Curriculum vitae

KRISTINE JEAN ZAJAC

Attorney at Law | Trial Attorney | Family Law

Shoreview , Minnesota • 612-789-2300

[email protected] • www.zajaclawfirm.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Minnesota attorney with 27+ years of experience in family law, litigation, and trial practice. Founder and principal attorney of a successful solo practice since 2000, providing comprehensive representation from initial consultation through settlement or trial. Skilled in motion practice, mediation, trial strategy, and client advocacy, with extensive experience serving diverse and immigrant communities.

Five-time criminal jury trial attorney with experience handling cases from voir dire through verdict, including felony criminal sexual conduct, felony assault, and child‑related offenses. All five jury trials resulted in acquittals. Bilingual attorney with strong Spanish proficiency and a long history of representing Spanish‑speaking clients. Former judicial law clerk, former Hennepin County Attorney’s Office litigation law clerk, and former gubernatorial appointee to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

ZAJAC LAW FIRM — Founder & Principal Attorney

Shoreview , MN | April 2000–Present Solo practice focused on family law, providing full‑scope representation in divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, domestic abuse, and related litigation.

First‑chaired five criminal jury trials, including felony criminal sexual conduct, felony assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious punishment of a child, and gross misdemeanor child‑related offenses.
Achieved acquittals in all five jury trials, demonstrating strong courtroom strategy, cross‑examination skill, and persuasive advocacy.
Represent a significant number of clients from immigrant communities; approximately 20% of clientele are Spanish‑speaking.
Maintain a spotless professional record with no disciplinary or malpractice findings.
Admitted to practice law in Minnesota since October 30, 1998.

Recognition & Professional Standing

North Star Attorney, 2025
Avvo Rating: 10.0
Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, 2018 & 2019
Google Rating: 4.8/5.0 (122 reviews as of Sept. 1, 2026)

MINNESOTA SENTENCING GUIDELINES COMMISSION — Board Member; Chair, Legislative Subcommittee

July 1999–July 2001

Appointed by Governor Jesse Ventura as a citizen member of the Commission.
Chaired the Legislative Subcommittee, leading policy review and legislative analysis.
Participated in statewide discussions on criminal sentencing policy and reform.
Collaborated with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and policymakers.

FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA — Judicial Law Clerk

1998–1999

Conducted extensive legal research on civil and criminal matters.
Drafted judicial orders, memoranda, and legal analyses.
Assisted with case preparation and courtroom workflow.
Analyzed statutes, case law, and legal issues to support judicial decision‑making.

HENNEPIN COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE — Law Clerk, Special Litigation Division

1997–1998

Researched and analyzed legal issues for more than 20 attorneys.
Drafted memoranda, complaints, and legal opinions.
Supported attorneys handling white‑collar criminal matters and appellate litigation.
Conducted research involving criminal prosecution, restitution, and appellate issues.

EDUCATION

WILLIAM MITCHELL COLLEGE OF LAW — Juris Doctor, cum laude

May 1998