Overview
Jessica works closely with individuals, families and business owners to achieve their personal and financial estate planning goals.
Her ability to connect with clients on a personal level while explaining complex issues in a way that her clients can understand sets her apart from other estate planning attorneys. She focuses on wealth transfer, estate tax minimization, asset protection for clients and their descendants, and trust and probate administration.
Jessica understands how difficult and emotional the estate planning process can be. Her experience as a sophisticated estate planning attorney and C.P.A., coupled with her welcoming personality, are the reasons why her clients are so impressed with both her work product and how comfortable she makes her clients feel. Jessica takes great pride in the faith her clients place in her with their most important and personal estate planning needs.
Prior to practicing law, Jessica completed her C.P.A. and worked as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte in Minneapolis.
Services
Credentials
Education
- University of North Dakota School of Law, J.D., 2008, with distinction
- Northern State University, B.S. in Professional Accountancy, 2005
Admissions
- North Dakota, 2008
- Minnesota, 2010
Recognition
- Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Private Wealth Law—Up and Coming, North Dakota, 2017-2019, 2021, 2022
- North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2016
- Certified Public Accountant (inactive)
Civic & Professional
Professional Activities
- State Bar Association of North Dakota
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Cass County Bar Association
- Clay County Bar Association
- Minnesota Assistance Council—Veterans, Pro Bono Attorney, 2013-present
Community
- Red River Estate Planning Council
News & Insights
News
Publications & Presentations
Author, "Unfortunately, During a Pandemic, Everyone Should Think About This: What You Need to Know About Your Parents' Estate Planning, Fargo Inc!, April 2022
Co-Presenter, Wills vs. Revocable Living Trusts, 2022 SBAND Destination CLE, Maui, HI February 14, 2022
Co-Presenter, Wealth Transfer Strategies in Today’s Environment, Western Dakota Estate Planning Council CLE, Bismarck, ND, October 20, 2020
Co-Presenter, Estate Planning in Today’s Environment, 2020 SBAND Destination CLE, Maui, HI, February 24, 2020
Author, “How You Can Take Advantage of Today’s Low Interest Rates for Wealth Transfer Purposes,” Fargo Inc!, December 2019
Presenter, 2019 SBAND Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Seminar, December 5, 2019
Co-Presenter, Strategies to Protect the Family Farm in a Changing World, Great Plains Land Expo, June 26, 2019
Presenter, How Does the New Tax Law Impact Estate Planning?, NALS of Fargo-Moorhead, May 8, 2018
Speaker, Estate Planning: What Everyone Needs to Know, Financial Planning Day, Fargo, ND, April 2018
Author, “What You Need to Know About Your Parents’ Estate Planning,” Area Woman, April 2018
Speaker, Income Tax Planning for Farmers, National Business Institute, Fargo, ND, March 2018
Author, Q & A on Estate Planning, Area Woman, October 2016
Speaker, Best Practices in Trusts and Estates Law, State Bar Association of North Dakota and Young Lawyers Section, October 2016
Speaker, What Matters Most 2016—For Trusts & Estates Professionals, Minnesota CLE, Minneapolis, MN, September 2016
Featured, The Women of Fredrikson & Byron Law Firm, Area Woman, June 2016
Quoted in “The Importance of Having a Will and Tips on Writing One,” Valley News Live, April 26, 2016
Speaker, Estate Planning Strategies for Farmers, Mostad Insurance Services, Langdon, ND, February 2016
Speaker, Overview of Estate Planning, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Fargo ND, January 2016
Author, “Do You Need A Will? The Importance of Estate Planning,” On the Minds of Moms, December 2015
Speaker, 2014 Farm Bill Highlights, American Bar Association 2015 Joint Fall CLE Meeting, Chicago, IL, September 2015
Probate and Protecting Your Inheritance, Appearance on North Dakota Today Show, September 2015
Important Legal Documents Everyone Should Have, Appearance on North Dakota Today Show, August 2015
Guardians, Wills and Estate Planning, Appearance on North Dakota Today Show, July 2015
Speaker, Grantor Trusts, National Business Institute, June 2014
Speaker, Estate Planning Overview, State Farm Agents, Fargo, ND, July 2012
Speaker, Estate Planning for Farmers, Mostad Insurance Services, Langdon, ND, February 2012
Speaker, Tax Issues Facing Oil and Gas Businesses and Mineral Interest Owners, Bismarck, ND, November 2011
Speaker, Charitable Gifting, East Otter Tail Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Perham, MN, July 2011