Judy, a Certified Civil Trial Specialist, has practiced family law since 1974 and now limits her practice to family law. A 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, she is a past President of Minnesota Women Lawyers and the current President of the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni Board. The J. Oakes & Associates staff works as a team to support clients in resolving their family law matters by negotiation, mediation, or litigation, if necessary. Judy has the skill to handle complex spousal maintenance, property valuation and division, and custody litigation at the trial or appellate level; the experience to develop successful negotiating strategies; the compassion to support clients; and the ability to facilitate settlement by being direct about the risks, costs, and benefits of litigation.