Apr 17, 2025
FARGO, ND – Vogel Law Firm is pleased to announce that Kesha L. Tanabe is joining the firm as an attorney in its Bankruptcy and Collections group. With a distinguished 20-year legal career spanning private practice and the federal judiciary, Tanabe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm’s expanding bankruptcy and creditor rights practice.
Tanabe most recently served as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, presiding over cases in the Districts of Minnesota and South Dakota. Prior to her judicial appointment, she was a Small Business Bankruptcy Trustee and she practiced law at several prominent firms, including Maslon LLP, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, and ASK LLP.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kesha to our team,” said Andrew Smith, President of Vogel Law Firm. “Her extensive experience, both in private practice and on the bench, will be a tremendous asset to our clients. Kesha’s deep understanding of bankruptcy law and her commitment to excellence align perfectly with our firm’s mission of providing top-tier legal services.”
Throughout her career, Tanabe has been actively involved in the legal community, serving as a former member of the Bankruptcy Practice Committee for the District of Minnesota and co-Editor in Chief of the MSBA Bankruptcy Bulletin. While she was on the bench, she was appointed by Chief Justice Roberts to the Advisory Board of the Federal Judiciary Center, where she served as faculty to other bankruptcy judges. She is a frequent guest speaker for legal organizations nationwide, including the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, the Federal Bar Association, and the Minnesota and North Dakota state bar associations. She has taught bankruptcy at several law schools and mentored dozens of law students and young lawyers.
“I am excited to join Vogel Law Firm and return to private practice,” said Tanabe. “I have always admired Vogel. It has a strong reputation for subject matter expertise and excellent client service. The chance to work alongside Caren Stanley and Drew Hushka sealed the deal.”
Tanabe holds degrees from the University of St. Thomas, the London School of Economics, and the Cardozo School of Law.