Kathleen O'Connor has been practicing law since 1987. In 1983, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English literature, and in 1987 she graduated cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. Ms. O'Connor has practiced in the area of civil litigation during most of her years in the practice of law, and in addition served as a child support magistrate for the State of Minnesota from 1997 through 1999. Ms. Stafford has taught Legal Writing at William Mitchell College of Law for eight years. She is an experienced mediator and has been recognized for her services to the homeless population in the City of St. Paul.