Kristi Paulson, Esq.

Kristi Paulson

Mediator | Arbitrator | Special Master

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Kristi.Paulson@PowerHouseMediation.com

“Dispute Resolution is a Process that is effective and efficient when done the right way and by trained and qualified individuals.  I cherish the ADR process because it allows me to bring unique skills and a diverse set of tools to the table, ultimately leading to effected solutions.   The Dispute Resolution Professional you choose will make a difference.  If you want someone who understands the dispute resolution process and isn’t afraid of the hard work to make the process succeed, I would love to be your neutral.    –  Kristi Paulson | PowerHouse

Contact Information

Kristi.Paulson@PowerHouseMediation.com

(612) 895-2210

Practice Areas

  • Civil Mediation
  • Civil Arbitration
  • Family Mediation
  • Court Appointed Neutral/Special Master

Education

  • J.D., University of Minnesota Law School
  • M.A., North Dakota State University
  • B.A., Moorhead State University

Bar Admissions

  • State of Minnesota October 22, 1993
  • United States District of Minnesota June 24, 1994
  • United States Court of Appeals – 8th Circuit September 21, 1994
  • United States Court of Claims 1994
  • United States Supreme Court July 14, 2000
  • Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Tribal Court 2001

Professional Appointments

  • Minnesota Conciliation Court Referee – First Judicial District (Dakota), May 2021 – present
  • Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, MN Supreme Court, Elected Vice Chair (January 2024), Member, January 2020 – present
  • Minnesota ADR Ethics Board, MN Supreme Court, January 2020 – present
  • ABA House of Delegates, MSBA Representative December, 2022 – present
  • ABA Fellows – National Co-Chair, Minnesota State Delegation May, 2023 – present

Professional Accomplishments & Honors

  • Minnesota Top Women Lawyers (2024)
  • Minnesota Super Lawyer – ADR (2023, 2024)
  • Minnesota Monthly – Top Lawyers (2023, 2024)
  • First District Bar Association President (2023-24), Board Member (2019-2023)
  • Minnesota Bar Association Assembly Delegate (2021-present)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Member (1993 – present)
  • MSBA ADR Section Council Member (2021 – present)
  • MSBA One Profession Committee (2000 – present)
  • MSBA Convention Committee (2023)
  • Rule 8.9 Qualified Neutral North Dakota – Civil and Family Mediation & Arbitration (2020)
  • MSBA NorthStar Lawyer (2019-present)
  • Rule 114 Qualified Neutral – State of Minnesota – Mediation & Arbitation (Civil/Family) (2017)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (2017 – present)
  • Litigation Counsel of American– The Trial Lawyer Honorary Society (2021-present)
  • Lawyers of Distinction (2018 – present)
  • America’s Top Personal Injury Attorneys (2019 – present)
  • Americas Top High Stakes Litigators (2018 – present)
  • Minnesota “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star” – Personal Injury Litigation
  • Martindale-Hubbell – AV Rated (1998 – present)
  • American Bar Association (1993 – present)
  • American Bar Association Life Fellow (2005 – present)
  • ABA Fellows – Minnesota State Co-Chair 2023
  • American Inns of Court (1996 – present)
  • Amdahl Inn of Court (1996 – present), President (2003-04) Director (2000 – present)
  • Minnesota Association for Justice, Board of Governors (2006-2016)
  • Minnesota Consumer Alliance, Chairperson (2005)
  • MN State Bar New Lawyers Section Chairperson (2007)
  • North Dakota State University, Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award (1990)

Professional Associations

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Douglas K. Amdahl Inn of Court
  • American Bar Association
  • First District Bar Association
  • ABA Section of Dispute Resolution
  • ABA Section of Family Law
  • MSBA Civil Litigation Section
  • MSBA ADR Section
  • MSBA Family Law Section
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Minnesota Association for Justice
  • American Association for Justice
  • Minnesota Consumer Alliance
  • American Bar Association Fellows
  • ABOTA Fellow
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers
  • Dakota County Bar Association
  • American Inns of Court
  • Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota

Biography

In the dynamic realm of alternative dispute resolution, Kristi Paulson stands as a visionary force, embodying the essence of leadership as the Founder and President of PowerHouse Mediation.  With a dedicated focus on mediation, arbitration, and special master services, Kristi has carved a niche for herself in both the civil and family law arenas.

As a Minnesota Rule 114 Qualified Neutral and a North Dakota Rule 8.9 Neutral, Kristi brings over 30 years of experience to the table, seamlessly transitioning from a successful career as a trial lawyer.  Her courtroom expertise spans a myriad of areas, including personal injury, medical negligence, product liability, employment, probate, criminal, family, commercial and construction, and general civil and business litigation.  Kristi has been recognized as a national expert in the area of online mediation.

Kristi is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Neutrals, one of only about 25 admitted to that organization in the State of Minnesota.   She is a members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the director of the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota, and a past President and member of the Douglas K. Amdahl Inn of Court. 

Kristi serves on the Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility where she is the Vice Chair and also on the ADR Ethics Boards.  She was appointed to both of these by the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2020, and re-appointed in 2023.

Beyond her roles as a mediator and arbitrator, Kristi is the driving force behind PowerHouse Mediation, an entity she founded and presides over.   Kristi is a staunch advocate for customized approaches and  tailoring  methods to meet individual needs.   PowerHouse Mediation is an innovative and creative entity that accomplishes those ideals.

Kristi Paulson and PowerHouse mediation are also very well known for the innovative, practical and expert filled trainings and educational programs offered throughout the year.   Kristi also owns The Professional Education Group, a company dedicated to training and teaching legal skills to professionals.

In all aspects of her life, Kristi Paulson strives for nothing less than 100%, setting high expectations for herself and those around her. Her story is one of dedication, innovation, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in the legal and dispute resolution landscape. She is a true ADR PowerHouse.

Experience

  • Founder/President, PowerHouse Mediation (2000 – present)
  • Attorney at Law, Kristi J. Paulson, Chartered Law Firm (1998-present)
  • Hearing Officer, Ramsey County Hearing Officer 2022-present
  • Arbitrator, Minnesota State Arbitration Board (BMS – General) 2001-present
  • Professor, Department of Communication, North Dakota State University (2009 – 2020)
  • Online Course Specialist, Grantham University (2009 – 2017), United Tribes Technical College (2008-2013)
  • Attorney at Law, Dady & Garner (1998)
  • Attorney at Law, Hvass, Weisman & King, Chartered (1995-1998)
  • Attorney at Law, Wm. D. Foster and Associates (1994-1995)
  • Trial Judicial Law Clerk, State of Minnesota /Hennepin County District Court (1993-1994)
  • Law Clerk, Geraghty, O’Loughlin & Kenney, St. Paul (1991)
  • Law Clerk, Phillips, Gross and Aaron, Minneapolis (1992-93)
  • Asst. Director, Career and Professional Development (1992-93)
  • Debate/Speech Coach, Eagan High School (1993-1994)
  • North Dakota State University (1998-1990)
  • Moorhead Senior High School (1984-1990)

Professional Publications

  • Paulson, Kristi (2023, November). “The Complexities of Mediating a Personal Injury Wrongful Death Case” ADR E-Newletter (Publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association).
  • Paulson, Kristi (2023, Spring). “Minnesota’s New Rule 114” Minnesota Defense (Publication of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association).
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2023, March). “Inside ADR’s Minnesota Rules Reset Understanding the New Rule 114 – Part Two” Bench and Bar of Minnesota.
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2023, January/February). “Inside ADR’s Minnesota Rules Reset Understanding the New Rule 114 – Part One: An Overview” Bench and Bar of Minnesota.
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2022, August). “The Three Cs of Legal Technology and Ethics” Bench and Bar of Minnesota.
  • Paulson, Kristi (pending) (2021, December). “Mediation in the COVID-19 Era: Is Online Mediation Here to Stay?”Southwestern Law Review.
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2021, July). “The Virtual Courtroom: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?”Minnesota Association for Justice
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2021, February). “Trying Jury Trials in the Covid-19 Era” Bench and Bar of Minnesota.
  • Paulson, Kristi J. (2020, May/June). “The Remote Worker’s Survival Guide” Bench and Bar of Minnesota.