Charlie A. Gustafson (they/them/theirs) is an associate attorney with Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C.
Charlie’s practice focuses on divorce, custody and parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, third-party custody, domestic abuse, post-decree matters, LGBTQ+ family law, and other areas of family law.
Charlie earned their B.A. in writing with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Charlie went on to attend Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where they obtained their J.D. with a certificate in Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice. As a law student, Charlie served as president of Out!Law, the LGBTQ+ student organization on campus. Charlie was also recognized with a Minnesota Justice Foundation Law School Public Service Program Certification for completing 400 hours of law-related public service.
Following their admission to the Minnesota Bar, Charlie worked as a law clerk in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County) for three years. Charlie was initially hired as a floating law clerk in Hennepin County Family Court due to a pandemic related hiring freeze. As a floating law clerk, Charlie had the unique opportunity to work with the majority of judicial officers assigned to the Family Court division at that time. After the hiring freeze was lifted, Charlie clerked for Judge Nelson L. Peralta, Referee Jason T. Hutchison, Judge David L. Piper, and Referee Naomi S. Garfinkel.
From this experience, Charlie gained insight into different judicial styles of conducting hearings, making decisions, drafting orders, and managing cases. As an attorney, Charlie leverages this insight to efficiently and strategically help their clients navigate the family court process.
Charlie was recognized with a Minnesota Judicial Branch Spot Award in November 2022 for exceeding expectations and exemplary performance as a law clerk.
Charlie is an active member of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association (MLBA), the affinity association for LGBTQ+ legal professionals in Minnesota. Charlie is also a former co-chair of the MLBA and served on the MLBA board of directors for six years.
Additionally, Charlie is a member of the National LGBT Bar Association; National Trans Bar Association; Minnesota State Bar Association; Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Section; Family Law League; Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – Minnesota Division; Hennepin County Bar Association; and Twin Cities Quorum.
Charlie is admitted to practice in Minnesota courts.
