As her legal career has advanced, Roxanne Thorelli ’17 has had an increasing affinity for Minnesota Law and supporting new lawyers. Starting at a mid-sized law firm after graduating, she practiced corporate, mergers and acquisitions, and securities. She is now a senior associate with Fredrikson & Byron, representing private and public companies and private equity funds in M&A, corporate restructuring, and general corporate matters. However, a busy work schedule has not limited her involvement with mentoring junior members of the legal community by creating programs for them through the Hennepin County Bar Association.
Inspired by her mother, giving back has always been important for Thorelli and started when she received the Dean’s Scholarship. “I have a pay-it-forward mentality and am happy to give back now that I can,” Thorelli says, adding, “I was fortunate to receive family funding for school and only needed to borrow a small amount … but I recognize that not everyone is given the same opportunities.”
Her desire for the continued success of Minnesota Law-educated lawyers couples with high expectations for them to be leaders in the legal community. Thorelli says, “We must lead by example with high standards for ourselves and others, demonstrating professionalism and integrity. Leaders in our profession must mentor and support new lawyers, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and providing opportunities for growth to all.”
Thorelli fondly remembers the Law School and describes how some more entertaining memories are connected to the free food available in the commons area where a ‘vulture table’ with leftover food was always set up. “I also enjoyed ‘bar review’ on Thursday nights. This was a great bonding experience with my classmates as we started our legal journey together.”
Thorelli believes that for a similar sense of community to exist in the legal field, it must be more inclusive. Law students and young lawyers can promote diversity within the profession by advocating for policies that encourage representation across gender, race, and socioeconomic status. To that end, supporting the Law School is essential. She says, “Earning a law degree is costly, and we need to help students with that financial burden to achieve their goals and dreams.”
Hometown
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Giving Level
William B. Lockhart Club
Lockhart GOLD
What We Won't Find on Your Resumé
I am a huge traveler and have been to over 55 countries in the last decade. I have also hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I enjoy scuba diving and have dived more than 50 times recreationally.
A Piece of Advice You Would Give to First-Year Law Students
Focus on your studies but also do not get too caught up in the grades. You will have the opportunity to find your dream job, even if it does not happen in your first year of practice.