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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.
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.
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 engine driving the strategic and operational efficiency of Sand Law. With a strong academic background, including an MBA in Finance from Capella University and a B.S. in Legal Studies in Business from the University of St. Thomas, Ben brings a well-rounded and forward-thinking approach to the Sand Law’s leadership.
Bem’s career has been diverse. He has worked in high-level operational roles across banking, insurance, finance, and employee benefits. When you combine this with his education in legal business structures, it creates a unique, precise experience that allows Ben to handle a wide range of complex challenges.
He has shown creative problem-solving, a natural tendency to think outside the box, and is always focused on bringing the solution back to the client.
"Justice isn't just about the law; it's about the people we serve."
Ben is a native Minnesotan, raised in the Twin Cities, who carries the principles of discipline and leadership into his personal life. He was a dedicated athlete, focusing on tennis and serving as a two-time team captain. He continued competitive tennis in men’s league national championship tournaments after college.
Ben loves his work and the problem-solving and socialization that come with it. But nobody (or very few of us) lives to work. So when Ben’s not guiding Sand Law, he enjoys doing all kinds of activities with his wife and three daughters, reading, and all things tennis.
Ben actively enjoys supporting his community. He volunteers with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, helps out at his church, and loves coaching youth sports.
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.
Axel Sontgerath is a Client Intake Specialist at Sand Law.
Axel is a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ with a bachelor degree in Diplomacy and International Relations.
Axel is now pursuing a law degree at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, hanging out with his friends, cooking, and playing chess.
Christine Cermak has been a legal assistant since 2010 where she has experience working with Criminal Defense, Family Law, Civil matters, and Probate matters. Christine uses her interpersonal communication skills to help our clients and to provide support to our Criminal Defense Attorneys, assisting them in matters pertaining to our cases.
In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and friends. She also enjoys spending her leisure time snuggling with her beautiful Cavalier Briar Rose.
Jordan graduated from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Outside of the office, he enjoys watching and playing sports, hanging out with friends, and traveling.