includes assisting with landowner appeals of condemnation awards. In addition, Mollie is currently working on condemnation-related matters for a crude oil pipeline project to be constructed in Minnesota.

Mollie has a strong commitment to pro bono. Mollie recently first-chaired trials in a child custody matter and a contract dispute for pro bono clients.

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 2004, magna cum laude
  • Colorado State University, M.A., 2000
  • Northern State University, B.A., 1997, summa cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 2004
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 2006

Practice Areas

Selected Publications & Presentations

  • “Current Permitting and Environmental Challenges,” Fredrikson & Byron’s Midwest Wind Development Conference, February 22, 2010
  • “Wind Energy Conversion Facilities: State, Federal, and Local Permits,” Fredrikson & Byron’s North Dakota Wind Conference, February 23, 2009
  • “Wind Energy Conversion Systems: State, Federal, and Local Permits,” Fredrikson & Byron’s Midwest Community-Wind Conference, January 31, 2008

Professional Activities

  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Human Rights Committee, Member
  • The Board of the Wildlife Science Center
  • English Instructor, 1998-2001, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Honors & Distinctions

  • Order of the Coif
  • International Moot Court Director, University of Minnesota Law School, 2003-2004
  • International Moot Court, Best Brief, 2002-2003