Minnesota & Alaska Legal Services Twin Cities, MN - Anchorage, AK
Our Team
Sander B. Goldthwait, Esq.
Sander, a native of Minneapolis, MN, began his legal career in Alaska when he joined the Anchorage office of a prestigious AmLaw100 firm representing clients across the Pacific Northwest. He was subsequently recruited away by a powerhouse litigation boutique firm focusing specifically on the 49th state. He often describes practicing in Alaska as the wild west of law, an environment both challenging and greatly rewarding.
Licensed to practice in Alaska and Minnesota, Sander is a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, where he was awarded the inaugural Arctic Law Fellowship. As the firm owner, Sander brings extensive practical experience in a broad array of civil litigation fields. When you need your rights protected, he's who you want in your corner.
Sander began his professional career as a business economist, consulting with business leaders and c-suite executives for multiple Fortune 100 companies. Originally from Minnesota, and having lived in Germany, China, and Norway, Sander is a global citizen equally at home in Minnesota and Alaska.
Sander's unique business background provides him with valuable insight into the needs of his clients. While it is no secret that litigation can be expensive, Sander approaches all matters with a "business first" mindset, making sure his clients are getting the biggest return possible on their investment.
In 2023, Sander and his wife Brita, along with their kids and 2 dogs, relocated back to their Minnesota roots where he opened the Minnesota branch of Goldthwait Law. Now operating out of Minnesota as a home base, Sander and his family continue to spend ample time in Alaska whenever the opportunity allows.
In addition to his legal practice, Sander also serves on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota State Bar Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to support law-related projects and activities throughout Minnesota with an emphasis on legal assistance to the disadvantaged, law-related education, and the fair administration of justice. Sander has also been recognized as a 2025 Super Lawyer "Rising Star".
When not working, Sander and his family can be found exploring the Boundary Waters or getting lost in the Alaskan bush.
Our Practice
Business First Approach
At Goldthwait Law, we specialize in bringing the law to your corner. We are dedicated to understanding the results you want while helping you understand the actions we can take on your behalf. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you understand the choices you are making and feel empowered to make them.
Litigation is often an emotional undertaking. One of our core tenants is to approach all matters with a business mindset. Our business first approach to litigation means our primary focus in handling legal disputes is on achieving the best outcome for our client's economic interests. This approach recognizes that litigation can be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to a business or client's life. We aim to minimize that disruption by aligning our legal strategy with the client's broader goals.
Overall, a business-first approach to litigation prioritizes the client's business interests while navigating the complexities of the legal process. It involves a strategic and pragmatic mindset that seeks to balance legal remedies with practical and financial considerations.
Whether you are a company looking out for your bottom line or an individual looking to recoup damages, our goal is to ensure your legal representation is well worth your investment.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Cost-Benefit Analysis
We will carefully assess the potential costs and risks of litigation against the potential benefits and advantages. We consider whether the financial and time investment in pursuing a lawsuit is justified by the potential outcomes and impacts on our client's business.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
We may explore alternatives to traditional litigation, such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, to resolve disputes more efficiently and cost-effectively, whenever possible.
Risk Management
We work with our clients to identify and manage legal risks that could affect the client's business operations, such as regulatory compliance, contract disputes, or counterclaims.
Business Strategy Integration
We ensure that legal strategies align with our client's overall business strategy. This includes understanding the client's short-term and long-term business goals and incorporating them into the litigation approach.
Preserving Business Relationships
When feasible, we will seek to preserve or repair business relationships that may be strained due to the litigation or dispute. This is especially important in cases where the parties involved have a long-term business history.
Efficiency and Timeliness
We work to resolve legal disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner, minimizing disruptions to the client's day-to-day operations.
Clear Communication
Effective communication with our client is essential in a business-first approach. We always strive to keep clients informed about the progress of their case, potential risks, and available options.
Creative Problem Solving
We explore creative and innovative solutions to legal challenges, including settlement options or business restructuring, if it benefits the client's overall business objectives.