Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C.

For individuals throughout Minnesota, particularly those navigating complex legal waters related to employment benefits or appealing critical court decisions, finding a lawyer with highly specialized knowledge and a proven track record is essential. In St. Paul, one firm stands out for its focused expertise and dedication to its clients: the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C.

Founded by Katherine L. MacKinnon in 1996, this firm has built a strong reputation over more than two decades for its in-depth understanding of employee benefit disputes, commonly known as ERISA claims, and civil appeals in both state and federal courts. Katherine MacKinnon thrives on telling a client's story with passion, meticulously preparing and presenting cases that demand a high level of legal precision and strategic thinking. The firm's commitment extends to guiding clients through the often-intricate administrative claims processes and subsequent litigation.

What truly sets this firm apart for Minnesotans is their specialized focus. While larger firms may offer a broad range of services, the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. provides concentrated expertise in areas that profoundly impact working people and those seeking justice through the appellate system. With the addition of attorney Nicolet Lyon, who brings a background in estates and trusts, the firm has further expanded its capacity to serve employee benefit clients with essential estate planning assistance. This holistic approach ensures that clients' immediate legal needs are met while also considering their long-term financial security.

The Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. is conveniently located in St. Paul, offering excellent accessibility for clients from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond. Their office is situated at:

Specialty Building, 2356 University Ave W # 230, St Paul, MN 55114, USA

This prime location within the historic Specialty Manufacturing Building, at the intersection of Raymond and University Avenues, is particularly advantageous for Minnesotans. It is strategically placed on the light rail Green Line, providing a highly convenient transportation option for those relying on public transit. For clients driving, its position on University Avenue West, a major artery connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul, ensures straightforward access. The move to this larger, more accessible office in 2016 from a home office signifies the firm's growth and its commitment to providing a professional and easily reachable environment for clients. For Minnesotans seeking specialized legal assistance, this convenient and well-connected location simplifies the process of attending consultations and engaging with their legal team.

The Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. specializes in highly complex and often critical areas of law, primarily serving individuals with specific needs related to their employment benefits and civil appeals. Their key services include:

• Employee Benefit Disputes (ERISA Claims): This is a core focus of the firm. They represent individuals in disputes concerning various employee benefits, including:
  • Disability benefits (short-term and long-term disability)
  • Life insurance proceeds
  • Pension benefits
  • Severance pay
  • Health benefits
  They handle both the administrative claims process and subsequent litigation in state and federal courts. Their expertise is particularly vital when plans cut off disability benefits despite Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) continuation, a common and frustrating issue for many.
• Civil Appeals: Katherine L. MacKinnon is a leading appellate lawyer known for her ability to effectively present a client's story and legal arguments in higher courts. She provides superior services for clients needing assistance with civil appeals in both state (Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court) and federal courts (U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit).
• Estate Planning & Probate (for Employee Benefit Clients): With Nicolet Lyon's expertise, the firm offers estate planning services tailored to their employee benefit clients. This can include:
  • Drafting wills and trusts
  • Probate administration
  • General estate planning advice, helping clients protect their assets and ensure their beneficiaries are secure, particularly in light of their benefit claims.
  This expansion allows for a more holistic approach to clients' financial and legal well-being.

The Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. stands out in the Minnesota legal landscape due to several distinctive features and impressive highlights:

• Highly Specialized Expertise: The firm is renowned for its concentrated focus on ERISA claims and civil appeals, providing clients with a depth of knowledge that general practitioners might not offer in these niche areas.
• Founding Attorney's Credentials: Katherine L. MacKinnon is a highly accomplished attorney. She graduated summa cum laude from Carleton College and cum laude from Northwestern University Law School. She wrote for the Northwestern University Law Review and competed on the school's national moot court team, achieving a second-place national finish. She also taught legal writing and appellate advocacy at the University of Minnesota Law School for seven years.
• Consistent "Super Lawyer" Recognition: Katherine MacKinnon has been consistently named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list since 2000 (and also in 1998), a strong indicator of peer recognition and professional excellence. Nicolet Lyon was selected as a "Rising Star" in 2021.
• Proven Appellate Success: Kate thrives on "telling a client's story with passion" and has a history of success in civil appeals, demonstrating her prowess in the higher courts.
• Client-Focused Approach: The firm emphasizes guiding "hard-working folks who have never crossed paths with the legal system before," providing approachable and clear assistance.
• Positive Client Testimonials: Reviews consistently praise the firm for prompt and accurate answers, helpfulness, and knowledge, with specific thanks to Tiffany for excellent client support. Clients feel confident and well-informed, highlighting the firm's strong communication.
• Convenient Location: Situated on the Green Line light rail, the office offers exceptional public transportation access, a significant advantage for clients across the Twin Cities.
• Holistic Client Support: The addition of estate planning services for employee benefit clients reflects a commitment to comprehensive legal support that addresses immediate and future needs.

While specific "promotions" in the marketing sense are not explicitly detailed in publicly available information, the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. operates with a client-first philosophy that inherently offers a key advantage:

• Accessible Expertise: Their commitment to being approachable and guiding clients through complex processes implies a willingness to engage in initial discussions to understand a client's situation. While not explicitly advertised as a "free consultation," firms specializing in areas like ERISA often provide an initial assessment to determine the viability of a claim, given the specialized nature of the work. Minnesotans interested in their services are encouraged to contact the office directly to inquire about their intake process and any initial consultation arrangements. The positive client reviews highlight their prompt and helpful responses to questions, suggesting a welcoming approach to initial inquiries.

For Minnesota residents seeking specialized legal assistance, you can reach the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. using the following details:

Address: Specialty Building, 2356 University Ave W # 230, St Paul, MN 55114, USA

Phone: (952) 915-9215

Mobile Phone: +1 952-915-9215

Email: kate@katemackinnon.com

The team is prepared to answer your questions and provide the dedicated, expert representation you need.

For Minnesotans grappling with the complexities of employee benefit disputes, especially challenging disability insurance issues, or those requiring adept civil appellate representation, the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. is an exceptionally suitable choice. Their highly specialized focus means that clients receive expertise that is both deep and current, crucial for navigating intricate federal laws like ERISA.

The overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlight precisely what makes this firm ideal for locals. Clients commend the team for providing "prompt and accurate" answers and being "extremely helpful and knowledgeable." The specific mention of Tiffany's excellent assistance and the overall sentiment of "5 stars" for their handling of "disability insurance troubles" underscore the firm's commitment to clear communication and effective results. This responsiveness and clarity are invaluable for Minnesotans who may feel overwhelmed by legal jargon and processes.

Furthermore, Katherine MacKinnon's extensive experience, academic background, and consistent recognition as a "Super Lawyer" provide a strong foundation of credibility and trust. The convenient St. Paul location, particularly its accessibility via the Green Line, makes it practical for clients from across the Twin Cities to access their services. For any Minnesota resident in need of specialized, client-focused legal assistance in employee benefits, civil appeals, or related estate planning, the Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon P.L.L.C. offers the expert guidance and compassionate support necessary to achieve favorable outcomes and peace of mind.