Leaving the Firm, Launching Your Practice: A Complete Guide to Going Solo

Heather earned her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, and holds a bachelor's degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota and maintains an active practice focused on criminal defense, family law, DWI defense, mediation, expungements, restraining orders, and juvenile defense.

Heather has been formally recognized by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a 2015 North Star Lawyer—an honor reserved for attorneys who provide 50 or more hours of pro bono legal services in a single year. This distinction reflects not only her professional standing but also her sustained commitment to expanding access to justice for individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel. As the founder of Olson Law LLC, Heather has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building a sustainable, values-driven practice. What began in 2010 as a solo practice has grown under her direction into a thriving team of six, anchored by a workplace culture that emphasizes accountability with flexibility, teamwork, and a no-judgment approach. Her leadership extends beyond her own firm: she also serves as a consultant to attorneys and law firm owners who are launching or scaling their own practices, sharing the practical insights she has developed in marketing, operations, and team-building.

Heather is actively engaged with the Minnesota State Bar Association and devotes substantial time each year to pro bono service, ensuring that quality legal representation reaches clients across the socioeconomic spectrum. She has built a trusted network of allied professionals—including specialists in chemical dependency and mental health—whom she draws upon to support clients facing challenges that extend beyond the courtroom. Beyond her own practice, Heather is a sought-after consultant to fellow legal professionals, advising attorneys and firm owners on developing effective marketing strategies, implementing streamlined systems and procedures, and cultivating workplace cultures that reflect their personal values and business goals. Known for her practical, approachable, and authentic style, she helps lawyers build sustainable businesses—not just successful caseloads.

Heather has built a versatile career that spans both sides of the criminal justice system. She gained extensive prosecutorial experience at the Wright County Prosecution Attorney's Office and has also served as a part-time Public Defender, giving her uncommon insight into how cases are charged, evaluated, and resolved. In 2010, she launched Olson Law LLC as a solo practitioner, driven by a vision to deliver high-quality legal services in family law and criminal defense. Today, the firm she founded handles a wide range of criminal defense matters—including assault, theft, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, juvenile defense, probation violations, DWI and repeat DWI charges, and criminal appeals. In her family law practice, Heather guides clients through divorce, high-asset divorce, asset division, child custody, paternity, spousal maintenance, legal separation, third-party custody, adoption, post-decree matters, and family law appeals. She is particularly skilled at navigating cases where family and criminal issues intersect, and she also serves as a mediator for parties seeking resolution outside of traditional litigation. While her legal practice remains a central focus, Heather's true passion lies in entrepreneurship. She has found her greatest professional fulfillment in building the business side of her firm, developing effective marketing strategies, implementing streamlined systems and procedures, and fostering a workplace culture grounded in accountability, flexibility, teamwork, and a no-judgment approach. Her approach as an attorney is defined by significant courtroom experience, the ability to negotiate effectively in high-stress situations, and an honest, accountability-based methodology that helps clients achieve better outcomes. Originally from Wyoming, Heather now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their two teenagers. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and collecting rocks, minerals, and gems—a hobby that mirrors her appreciation for growth, detail, and discovery.