Michael Minard

Proudly called a “true believer,” Michael Minard has established himself as one of the most feared and successful trial lawyers in northwestern Minnesota. He’s earned this reputation by honing his skills for 13 years as an assistant public defender, first in Rice County and later in Clay County, Minnesota.

A native of Fargo, Michael graduated from Fargo South High School in 2002. He then earned a degree in criminal justice from the University of Northern Colorado in 2006. After that, he attended law school at William Mitchell, graduating in 2009. During law school, Michael knew early on that criminal defense was his calling, so he seized on every opportunity to gain experience in the field. To that end, he worked at various state public defender offices, first in Anoka County and later in Hennepin County.

After graduation, Michael earned invaluable experience clerking for the current Chief Judge of Minnesota’s 3rd District, the Honorable Judge Joseph A. Bueltel. Working for the district court and getting to see “behind the curtain” gave Michael insight that helped mold him into the tenacious litigator he is today. 

After his clerkship, Michael began his career as a state public defender. Quickly establishing himself as a “go-to” PD, Michael was placed in various statewide leadership positions. From 2018 to 2026, for example, Michael was a member of the Minnesota Public Defender Forensic Evidence Team, where he served as “faculty” with an expertise in DNA evidence. Michael is also a leader in the Moorhead legal community, active in the Clay County Bar Association and serving as its President in 2025. 

Michael’s criminal skillset is as wide as it is deep, having represented clients in cases ranging from low-level DWI all the way to murder. He’s also gotten not guilty verdicts on countless cases, including:

• First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (2026)

• Second Degree Assault-Dangerous Weapon (2024)

• First Degree Burglary-Home Invasion/Assault (2022)

• Third Degree Assault-Substantial Bodily Harm (2021)

• First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (2020)

• Second Degree Assault-Dangerous Weapon (2020)

• Domestic Assault (2020)

• Aiding an Offender to Avoid Arrest (2018)

• Obstructing Legal Process (2018)

• Solicitation of a Child for Prostitution (2017)

• Interfere with an Emergency 911 Call (2015)

In addition to his success inside the courtroom, Michael has a proven ability to get cases dismissed pretrial, including dismissal of over 100 assault cases.

Michael is committed to vigorously fighting for his clients at every stage of the legal process. With more than a decade of experience, Michael has built a sterling reputation of knowledge and competence in the area of criminal defense. His commitment to justice and dedication to each client makes him a trusted and compassionate legal advocate during life's hardest moments.

Michael describes himself as an attorney who puts everything on the line for all his clients. He is driven by the belief that the government must always be held accountable, and that all people deserve top-tier representation in the courtroom. He lives by words Abraham Lincoln made famous: “Put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” Against that backdrop, Michael strives to be a relentless advocate for both his clients and community.

Outside the law, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children, one dog, and two cats. He also has an extensive board game collection and loves playing against both family and friends. Lastly, Michael is a quintessential “hockey dad,” spending countless hours in rinks throughout Minnesota.

These personal pursuits keep Michael grounded, give him respite, and inspire him to continue his lifelong commitment to the honorable work of criminal defense.