Zenner Law Office

When you're facing legal challenges, finding a trusted and experienced attorney in your community can make all the difference. For residents of Stillwater, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas, Zenner Law Office provides dedicated legal services, focusing on a range of complex and often sensitive areas of law. With a commitment to thorough research and clear communication, Zenner Law Office aims to guide clients through the legal process with professionalism and a strong advocate's spirit.

Zenner Law Office, led by Attorney Pat Zenner, has been serving the Stillwater community since its founding in 2007. Ms. Zenner brings a wealth of experience, having spent over three decades as a public defender before establishing her private practice. This background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the juvenile and criminal justice systems, as well as guardianship and child protection matters. The firm's approach is centered on protecting clients' rights and advocating fiercely for their best interests, ensuring that legal complexities are navigated with clarity and strategic foresight.

Zenner Law Office is conveniently located in Stillwater, Minnesota, making it easily accessible for residents throughout Washington County and beyond. The office is situated at:

1940 Greeley St S #202a

Stillwater, MN 55082, USA

This location offers a discreet yet accessible setting for clients seeking legal counsel. Stillwater's position in the St. Croix Valley makes it a central hub for many surrounding communities, ensuring that clients from various parts of the region can reach the office without undue travel burden. For those in need of legal representation, the ease of access to a local firm can significantly reduce stress during what can often be a difficult time.

Zenner Law Office specializes in several key areas of law, primarily drawing on Attorney Pat Zenner's extensive background in public defense and her subsequent private practice focus. The firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive representation in matters that often involve intricate legal procedures and significant personal impact. Here are the core services provided:

• Criminal Defense: Zenner Law Office provides robust defense for individuals facing criminal charges. This includes a wide array of cases, from general criminal matters to more specific areas like DWI/DUI. Attorney Zenner's experience as a public defender in adult court, including co-counseling an 18-year-old cold case homicide in Washington County and defending adults in Pine County criminal court, underscores her capability to handle serious criminal defense matters.
• Juvenile Law: This is a cornerstone of the firm's practice, reflecting Attorney Zenner's career start as a law clerk for the chief judge in Hennepin County Juvenile Court and her subsequent three decades as a juvenile public defender. She represents thousands of juveniles in delinquency cases, with a deep understanding of the collateral consequences of government actions in the juvenile court system. She is committed to protecting a child's record both now and in the future.
• Child Protection (CHIPS): The firm represents both juveniles and parents in child protection cases (often referred to as CHIPS cases in Minnesota). This involves navigating complex situations where the state intervenes in family matters. Attorney Zenner has successfully litigated many termination of parental rights trials, often reuniting parents with their children, demonstrating her dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for families.
• Guardianship Law: Zenner Law Office assists clients with guardianship matters, which involve legal procedures for safeguarding and advocating for individuals who may be unable to make decisions or care for themselves. Attorney Zenner has extensive experience as a litigator in guardianship cases, successfully challenging and petitioning for guardianship on behalf of family members.
• Custody and Parenting Time: For single parents or those formerly married with children, issues related to child custody and parenting time are critical. Based on her experience, Attorney Zenner guides clients on how to best position themselves to achieve desired outcomes for themselves and their children.
• Expungement: When past records threaten to impede employment opportunities or family goals, Zenner Law Office assists with expungement petitions. They aim to minimize the future and long-term effects of a criminal record, helping clients move forward with a clean slate.

Zenner Law Office distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that are particularly beneficial for local Minnesota clients:

• Extensive Experience: Attorney Pat Zenner boasts over 30 years of legal experience, primarily as a public defender in juvenile, criminal, and guardianship law. This long tenure provides a profound understanding of legal systems and procedural nuances. She has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2021-2023, and again in 2025, which is a peer-influenced and research-driven rating, selecting only the top 5% of attorneys.
• Specialized Expertise: The firm's focus on juvenile law, criminal defense, guardianship, and child protection means clients receive highly specialized representation from an attorney who has dedicated her career to these complex fields. Her specific background makes her an authoritative voice in these sensitive areas.
• Strong Advocacy: Ms. Zenner is described by clients as a "true professional" and an "excellent communicator" who "does her research and does what she says she is going to do." This reflects a commitment to aggressive and thorough advocacy on behalf of her clients.
• Client-Centered Communication: Effective communication is a hallmark of the firm. Clients can expect timely and clear updates, with an attorney who is readily available to listen, provide expert advice, and offer tailored solutions.
• Local Stillwater Presence: Being a Stillwater-based law firm, Zenner Law Office is deeply ingrained in the local community. This local presence can be invaluable for clients navigating the Washington County court system, as it implies familiarity with local procedures and personnel.

While specific, publicly advertised "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense are not explicitly mentioned for Zenner Law Office, the firm's approach to client services can be considered a significant benefit. Attorney Pat Zenner emphasizes providing "effective solutions tailored to your specific situation," indicating a personalized service rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For individuals facing challenging legal circumstances, the value of an attorney who is a "true professional" and "does her research" and "does what she says she is going to do," as one client noted, often outweighs explicit discounts. The firm’s commitment to thoroughness and communication, as highlighted by client testimonials, serves as a core offering that ensures clients receive dedicated and reliable legal support, which in itself is a substantial advantage for those in need of serious legal representation.

To learn more about how Zenner Law Office can assist you with your legal needs, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address:

1940 Greeley St S #202a

Stillwater, MN 55082, USA

Phone:

(651) 353-7333

Their business hours are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, they offer weekend and evening appointments upon request, demonstrating flexibility to accommodate clients' schedules. This accessibility makes it easier for individuals with demanding work or family commitments to seek legal counsel.

For residents of Stillwater and the wider Minnesota region, Zenner Law Office presents a compelling option for legal representation, particularly in areas concerning criminal defense, juvenile matters, child protection, and guardianship. Attorney Pat Zenner's impressive career spanning over three decades as a public defender has endowed her with a profound understanding of these often sensitive and life-altering legal fields. Her selection to Super Lawyers further underscores her high professional standing and recognition among her peers, providing an added layer of assurance for potential clients.

The firm's localized presence in Stillwater means that clients benefit from an attorney who is familiar with the community and its specific legal landscape. The emphasis on clear communication, thorough research, and dedicated advocacy ensures that clients feel heard, understood, and competently represented. While some reviews express concerns, the long-standing positive feedback from many clients highlighting her professionalism and effectiveness speaks to her general reputation for diligent legal work. When facing challenging legal issues that require a seasoned and focused advocate, Zenner Law Office offers the experience and specialized attention that local Minnesotans can trust to navigate complex legal processes with a strong hand.