Who We Are

Hi, I’m jess birken

I help nonprofits solve problems so they can quit worrying and get back to what matters most – Their Mission. I'm not like most attorneys, I actually have an outgoing personality, and – like you – I like to think outside the box. Most of my clients are passionate and have an entrepreneurial spirit. I'm like that too. My goal is to help you crush it when it comes to achieving your mission.

My team and I understand – you’re growing something awesome and want it done right. You also don’t have time to get bogged down in the minutia and compliance that sucks the joy out of the important work. We’ll help you do the work – not the paperwork.

My Credentials:

  • BA, Sociology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2001)
  • JD, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Magna Cum Laude (2007)
  • MA, Nonprofit Management, Hamline University (2010)
  • Certified Transformative Mediator

Want more? Check out my LinkedIn profile.

My Journey

I worked my way through law school and had the beginnings of a promising career in criminal law after graduation. However, I quickly realized that going to court is depressing! In court, the toothpaste is out of the tube and you're just trying to clean up the mess. My colleagues reassured me I'd become callous and get used to the grim reality. But I thought that sounded like a terrible personal outcome and decided I needed to change course.

I went back to grad school and earned a Masters in Nonprofit Management. I rejoined the nonprofit sector through a role with Pheasants Forever where my work was a marriage of real estate law and state / federal grant administration from inside their accounting team.

I left in house life and joined a boutique nonprofit law firm as the CEO & Managing Partner and remained outside counsel to PF. In 2016 I decided to open my own tech-forward law firm focused on client experience. Today I have a great team and we love working with folks like you to keep nonprofits thriving!

My Life Outside the Office

I have two nearly launched members of Gen Z who teach me all the new slang (whether I want to learn it or not). We live outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, near their dad who is amazing and a great friend.

In my free time, I enjoy pretending to be a foodie, reading science fiction, going to trivia mafia with good friends, playing role-playing games, or getting up north to the woods.

Learn more about Birken Law

Click here to schedule a free call now. You can also contact us via our online form.

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Meet the team

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Meghan Heitkamp

Firm Manager
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Novah Venezuela

Client Success Paralegal
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Paul Edo

New Client Guide
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Ren Diegor

Data Whisperer

Why Choose Birken Law?

  • We get your world – We only work with nonprofits and understand the law and the unique challenges you face (board drama included)
  • We speak human – No confusing legalese, just clear communication that won't require a legal dictionary
  • Solution focused – We help you overcome obstacles so you can focus on saving the world (or at least your corner of it)
  • Practical guidance – Our advice isn’t just “legal,” it works in the real world with real people, not just on paper
  • Real relationships – We limit how many clients we work with so we can genuinely invest as partners in your success

Let's Connect!

Birken Law Office serves nonprofits throughout Minnesota and beyond. We're here to help so you can focus on changing the world.

Paperwork never changed the world, but your nonprofit just might.

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Nonprofit Support