A Lawyer Who Sees &All of You
Bar Admission
Minnesota
Education
Macalester College, B.A. (Political Science & Sociology)
William Mitchell College of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude)
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Business Law
Nonprofit Law
Professional Associations & Memberships
Quorum
MN Lavender Bar Assoc
MN State Bar Assoc
Ramsey County Bar Assoc.
Fun Facts
Favorite Drinks: Chai (with coconut milk), Coke Zero
Authors I Adore: Lily King, T.J. Klune, Fredrik Backman
My Happy Places: Disney World, Redwood National Forest, Seattle, Home with my kiddo, A warm beach next to tranquil waters
TV Shows I Happily Binge: Traitors, Schitt’s Creek, The Pitt, Ted Lasso, Alone, Shrinking
Meet Cari
Hi there! I'm attorney Cari O’Brien, and I built Cove & Counsel as a space where you can walk in and simply be yourself:
- Where LGBTQIA+ individuals and families are celebrated
- Where people of color are honored
- Where non-traditional families are understood
- Where purpose-driven entrepreneurs find true partnership
- Where mission-focused nonprofits get a lawyer who believes in what you're building
You're the entire reason this practice exists. And, here, you belong.
What You Can Expect From Me
Clear Communication That Keeps You Informed
Most lawyers go from law school straight into practice. While I did that briefly, I then took a 17-year detour through content marketing and small agency ownership, where I translated complex ideas into plain language.
What this means for you: Every conversation leaves you feeling informed and confident. Legal concepts become accessible. Documents become understandable. Decisions become empowering.
When you understand what's happening, you make better decisions.
A Space Where Your Life Is Already Understood
I've studied how legal systems can heal communities, from post-conflict societies in Northern Ireland and Rwanda to examining how legal frameworks shape lives in the United States. I've sat on nonprofit boards, led community organizations, and spent years in spaces where belonging is intentionally created.
What this means for you: You can simply show up as yourself. I understand that families come in infinite beautiful forms. That "next of kin" is a legal term, not a relationship description. That your identity, your relationships, and your values are the foundation we build on.
We build legal strategies around your actual life, designed for the people you love and legacy you wish to leave.
Both Competent and Kind
Here's what I believe: legal counsel should be both competent and kind. Both matter. Both are essential.
I'm technically skilled as an estate planning, business, and nonprofit lawyer. And I bring genuine care, high empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
What this means for you: You work with a lawyer who knows their stuff AND treats you like a human. Who can handle complex legal structures AND remembers that these decisions involve real emotions: grief, fear, hope, protection, love.
I'm colorful, curious, and I believe professionalism and warmth coexist beautifully. You're working with a whole person, and you're invited to show up as one, too.
Intentional Systems That Ensure Consistent Care
I've built the Person-First Practice Model™ to ensure you receive the same level of attention, thoughtfulness, and clarity every single time, supported by intentional systems designed to serve you completely.
Complete Transparency About Process and Cost
I've been on both sides of the table; I've hired lawyers, and I've been the lawyer being hired. I ran my own business for 11 years. I know what it's like to need legal help and want straight answers about what to expect.
What this means for you: You get clarity from the start. I talk about cost upfront and explain exactly what you're paying for. I keep you updated throughout the process with consistent communication. You always know what's happening with your case and what comes next.
Because I've been where you are, I know what matters most: transparency, communication, and being treated like a partner in the process.
I’ve also ensured the practice I’ve created increases access to legal services through intentional pricing, which includes flat fees based on a sliding-scale equity framework.
The Journey That Shaped How I Serve You
My path to legal practice has been beautifully unconventional.
I went to law school because I wanted to work in civil rights and human rights. I studied post-conflict societies, examined how legal systems affect real people in real ways, and worked for a civil rights nonprofit.
When that chapter closed, I landed in online marketing, branding, and created the connection copywriting system.
I ran my own content marketing agency for 11 years, sat on nonprofit boards, led community organizations, and served on executive teams.
The whole time, I was learning skills that would shape how I practice law.
I came back to legal practice in early 2025 with a clear vision: bring everything I learned about client experience, communication, and human-centered design into legal work. Build a practice where people who've historically been marginalized can find true belonging. Create a space where skilled legal counsel and genuine warmth live together.
That's how Cove & Counsel was born.
What You'll Experience
When you work with me, you'll receive:
- Calm and confidence: Legal decisions become manageable. I pace information thoughtfully, break down complex processes, and ensure you understand every step.
- Clarity and understanding: I explain things in plain language, define legal terms immediately, and lead with why something matters before diving into what it says.
- Connection and partnership: This is about understanding your specific situation, honoring your story, and building legal strategies that fit your actual life.
- Consistency and reliability: You receive the same level of attention and care every single time, supported by intentional systems designed to serve you well.
You'll leave our work together feeling empowered, understood, and confident that your people and your wishes are protected because we built something that actually fits your life.
Who This Practice Celebrates
This practice was built to honor the full spectrum of how people love, build families, and create community.
- LGBTQIA+ individuals and families: I understand that relationships and family structures are beautifully diverse, and as an ally I create legal frameworks that protect what matters to you.
- People of color: I honor your lived experience and create space where you can bring your whole self to the legal planning process.
- Non-traditional families: Chosen family, co-parenting arrangements, multi-generational households, polyamorous relationships; I build legal structures that actually protect everyone you love.
- Purpose-driven entrepreneurs: You're building businesses that prioritize people and values, and I partner with you to create legal foundations that support your mission.
- Mission-focused nonprofits: You're working to make the world better, and I provide legal guidance that helps you do it more effectively
This is a space where you belong, exactly as you are, in all your uniquely-you glory.
Let's Start the Conversation
I'd love to hear your story and explore how I can support you.
I begin every new client relationship with a complimentary discovery call. We'll talk about what brings you here, I'll answer your questions (yes, including the ones about cost), and together we'll discover whether this feels like the right partnership.
Just a conversation. No pressure. No sales pitch.
Call me directly at 651-342-7890.