Photo by Kayleigh Omang
Erin Larsgaard, at the age of 27, is already well into a promising career as an Associate Attorney at Wold Johnson, P.C. She recently added another notch to her belt after being named the 2019 Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year.
Prior to her professional career as an attorney, Larsgaard graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. After working as a paralegal for Wold Johnson P.C., Larsgaard went on to graduate summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where she served as Student Government President and won numerous awards, including Dean’s List every semester and the Dean’s Award for the highest grade in seven different classes.
Larsgaard’s developing practice focuses on estate planning and probate, real estate, collections, and business and corporate. She is currently licensed in both the federal and state courts of Minnesota and North Dakota. Larsgaard also serves as a Board Member for CCRI. We sat down with her to find out what this newest accomplishment means to her.
What does winning the award mean to you?
Winning the award was an overwhelming honor. It makes me grateful for the amazing professional community we have. I did not expect to be nominated, let alone win the award when there are so many remarkable young professionals in the Fargo-Moorhead area. It is a great privilege to be a part of a network of young people striving to make themselves and their community better. I grew up in a small town where coming together for everyone’s good was par for the course. Both of my parents were heavily involved in anything and everything they could be with our little town. They instilled the value of giving back in me from a young age. I am grateful to have found another community like that to invest in and grow with.
How do you plan to build on your success in the coming year?
By utilizing that great group of professionals I just bragged on! In all seriousness though, I am thankful for the connections I have made, not only in the legal field, but in the entire community. It is difficult to succeed in any area without encouraging mentors and inspiring colleagues. I have been blessed with both. Along with that, there is no substitute for hard work. With the opportunities I have been given and the unwavering support along the way, I am determined to use those blessings for a greater purpose. “[U]nto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”
What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?
As an attorney working mostly with estate planning, probate, and real estate, there are few milestones that transactional lawyers are publicly recognized for. However, I am proud to be a valuable asset to my clients and demonstrate that effectiveness through helping them reach their goals, whether it be creating an effective estate plan, building their business or closing a key real estate deal. I consider it a great success to enjoy what I do every day.
