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My mission is to ensure our operations run with absolute efficiency, providing the strategic support that allows every attorney and client to thrive and succeed.
Ben Herding is the Vice President of Operations at Sand Law. He is responsible for making sure the firm runs efficiently from day to day. He ensures that systems, processes, and teams are aligned to support the attorneys and various teams, and most importantly, the client. His work is largely behind the scenes, but it directly affects how effectively your case is handled and the type of experience you have at Sand Law. Ben’s primary goal is to optimize all the elements of the firm so that each one operates smoothly, ideally allowing the client to have the best experience possible and to get the maximum outcome in their case.
On a day-to-day basis, Ben oversees the operations of all Sand Law’s Minnesota offices with a focus on removing friction. This includes identifying inefficiencies, improving internal workflows, and addressing any problems before they affect the client. His goal is simple (even if the job isn’t): allow our attorneys to focus on handling the legal work, ensure the staff has everything they need to perform their roles at the highest level, and ultimately, for this to result in a client experience that includes clear communication, timely progress, and the fewest delays possible.
For his bachelor’s degree, Ben focused on Legal Studies in Business at the University of St. Thomas. Later, he worked on his Master’s of Business Administration in Finance from Capella University. These two areas give Ben a well-rounded, forward-thinking approach to Sand Law’s leadership.
Before joining Sand Law, Ben worked in senior operational roles across banking, insurance, finance, and employee benefits. That experience has helped him create clear processes that reduce mistakes, keep cases on schedule, and deliver a more reliable experience for you, the client. Everything we do, and everything Ben does, is focused on the ultimate outcome of the case and whether the client has a good experience working with our firm. At the end of the day, that is what really matters.
"Justice isn't just about the law; it's about the people we serve."
Ben grew up in the Twin Cities, spending most of his time on the tennis court. Ben played tennis since he was a young boy, continuing through high school and college. But once he got his degree, he didn’t let that keep him from playing his favorite sport competitively. After college, Ben played in national championship tournaments and continues to play in his free time.
Ben loves the problem-solving and socialization that come with the work he does. But no one (or very few of us) lives to work. So when Ben isn’t helping to lead Sand Law, he enjoys doing anything and everything with his wife and three daughters.
Being part of his larger community is something that has always brought Ben happiness. He volunteers with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, helps out at his church, and enjoys coaching youth sports.
Nick Larson has been leading people and driving change through organizational management since graduating from the University of MN – Duluth in 2004. Nick began his career as the first employee of a start up company, and helped build it into a leading consumer electronics brand. He helped grow the business by forming strategic partnerships with vendors and well known retailers. He transitioned his skills in leadership and business management to Sand Law as the Director of Operations in the St. Paul, MN office. Nick is a firm believer in doing the right thing, which translates well for Sand Law’s clients.
During his free time, Nick enjoys time with his wife and three children, cabin life, riding motorcycles, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Zoa started with Sand Law in June of 2019, as the Firm’s Intake Director. Now, she uses her considerable multitasking skills and customer service experience to offer detailed support to Criminal Defense Attorneys, clients, and other staff throughout the firm. Outside of the office, Zoa enjoys spending time with family and friends on the lake and traveling.
Shannon is a highly skilled and dedicated paralegal professional with over 10 years of experience in the legal field and a background in management. She graduated from Coastal Carolina Community College, where she earned her degree in Paralegal Technology, and she is a Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP). Shannon is an active member of the Minnesota Paralegal Association and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
Shannon currently serves as the Personal Injury Senior Paralegal at Sand Law, where she utilizes her robust management and legal background to foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, empowering team members to excel and deliver high-quality legal work.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family, playing softball, bowling, and reading.
Carol Thuente (pronounced tin-tee) is an experienced HR Generalist at Sand Law. With a wealth of knowledge in human resources, Carol brings a unique blend of skills to her role, ensuring that Sand Law’s HR operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Outside of the office, Carol leads a fulfilling life centered around her family. In her free time, Carol finds joy in cabin life, is an avid reader, and loves music and cooking.
Lisa Hite is a seasoned paralegal with over 35 years of diversified experience in litigation, pre-litigation, and workers’ compensation. Lisa demonstrates exceptional proficiency in managing complex caseloads, providing prompt communication with clients, adjusters, medical providers, and attorneys, and excelling in various legal tasks such as drafting lawsuits, motions, and discovery responses, as well as trial and mediation preparation.
Aoife is a Paralegal at Sand Law. She assists primarily with all phases of litigation. This includes organizing case files, drafting pleadings, discovery development, and trial preparation.
Aoife graduated from Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Women Studies, a minor in Business, and a Paralegal Certificate.
In her free time, Aoife enjoys running, playing polo, and spending time with friends and family.
Ashleigh Buckman is an Intake Coordinator at Sand Law, where she serves as the first point of contact for new clients and helps guide them through the intake process. Ashleigh has a foundation in criminal justice and client advocacy, along with hands-on experience in both legal and social service environments.
Ashleigh earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from North Dakota State University. During her time in school, she gained legal experience as a part-time Legal Administrative Assistant at Rodenburg Law Firm and later completed an international legal internship through The Lex Fellowship in Barcelona, Spain. There, she worked alongside attorneys across a wide range of legal fields, engaging in real-world case studies and legal sessions.
Before joining Sand Law, Ashleigh worked as a Case Manager at RS EDEN in St. Paul, where she supported individuals overcoming barriers related to homelessness, addiction, and reentry to society after incarceration. Ashleigh is proud of her background, helping others navigate complex systems, a skillset she now applies to assisting clients at Sand Law.
Ashleigh is preparing to attend law school with the goal of becoming an attorney. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.
Wendy Arieta-Zelaya is a Certified Paralegal with nearly 20 years of personal injury litigation experience. She is known for her compassionate approach, strong attention to detail, and commitment to helping clients feel supported throughout every stage of their case.
Wendy Arieta-Zelaya earned her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2003 and went on to become a Certified Paralegal. Over the course of nearly two decades, she has worked with several prominent personal injury law firms, building extensive experience in litigation and client support.
Wendy understands how difficult legal systems can feel for families dealing with limited resources, language barriers, financial hardships, or misinformation passed along through friends and family. She wanted to learn the actual rules and procedures so she could be genuinely helpful to her family, friends, clients, and the attorneys she works alongside.
At Sand Law, Wendy brings that same mindset to every case she handles. She is driven by a genuine commitment to helping people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. She strives to remain humble, compassionate, and diligent so every client knows she truly has their best interests at heart.
One of Wendy’s proudest career moments is guiding a case from beginning to end and seeing the relief and appreciation on a client’s face once their matter is resolved. For her, helping clients reach that point makes the long journey worthwhile.
"I wanted to learn the actual rules and procedures so I could be genuinely helpful to my family, friends, clients, and the attorneys I work with."
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time outdoors and tending to her garden during the spring and summer months. She enjoys planting, weeding, and mowing, and values the sense of peace that comes from caring for her outdoor space.
When she was younger, Wendy loved hiking and hopes to return to it more often so she can share that experience with her son. She also enjoys traveling and has a special fondness for Europe, especially Scotland, which she has visited several times and hopes may someday become her retirement destination.