A Family Legacy, A New Chapter: The Story of Conroy Law Office

Rooted in Monticello since 1991. Built on family, community, and a commitment to helping others.

Some things are worth carrying on.

In 1991, my father-in-law, Stephen Conroy, opened the doors of Conroy Law Office in Monticello, Minnesota. What began as a small law practice on Walnut Street, and later moved to Broadway, became something much more than a business. It became a place where neighbors could turn for guidance, where relationships mattered, and where serving the community was simply part of the job.

More than 35 years later, I'm grateful to be carrying that legacy forward.

Conroy Law Office: Built on Community

Steve's journey to becoming an attorney wasn't exactly traditional. He returned to law school while raising three children with his wife, Paulette, and welcomed a fourth along the way. Already established in Monticello through other careers, Steve saw opening his own law practice as another way to deepen his roots in a community he and Paulette loved.

Monticello wasn't just where Steve and Paulette built a business. It was where they raised their family and made their home. All four of their children graduated from Monticello schools, growing up in the same community where their parents worked, volunteered, and built lasting friendships. For the Conroy family, Monticello has always been more than a place on the map. It's a community that helped shape their family, and one they've been proud to serve in return.

And Steve certainly made the most of it.

He was the kind of small-town attorney who could tackle just about anything that came through the door. He was knowledgeable, resourceful, and, above all, kind. His commitment to helping others extended well beyond his office. Whether he was recording the newspaper for neighbors who were blind, volunteering at the senior center and nursing home, or serving through the Knights of Columbus, Steve believed in showing up for his community.

The law office was also very much a family affair. Steve and Paulette's children grew up visiting Dad at work, and each of them eventually had a first job helping clean the office or mow the lawn.

That family spirit has never really left.

In fact, you might still spot Steve and Paulette around the office building, perhaps even mowing the lawn.

Different Generations, Similar Journeys

In many ways, my path to practicing law mirrors Steve's.

Before becoming an attorney, I was a teacher. I loved helping people learn, understand new ideas, and navigate challenges. But over time, I felt called toward a different way of serving others.

Like Steve, I went back to law school while raising a young family. My wife, Maria (Steve and Paulette's daughter), and I had two children when I started, and our third was on the way when I graduated.

Before graduating, I had the opportunity to work alongside Steve in the office as he practiced law. After graduation, I joined him as an attorney, and we continued working side by side until he retired.

Taking over Conroy Law Office has been much more than a career opportunity. It's been a privilege to continue something Steve and Paulette poured so much of themselves into.

Maria has her own history of serving the Monticello community, having worked as a social worker in Monticello Public Schools for five years. Today, we're raising our three children in Crystal, Minnesota, while continuing the family's connection to Monticello through the law office.

And it truly remains a family business. My mother works in the office, and Maria helps with our website and marketing. While the faces and roles have changed over the years, the heart behind the work remains the same.

Helping Families Find Clarity and Peace of Mind

Today, much of my practice focuses on estate planning and probate.

These areas of law are deeply personal. They involve the people we love, the lives we've built, and sometimes some of the most difficult moments a family will face.

I know that conversations about illness, death, and what happens after we're gone aren't always easy. But I also know how much peace can come from having a plan, understanding your options, and knowing that the people you care about will be taken care of.

My background as a teacher, along with my experience as a chaplain and studies in theology, has shaped the way I approach practicing law.

I see my role as more than preparing documents or navigating legal procedures. I'm here to listen, explain, answer questions, and walk alongside people as they make important decisions.

I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions, confident that they understand their options, and reassured that they don't have to figure everything out