PHB Law Welcomes Two New Attorneys as Our Team Grows to Serve Southern Minnesota

At Patton, Hoversten & Berg, PA, growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about deepening our commitment to the clients and communities we serve across Southern Minnesota. As our firm expands, we are proud to welcome two new attorneys who reflect that commitment in every way: Emily Loomis and Ellie James.

Emily and Ellie bring more than legal knowledge to the table. They bring local roots, personal investment, and a deep understanding of what matters most to the people living in Waseca, Owatonna, Faribault, Janesville, Elysian, and nearby towns. Together, they strengthen PHB Law’s promise to provide skilled, compassionate legal support close to home.

This article includes excerpts from original interviews by Deb Bently, Staff Writer at the Waseca County Pioneer.

Emily Loomis: Thoughtful Legal Support Grounded in Small-Town Values

Emily Loomis didn’t set out to practice law in Minnesota. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa, she went on to earn her law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth. With the fast pace and big opportunities of Dallas-Fort Worth all around her, she assumed she would stay in Texas.

But home was calling.

As her siblings started families, Emily realized she wanted to be closer to her own. She returned to the Midwest and found an opportunity that felt exactly right—joining the PHB Law team in Waseca. She began working remotely as a legal researcher while completing her education, then moved to Owatonna and joined the team full-time.

Today, Emily serves clients throughout Southern Minnesota, focusing on practical and compassionate counsel. She helps individuals and families plan for the future, respond to legal challenges, and regain control during uncertain times.

Her practice areas include:

• Criminal defense
• Contract disputes and civil litigation
• Estate planning
• Probate and wills

“Sometimes people come to us when they’re at a breaking point,” Emily says. “I see my role as helping them make sense of their situation and giving them tools to move forward.”

Emily has quickly become a familiar face in Owatonna and Waseca. She coaches third-grade girls’ basketball through local community education and often remarks on how the stands are full, even at the early levels.

“People show up,” she says. “That’s what makes this community special.”

Her commitment to small-town living isn’t just personal—it directly shapes how she practices law. She’s focused on making legal services accessible and understandable, so clients don’t feel they have to turn to large metro firms for quality help.

“We’re here. We’re local. And we can meet your needs without the commute or the cost,” Emily says.

Ellie James: A Waseca Native Who Knows the Community and the Law

Ellie James grew up in Waseca and always felt a strong connection to the community. After earning her master’s degree in business administration, she began working in human resources at Rice County, where she collaborated closely with legal professionals. Over time, she realized law was more than a field she worked alongside—it was a career that matched her skills and her calling.

After completing her law degree in 2022, Ellie served as a law clerk in a local courtroom, gaining hands-on experience in real-world cases. She joined PHB Law in December and now works from the Waseca office, serving clients across the region.

Ellie brings a practical, well-rounded approach to her work, helping people make informed decisions in situations that are often deeply personal.

Her practice areas include:

• Family law and divorce
• Estate planning and probate
• Business law
• Employment law
• Wills and trust administration

Ellie lives in Elysian with her husband and five children, and her legal work is shaped by her experiences as a parent, a professional, and a lifelong resident of Southern Minnesota.

“I feel connected to the people here,” Ellie says. “When I help a client, it’s often someone who’s part of the same community I’ve grown up in or raised my children in. That matters.”

She understands that legal challenges, especially those involving family or long-term planning, can create stress, urgency, and uncertainty. Her goal is to remove that fear through clear communication, thorough preparation, and genuine care.

“People often come to us with urgent needs,” she explains. “Our job is to make sure their decisions are well-informed and legally sound. That way, they can move forward with confidence.”

Clients appreciate Ellie’s ability to explain complex legal topics in plain language and her respectful, client-centered style. Whether she's drafting an estate plan, advising a local employer, or helping someone through a divorce, her approach is always grounded in compassion and professionalism.

Strengthening Local Access to Legal Services in Southern Minnesota

The addition of Emily and Ellie reflects PHB Law’s continued investment in the communities we serve. With offices in Waseca, Owatonna, Faribault, and Janesville, our team is proud to offer a full range of legal services tailored to the needs of Southern Minnesotans.

Whether you live in Waseca, work in Faribault, operate a business in Janesville, or are raising a family in Owatonna, you don’t have to leave town to find dependable legal guidance.

Our firm offers:

• Personalized estate planning and elder law
• Family law services, including divorce and custody
• Criminal defense and civil litigation
• Employment and business legal support
• Probate administration and trust matters

PHB is more than a law office; it’s a local resource committed to providing honest answers and responsive support, right where you are.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for trusted legal guidance close to home, we invite you to connect with us. Our attorneys, including Emily Loomis and Ellie James, are ready to listen and help you find a clear, confident path forward.

Request a consultation today!

We look forward to serving you.