Lathrop GPM announced that partner Laurie Huotari has rejoined the firm's Business Transactions Practice Group in Minneapolis.
"With substantial experience across a range of corporate matters, Laurie is a high caliber, strategic addition to our transactional team as demand continues to grow in Minneapolis and across the country," said Brian Dillon, Partner in Charge of the Lathrop GPM Minneapolis office. "Attracting a strong female partner like Laurie reinforces that Lathrop GPM is one of the best law firms for women, which was further reinforced by our recent recognition as a leading law firm for women and diversity by Seramount. Our continued pursuit of having diverse attorney ranks allows us to continue to provide our clients with the thoughtful and sophisticated legal advice that we have become known for," added Mara Cohara, Executive Committee Partner in charge of Lateral Recruiting.
Huotari marks the eighth lateral partner that the firm has added in 2024 as part of its strategic growth plan. Her appointment also follows a string of recent additions to the firm's Business Transactions group. Earlier this year, the firm welcomed Issaku Yamaashi as a partner, as well as associates Teddy Fleming and Cody Neiss.
"Laurie brings an impressive track record of success that complements our existing transactional, agribusiness and healthcare strengths," says Mark Williamson, chair of Lathrop GPM's Business Transactions Practice Group. "She'll be a great asset as we continue to expand our client services in those areas."
Huotari joins Lathrop GPM from Stoel Rives where she served as Minneapolis Office Managing Partner. Her two-plus decades of experience includes representing clients in all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, financings and loan transactions, with an emphasis on the agribusiness and healthcare industries.
"Lathrop GPM balances a national reputation with deep local ties, providing exceptional opportunities to grow my practice and deepen client relationships," said Huotari. "The firm's commitment to investing time and resources in its attorneys and business professionals enables unmatched leadership opportunities that align with my broader career objectives. It's a clear fit culturally, for my practice and clients. I look forward to growing alongside the firm."
Before joining Stoel Rives in 2012, Huotari chaired the Business Group at Nilan Johnson, where she practiced for over seven years. Immediately after law school graduation, Huotari practiced at Lathrop GPM predecessor firm Gray Plant Mooty from 2001 to 2005. Huotari earned her J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law, cum laude, and her bachelor's degree from the College of St. Benedict.