Kirsten Elfstrand Named 2024 ‘Up & Coming Attorney’ by Minnesota Lawyer

Intellectual property associate Kirsten Elfstrand was named a 2024 “Up & Coming Attorney” by the Minnesota Lawyer. The award recognizes new attorneys “making a splash in the legal community” who are in their first decade of practice.

Elfstrand is a trial attorney with experience in all stages of litigation. She has personally conducted a direct examination, argued multiple trial motions and has developed extensive witness exams and opening and closing arguments. In 2023, she was recognized as an “Attorney of the Year” by the Minnesota Lawyer for her role in the “Restore the Vote” team.

In a Minnesota Lawyer profile, Elfstrand highlighted her path to her legal practice. After working at a small law firm and completing an externship with a criminal court judge in Minneapolis, Elfstrand entered law school.

“When I interviewed at Faegre Drinker, I met with people in the intellectual property group who I really liked,” Elfstrand said, noting that she clicked with the practice more than she expected to.

At the firm, Elfstrand has represented a variety of clients through civil litigation, including in a six-week jury trial in California. In a copyright issue trial, she took the lead on a direct examination of a witness on 12 hours’ notice to assist a colleague.

“As a mid-level associate, that was really fun,” Elfstrand said.

See Elfstrand’s full “Up and Coming Attorney” profile.