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: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Divorce & Family Law
- Child Custody
- Divorce
- Family Formation
- Mediation & Collaborative Law
Attorney Information
Overview
Vija is a guide, one whose skills are honed through her quests in adventure racing. Adventure racing (in which athletes compete in nonstop, multi-event races that can last several days) requires strength, perseverance, planning and excellent navigational skills. Vija knows firsthand that these skills provide a competitive advantage in both adventure racing and family law.
For clients involved in a divorce or other family law matter, the journey is often a highly personal one. Vija approaches each client matter with the same diligence to planning, guiding and perseverance as she does her adventure racing. And, no matter what the journey is, she always emphasizes that which is essential to success in trying times - the attitudes and actions of the people involved.
Vija's practice focuses on contested custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and marital and non-marital property issues.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Rising Star, Minnesota Law & Politics, 2005 - 2009
- Best Lawyer, The Best Lawyers in America, 2018 - 2022
- Top Women Attorneys in Minnesota, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, 2020
- Super Lawyer, Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2019 - 2022
- Best Lawyers in Minnesota, Minnesota Monthly Magazine, 2018-2020
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.
-
University of Minnesota Law School,
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
-
Non Legal Education
-
Stanford University
B.A. - Washburn High School
-
Stanford University
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Classes and Seminars
-
Co-Presenter, “How to Handle a Divorce Involving a Family Business: Is It Okay to Double Dip?” – Advanced Family Law Series, Minnesota CLE, 2019
-
Co-Presenter, “Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Lessons in LGBTQ+ Mindfulness” – Intellectual Property Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 2019
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Author, “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Civil Contempt Motion Papers” – Minnesota CLE Formbook, 2007
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
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: 612-473-1240
Fax: (612) 672-3777
Email: Send a message
Website: https://messerlikramer.com/professional/vija-l-brookshire
Disclaimer
Your Profile? Update Now
When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.