Vija L. Brookshire - Minneapolis, MN
Attorney at Messerli | Kramer
Divorce & Family Law Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN
50 S. 6th St. Suite 2300 Minneapolis, MN 55402
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
27
Years
Experience
Minneapolis Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
Updated: 09/01/2026
Areas of Practice
- Divorce & Family Law
- Child Custody
- Divorce
- Family Formation
- Mediation & Collaborative Law
Attorney Information
Overview
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, and Minnesota Women Lawyers. 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.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Recognized Lawyer, The Best Lawyers in America©, 2018 - Present
- Super Lawyer, Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2019 - 2026
- Minnesota Monthly: Top Lawyers in Minnesota, 2018 - 2025
- Top Women Attorneys in Minnesota, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, 2020 - 2024
- Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2005 - 2009
Other Sources of Feedback About Vija L. Brookshire
Included on the 2026 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2009 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2005 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Minnesota Law School,
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
J.D.
Non Legal Education
-
Stanford University
B.A. - Washburn High School
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Classes and Seminars
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Co-Presenter, “How to Handle a Divorce Involving a Family Business: Is It Okay to Double Dip?” – Advanced Family Law Series, Minnesota CLE, 2019
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Co-Presenter, “Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Lessons in LGBTQ+ Mindfulness” – Intellectual Property Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 2019
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Co-Presenter, “Family Law | Don’t Get Schooled in Court: Litigating School Choice and Other Legal Custody Battles (Or Not)” – Hennepin County Bar Association, 2018
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Co-Presenter, “Custody and Parenting Issues Affecting the LGBTQ+ Community in Minnesota: Legal Trends and Developments Post-Obergefell” – Fourth Judicial District Fall Bench Retreat, 2018
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Presenter, “Second Saturday Divorce Workshops” – Minnetonka, MN, 2015
- Presenter, “The Impact of the Haefele Case on Child Support for Business Owners” – Minnesota Family Law Institute, 2014
Pro Bono Activities
- Stanford Club of MN
- Street Legal Motorcycle Club
- TeamWomenMN
Published Works
Articles
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Author, “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Civil Contempt Motion Papers” – Minnesota CLE Formbook, 2007
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1999
Other Affiliations
- Minnesota State Bar Association (Member)
- Hennepin County Bar Association (Member)
- Minnesota Women Lawyer Association (Member)
- Douglas Amdahl American Inn of Court
Photo
Contact
50 S. 6th St.
Suite 2300
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone Number: 612-473-1240
Fax Number: 612-672-3777
Email: Send a message
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