Ashley Tollakson
Attorney
I care about each and every one of my clients and will do everything I can to make sure that you are heard, informed, and comfortable.
I grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, having graduated from Valley High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Iowa and my law degree from Drake University Law School. I was admitted to practice law in Iowa in 2009, and embarked on a career dedicated to helping families in transition/crisis.
Tollakson Law is committed to reclaiming the practice of law as a healing profession. We use innovative legal techniques, such as collaborative law, mediation, and negotiation, so we can help you dissolve your marriage with respect and dignity — with courtroom resolution only as a last resort. I am extremely passionate about helping families transition peacefully and launching them successfully post-divorce. I am a certified family law mediator and parenting coordinator and am an adjunct professor at Drake University.
I reside in Des Moines with my husband TJ, son Theo, daughters Drew and Frankie and dog, Murphy. Outside of my family and work, my other true love is running. Although I would like to say that I “just run for fun,” the truth is I am extremely competitive and love pushing myself to new personal bests. I have competed in more than seven marathons and hold a personal best time of 2:44:06 for the 26.2-mile distance. My proudest running accomplishment to date is having qualified for and competed in the 2012 Olympic Marathon Team Trials. Toeing the line with the best women marathon runners in the United States was an experience I will always cherish.
Brittany Sandler
Attorney
My favorite question to ask a client is, “What are your overall goals?” I believe it’s important to set goals at the beginning, not only for what you ultimately want to achieve but also for how you want to maintain integrity throughout the process.
I’m a native Iowan. I thought I would live forever in Northeast Iowa until life brought me to Des Moines for law school in 2013. I also thought I’d forever be an only child until my mother remarried and I became the youngest sister to two older sisters and an older brother (we decided from the beginning there are no “steps” in our family). On Christmas Day 2015, I gained my proudest title to date: Aunt. My niece has become the centerpiece of our blended family and has shifted my focus toward more family-oriented activities and gatherings in my free time. While I no longer live in Cedar Rapids, you can usually find me there at our family cabin, or with my dad who, after 27 years, still enthusiastically obliges when I ask him to teach me his talent — playing guitar.
I graduated from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids with an associate of arts degree and a paralegal certificate, then from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with my bachelor of science in political science, then from Drake University Law School in Des Moines with my juris doctorate. I was admitted to practice law in Iowa in 2017. My dedication to the legal profession is nearly a decade old and my commitment to helping others has been lifelong.
I worked in law firms while obtaining my undergraduate and graduate education. During that time, I helped those who were hurting, gave advice from a place of true compassion and celebrated the successes clients who became the best version of themselves while striving to overcome their hardships. I want you to know I will sit with you and listen. I will offer you support and sound advice, and I will be there to celebrate your successes.
Emelia Edwards
Attorney
I strive to help others navigate our legal system, while also providing reassurance to those in the uncertain—and often difficult—time of a changing family dynamic.
Des Moines is, and always has been, my home. Having grown up in the metro area, the only time I strayed from my roots was to cheer for the Hawkeyes while attending The University of Iowa where I received my B.B.A. in Marketing. Growing up, I had a passion for justice and advocating for those who weren’t able to do so for themselves. After graduating from Iowa, this passion led me back home to attend Drake University Law School, where I received my J.D. and M.B.A. with honors. During my time in law school, I served on the Drake Law Review Editorial Board and was voted by my peers to be one of ten students inducted into membership in The Order of the Barristers national honor society.
Growing up, my parents stressed the importance of family and community. They taught me that by having empathy and perspective I could find common ground and grow as an individual by learning from others. Who knew that part of that education would be sharing a bathroom with three sisters! I believe everyone deserves a solid support system of people who make them feel valued. These core values drive me professionally as an advocate for my clients.
I live with my partner Cory and our golden retriever, Bird, in Beaverdale. When not in the office, you can find me drinking an oat milk latte at Friedrichs, crushing Thursday night trivia at The Hall, enjoying the thrill of a vintage find, or going on walks with family at Gray’s Lake.
Alice Baranosky
Administrative Assistant
After growing up all over the Midwest, I have decided to call Iowa my “home.” I’ve worked with Ashley Tollakson as an administrative assistant since January of 2017. I enjoy welcoming clients into our office and take pride in providing clients a safe, calm and trusting environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to have a front row seat to our clients’ growth and transformation. I also assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling and client billing.
Above all else, family is the most important thing to me. I’m a firm believer in taking time to enjoy the little things because life is short. Outside of work, I try to unplug and spend time with my husband, Alex, our son, and our two dogs. We enjoy finding new parks and trails to explore, but our favorite places include Jester Park, Raccoon River Park, and Greenwood Park.