Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Gratz.
Hi Thomas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to become an attorney, but for a long time, that dream felt out of reach. I was fortunate to build a rewarding career in insurance and risk management, which gave me opportunities to work alongside lawyers and navigate disputes. Still, it never truly satisfied my desire to practice law.
In 2015, my daughter Alison passed away from complications related to kidney disease. She was only 19 years old. Ali had battled kidney disease her entire life, including undergoing a kidney transplant. Her dreams were cut short, and I realized it was time for me to pursue my dreams.
With the support of my younger daughter Emily, my wife Terri, and my employer, I applied to Mitchell Hamline School of Law and was accepted into the blended learning program. Because of this amazing option, I could continue working as Director of Risk Management for a large multinational organization, travel as needed, while working towards the goal I’d carried for so long.
In 2021, I graduated magna cum laude and became licensed to practice law in Minnesota.
That same year, I founded Gratz Law and Mediation. I focus on estate planning, estate administration, and mediation. Practicing in these areas allows me to support others in the same way I have been supported throughout my life. Building my practice has been more than a professional milestone. It’s a way to serve others while honoring the journey that brought me here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My path has definitely not been smooth. Balancing law school, a demanding job, and family responsibilities was incredibly challenging. I still remember flying back to Minnesota after insurance meetings in London, books and papers stacked at my feet and on my lap while I scrambled to finish a law school paper. There were countless late nights spent preparing for class, handling work issues, and navigating family obligations.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have a supportive family and friends, as well as very incredible law school professors and my law school study group, which helped bring out the best in me. Their encouragement made this journey possible and gave me the grit to keep going, even when the path felt overwhelming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Gratz Law and Mediation PLLC is built around one core principle. Creating a comfortable and supportive environment for every client. I specialize in estate planning, estate administration, elder law, cabin planning, and mediation. These areas often involve sensitive decisions and emotional conversations, so I work hard to make the process approachable and clear.
I bring over 30 years of experience in professional risk management to my legal practice. That background helps me simplify complex planning issues and guide clients through decisions with confidence and clarity.
My practice is focused on the Twin Cities area, and I often travel to meet clients where they’re most comfortable, whether that’s their home, a care facility, or another familiar setting. I’ve found that this flexibility helps clients feel more at ease and open, which makes the entire process less stressful. I also offer evening appointments, knowing that not everyone can take time off work during the day.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many feel comfortable recommending me to their friends and family, and that word-of-mouth support means everything. Gratz Law and Mediation is more than a law firm to me. It reflects my commitment to helping others, just as others have helped me over the years. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients and learning what matters most to them.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My philosophy on risk has been shaped over many years as a professional risk manager. Given that background, people often assume I’m risk-averse. In truth, the opposite is more accurate. I’ve always believed that risk itself isn’t inherently good or bad; it’s how we respond to that risk that matters.
We can’t anticipate every possible outcome in life, but we can understand the most probable ones. Making informed decisions based on that understanding is much better than acting without knowing the risks involved. At the end of the day, taking risks is how we grow, learn, and become better people.
When working with clients, I bring this mindset into every conversation. Whether we’re planning an estate, navigating elder law, or resolving a dispute, I help clients understand the risks we’re addressing and guide them toward informed choices. We can’t plan for every contingency, but taking time upfront to talk through potential outcomes leads to better decisions down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gratzlegal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratzlaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gratzlaw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gratz-law-and-mediation-new-hope-2
