Sarah M. MacGillisSarah MacGillis found her niche in being a trial lawyer. She brings unparalleled enthusiasm, hard work and tireless creativity to her practice. Sarah has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine every year from 2000-2008.
Sarah began her criminal practice in 1997. Since then, she has represented individuals charged with offenses ranging from assault to tax evasion in both state and federal court. In addition, she has significant appellate experience. She brought the first post-Apprendi challenge in Minnesota successfully arguing before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court that Minnesota’s pattern offender statute was unconstitutional. Most recently, she brought an appeal in a case of first impression on the significance of the deprivation of a peremptory challenge under the Minnesota Constitution which was decided in her client’s favor.
In addition to her criminal practice, Sarah has represented professionals in actions initiated by professional licensing boards. In this capacity, she has represented nurses, physicians and other professionals during investigations and/or disciplinary proceedings.
Sarah was an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School from 2003-2007 and at Hamline University School of Law from 2001-2003. In addition, she has been a CLE presenter on issues involving eye witness identification and the circumstances surrounding false confessions. She has recently authored materials on professional licensing matters and disqualification of licensed individuals by state agencies.
She has been a regular contributing author to the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer’s magazine, Challenger. Sarah sat on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 2004-2008 and for the Innocence Project of Minnesota from 2001-2004.
Sarah grew up in a small town in southeastern Minnesota where she learned that hard work, steely determination, and pure grit pay big rewards. That lesson, passed on to her by her parents, has made her a dedicated and talented advocate. Her interest in people and the circumstances of their lives make her a compassionate and spirited ally.
Outside of practicing law, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family simply enjoying their splendid company. She's a solid cook, an enthusiastic cribbage player and a committed long distance runner who has completed numerous races in multiple states. She travels when life allows it, still reads a paper version of the daily news, and enjoys a tough crossword puzzle.
Education:
- - B.A. St. Olaf College
- J.D. Hamline University
School of Law (cum laude)
- Law Review 1995-1997
Court Admissions:
- State of Minnesota
- Federal District Court for
the District of Minnesota
- Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Eleventh Circuit Court
of Appeals
