Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson is a team of dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic attorneys that serve Central Minnesota. Take a moment to get to know Carly, one of our legal professionals at SPOE.
Name: Carly West Holler
Position at SPOE: Family law attorney
Years at SPOE: 5
What is the main reason for wanting to work at SPOE?
When I graduated from law school, I knew that I wanted to return to my community to help my friends and family with their family law needs. SPOE is located in Wright County where I grew up, and more importantly, they understand that the demands of raising my own young family may take time away from my work day, and support me in everything that I wish to achieve, personally and professionally.
What is the best part of your job?
That I get to work with some of my best friends to help people get through one of the most traumatic times in their lives and come out on the other side being better because of it.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy being active with my husband and three children, camping, fishing, swimming at the lake, and just generally spending time outdoors.
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
Pheasant, wild rice and corn on the cob.
What might the average person not know about you?
I grew up in a family of outdoors men and women, and have been hunting and fishing with my family since I was about 3. I shot and gutted my first deer when I was 12 and have hunted deer, ducks, geese and pheasants every fall with my dad, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents since.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend getaway?
Either going camping with my husband and kids or spending the weekend at our family cabin in the woods.
What is your favorite quote?
“For me, it’s really easy to be kind to others when I remember that none of us came into this world with a manual about how to get it all right. I recognize that mistakes will be made, but this does not mean that I need to either victimize myself or take your actions and mistakes personally.” – Jill Bolte Taylor from her book My Stroke of Insight.