• Consulting
• Litigation and Appeals
• Zoning
• Development

Local government plays a fundamental role in our lives. The issues facing citizens and government alike are fascinating and complex. Paula Callies has extensive experience representing both private parties and municipalities in land use litigation in courts throughout Minnesota. She is a successful appellate attorney who is skilled in briefing and arguing cases in the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Paula works hard to try to resolve disputes, but has the skills and confidence of an effective litigator when alternatives are not successful or appropriate.

Paula has developed a strong reputation for quality legal advocacy concerning local government and land use matters. She regularly handles cases involving conditional use permits, variances, ordinance interpretation and enforcement, annexation and property disputes. In addition to representing private clients, Paula has served as a city attorney for Minnesota cities throughout her career, most recently for the cities of Loretto and Dundas.

• Divorce
• Stepparent and Relative Adoptions
• Child Custody & Parenting
• Post-Decree Issues

For many people, their first experience with the legal system coincides with a traumatic family event. Paula will help you understand the process and the legal issues affecting your unique situation. She is a vigorous advocate for you as a client in a difficult time when you may be feeling vulnerable. A family law matter often implicates business, tax, or real estate issues. When appropriate, Callies Law works with other professionals including mediators, financial consultants, and real estate experts to help provide you with the best advice for making decisions about your life and moving forward. Paula represents individuals in divorces, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements,  paternity cases, harassment and restraining order proceedings, child custody and parenting time, spousal support and modification of decrees.

• Commitment Defense
• Conservatorship and Guardianship
• DHS Appeals

Paula Callies has a Masters Degree in Social Work in addition to her law degree. She was previously employed as a school social worker and as a hospital social worker in mental health. Callies has broad knowledge and experience working with social service agencies and programs. For over 15 years, Paula represented individuals as appointed defense counsel in civil commitment proceedings. She represents clients in conservatorship and guardianship matters. Paula has handled administrative hearings and appeals concerning agency determinations of maltreatment and discrimination.