Louise E. Livesay-Al

Louise E. Livesay-Al is a Minnesota family lawyer and founder of The Law Shop Minnesota. She began private practice in 2005 with an emphasis on respectful, out-of-court settlements. She helps clients address divorce, parenting time, custody, support, property division, and related family concerns. Her approach uses practical language, careful listening, and services tailored to each client’s desired level of legal assistance.

Louise earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. She has been admitted to practice in Minnesota since 1999. Her training includes Insight Mediation and collaborative practice. She is a qualified neutral under Minnesota court rules for family law matters. Her education and specialized training support informed guidance during emotionally and financially difficult transitions.

Louise includes collaborative divorce, mediation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, pre-divorce consultations, and unbundled legal services in her practice. She provides assistance ranging from one defined task to representation throughout the entire divorce process. She helps self-represented clients prepare documents, understand procedures, and approach negotiations with greater confidence. Her work encourages families to reduce conflict, preserve constructive relationships, and develop workable arrangements for their children and finances.

Louise E. Livesay-Al is a leader within Minnesota’s collaborative family law community. She has served twice as president of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and chaired its Public Education and Training Committee. She has contributed to committees of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and regularly trains legal professionals. Her recognition includes Minnesota Super Lawyers selections from 2021 through 2025 and the Stu Webb Award for Outstanding Contributions to Collaborative Practice. She has provided pro bono family law and housing court assistance through Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Her leadership, mentoring, and volunteer work reflect a continuing commitment to accessible, respectful, and client-focused family law services throughout Minnesota communities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, The Law Shop Minnesota
• Former President, Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota (CLI-MN)
• Member, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)
• Member, Ramsey County Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Court

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• Hamline University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges