Kelly J. Zech
Estate planning should give every client confidence that their legacy is secure and their loved ones...
Contact: P /612.604.6524E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Kristin Tendall P /612.604.6527E /[email protected]
Education
University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., Business Law Concentration, 2022
- Managing Editor, Minnesota Law Review
- President, Business Law Association
- President, Law School Armed Forces Association
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, B.S. Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurial Management, magna cum laude, 2005
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 2022
My Approach
No two clients are the same, and I take the time to truly understand each person’s story, values, and goals so I can help craft a plan that accurately reflects what matters most to them. Whether the end goal is to provide for family, support a business, or give back to the community, estate planning is about preserving a legacy, and that requires thoughtful customization and a clear understanding of tax considerations.
I work with individuals and families at all stages of life, from those planning for marriage or navigating blended families to business owners and clients across a wide range of wealth, to develop tailored solutions that fit their specific circumstances. I value the trust clients place in me to guide them through these decisions and see myself as a long-term partner for them as their lives evolve.
Outside the office, I enjoy travelling and seeking out new adventures. I love experiencing new cultures, visiting unknown places, and meeting new people. Before going to law school, I even took an extended road trip across Europe with my then-toddlers (and survived)! At home, you’ll often find me on the sidelines of my kids’ sporting events or checking out the Twin Cities’ music scene.
Groundbreaking Moment
My first career was with the U.S. Navy, where I spent six years primarily as an operations officer and navigator, leading sailors and managing critical ship functions. I spent two deployments supporting counter-drug operations in Central and South America and was later involved in minesweeping operations, helping to ensure the operational readiness of all U.S. mine countermeasure ships. Throughout my service, I focused on developing teams, expanding access to education for sailors, and leading efforts to restructure deployment rotations so service members could spend meaningful time with their families. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, accountability, and problem-solving under pressure, all of which continue to shape my approach to practicing law and the level of service I provide to my clients.
Practice Areas
Practicing Trusts, Wills & Estates
My Experience
I provide comprehensive planning services for estates of all sizes and all levels of complexity, with an emphasis on thoughtful, custom-tailored solutions for my clients. I have extensive experience drafting, researching, and counseling clients, including individuals, high-net worth families, business owners, and professional fiduciaries, on trust, estate, guardianship, and conservatorship administrations. I also counsel clients in probate, trust, and fiduciary litigation and dispute resolution.
Also experienced in
Trust, Estate & Fiduciary Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Honors & Awards
Rising Star
Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2025
Pro Bono Service
MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2024