Table of Contents
Mission & Values
Our mission is to help clients gain a full understanding of their legal situation so that they can act efficiently. We never want someone to get a stack of papers, hurriedly sign them, and not know what their estate plan will do when they are incapacitated or gone, or not be comfortable before, during, and after a court proceeding. From personal and professional experience, I fully know the stress this causes clients.
Personal Experience
with Estate Planning & Probate
I have personally lived through two court probate cases. One probate case was contested. The other probate case had agreement from all beneficiaries. Both probate cases were hard for different reasons and took multiple years to complete, not to mention legal fees of other attorneys before I finished law school.
Estate planning is proactive, not reactive. You can create your own result. You are not at everyone else’s whim. Managing your affairs should be faster and less expensive. This is what I want for all clients and strive to do this for everyone that engages our office.
Staff Bios
Derk Schwieger
Besides 26 years of law practice and licensure in multiple state and federal courts, Derk has an upbringing of farm labor, competitive sports, and a constant striving to be the best possible attorney through additional law degrees and certifications. Derk’s legal background goes far beyond his current transactional practice, and pulls from prior litigation, negotiations, and investigation experience.
Anne
Anne brings a wealth of professional experience to Schwieger Law Firm. Previously she worked in college admissions, and at an agricultural company within their their intellectual property division. This was after earning multiple college degrees in the Boston area.
Education
Earning degrees and certifications to enhance my law practice is much more important than paying for publication labels and accolades. Every lawyer has a Juris Doctor to take the bar exam and practice law. This is a general degree, and specialization may or may not occur during a lawyer’s time working in their law practice. As my estate planning and administration practice grew, I knew I needed more specialization and focus. I sought out and earned two additional law degrees. The first was a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation where much of my curriculum focused on estates and trusts. The second was a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Elder Law and Estate Planning, with a focus on drafting and Medical Assistance.
Anne’s education far exceeds that of a regular legal assistant or paralegal. After attending Wellesley College, considered part of the hidden Ivies, Anne obtained a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard University. This led to an impressive work history that has been utilized and appreciated in our law practice.
Derk’s Education and Certifications:
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Elder Law and Estate Planning, Western New England University.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, Boston University.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Drake University.
- Civil Law Adjudicative/Evaluative Arbitrator, State of Minnesota.
- Civil Law Facilitative/Hybrid Mediator, State of Minnesota.
- Family Law Facilitative/Hybrid Mediator, State of Minnesota.
- Certified Farm Succession Coordinator, International Farm Network.
- Former Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Minnesota State Bar Association.
- Behavioral Analysis Interview and Interrogation, John E. Reid & Associates.
Anne’s Education and Certifications:
Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, Harvard University.
Bachelor of Arts, graduating with honors, Wellesley College.
