Vija L. Brookshire

Vija L. Brookshire


Messerli Kramer

Recognized since 2018

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Practice Areas

Family Law

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When facing the uncertainty of divorce or other family issues, Vija provides her clients with peace of mind. Vija's advocacy is set apart by a confidence and compassion that seeks practical solutions to issues that keep her clients up at night. With years of experience and wins from Minnesota's trial courts to its Supreme Court, Vija's clients know she has what it takes to protect them and what they value most.

Vija recognizes that, for clients going through a divorce or other family law matter, the process is often a very personal one. Her clients span all income levels and circumstances. Vija helps her clients through all stages of the process by resolving cases through mediation and negotiation or through litigation and trial when a settlement cannot be reached. Vija tailors the process to fit each client's unique circumstances. Some cases can be resolved without ever needing to appear in court. Others require litigation and court involvement.

Vija's advocacy for her clients has shaped family law in Minnesota, as is evidenced by her success at the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Vija received her B.A. from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. A native of Minneapolis and a graduate of Washburn High School, she is active throughout the legal and professional communities, including the Douglas Amdahl American Inn of Court, the Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Women Lawyers, and TeamWomenMN. She speaks to community and other groups about family law issues, has presented to hundreds of attorneys at Minnesota's premier Family Law Institute, and has taught web-based continuing legal education classes, including authoring the Minnesota CLE Formbook Dissolution of Marriage and Civil Contempt. She is an avid bicycle and motorcycle rider, resides in Minneapolis, and aspires to become fluent in Spanish and French.

Location
  • 1400 Fifth Street Towers
    100 South Fifth Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55402
Education
  • University of Minnesota, J.D., graduated 1999
  • Stanford University, B.A.
Bar Admissions
  • Minnesota, 1999
Affiliations
  • Hennepin County Bar Association - Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association - Member
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers - Member
  • Stanford Club of Minnesota - Member
  • Street Legal Motorcycle Club - Member
  • TeamWomenMN - Member

Messerli Kramer
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota

4 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award

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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Family Law
Awards:
  • Qualified Neutral Under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice
  • Rising Star, Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2005-2009

Publications

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