Criminal Defense Attorney

Adam Justinger

I had an excellent experience working with Adam Justinger. He was so knowledgeable and made me feel confident and secure in the process from the first conversation with him. He was on top of everything and communicated and explained everything thoroughly throughout the case. I would recommend over and over again.

My boyfriend needed a crimal justice lawyer and we searched and called a lot of places but after much research decided to go with Justinger from SW&L. He was absolutely incredible. Answered all of our questions, was available even after business hours. I cannot say enough good things about Adam. The best part, he got our case dismissed. If you’re looking for a criminal justice lawyer I would highly recommend Adam!

Writing this review after an excellent experience with SW&L Attorneys. Having attorneys with both Minnesota AND North Dakota experience was especially helpful in my case. After reaching out to a few different potential representatives, the professional and responsiveness of SW&L’s firm was by far the reason I committed to working with them. My Attorney is Adam J and he has made it clear that I am important, a priority, and is very aware of my situation. His knowledge of who is who, what laws are what, and how the process would work from start to finish truly helped. Yes, the fees are expected, but there is no way I’d be able to represent myself! After another attorney’s office didn’t respond to me, another made contact but no follow-through, and after a preliminary discussion with Adam (the only firm who actively had a discussion, proactively), I knew that this was my best opportunity for a level-headed, realistic, and honest representative. We had phone discussions, SW&L was able to acquire what they needed from the law enforcement side of the aisle, I was able to appoint counsel to attend hearing on my behalf if I was not able, and now am complete with that was agreed upon. If ever I were in a similar bind (I won’t be, don’t worry Adam!), I would highly suggest SW&L. Professional, respectful, understanding, and successful in meeting my needs and expectations. 10/10.

professional credentials

Member, Cass County Bar Association (“CCBA”) (Past President 2023)
Member, North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“NDACDL”)
Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“MACDL”)
Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association (“DUIDLA”)
Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota (“SBAND”)
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association (“MSBA”)
Member, MSBA Criminal Law Section
Member, American Inns of Court
Member, North Dakota Association for Justice (“NDAJ”) Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (“NACDL”)
Criminal Defense Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2021-2025 Great Plains Rising Star, Super Lawyers

BAR ADMISSIONS

Admitted to practice in North Dakota, since 2018
Admitted to practice in Minnesota, since 2018
Admitted to practice in United States District Court, District of North Dakota, since 2018
Admitted to practice in United States District Court, District of Minnesota, since 2023
Admitted to practice in United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, since 2023

Adam is not licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction not identiﬁed above.

Publications

North Dakota Supreme Court Cases

BACKGROUND

Adam leads SW&L’s Criminal Defense Practice Group. Adam helps individuals who are charged with felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and traffic citations in North Dakota and Minnesota in both state and federal court. Adam also assists individuals with sealing their criminal record in North Dakota, obtaining a governor’s pardon in North Dakota, petitioning to have an individual’s gun rights reinstated in North Dakota, and other gun rights issues in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Criminal Law

Gun Rights

White Collar Crimes

Robbery, Burglary, & Theft

Probation Violation

DUI/DWI

Drug Charges

Disorderly Conduct

Assault & Battery

Alcohol Violations

Criminal Law

Gun Rights

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Adam is a shareholder with SW&L and has been with the firm since 2018. Prior to joining SW&L, Adam clerked for a law firm in Grand Forks, North Dakota, doing criminal defense.

EDUCATION HISTORY

Adam attended the University of North Dakota and received a degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration. After graduation, Adam enrolled in law school at the University of North Dakota School of Law and earned his law degree in 2018.

During law school, Adam was very active. Adam’s greatest passion while in law school was participating in mock cases to perfect his oral advocacy skills. Adam participated in Moot Court during his second and third year of law school. During the internal Moot Court competition, Adam and his team partner received the best brief award. This allowed Adam the opportunity to advance to external Moot Court during his second and third year. During Adam’s second year of law school, Adam traveled to Las Vegas, NV to compete in the Frank A. Schreck Gaming Law Moot Court Competition. During Adam’s third year of law school, he traveled to Saint Paul, MN and competed in the McGee Moot Court Competition. Adam and his team partner advanced to the semifinal round. As a result of his success in Moot Court, Adam was accepted into the Order of the Barristers (awarded for oral advocacy and brief writing skills). Adam joined the Energy Law Association his first year of law school and became the President during his second and third year. Furthermore, Adam was the secretary of the Student Bar Association during his second year and the vice president of the organization during his third year. Additionally, Adam was a member of the Criminal Law Association and the Sports Law Association.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Adam was born and raised in Kimberly, Wisconsin by his mother who taught him the importance of education. At age five, Adam looked at his mother and told her that he wanted to be an attorney because he enjoyed arguing. Although that has always been Adam’s dream, he began working for his grandparents’ construction business, which taught him the importance of hard work, and communication. Even though Adam enjoyed working construction, he never forgot about his goal of becoming an attorney and went on to receive his law degree in 2018.

Adam currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota with his wife and two dogs (Knox and Pumba). In his spare time, Adam enjoys traveling/spending time with his wife and dogs, hunting and fishing, socializing with family and friends, listening to music, and cooking.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Adam participates in many different fundraisers. Adam has participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake several times. He has also attended events like North Dakota Autism Center’s AuSome Evening 2022 and The Great North Pole Gala. Adam also routinely donates to Sportsmen Against Hunger and is involved with both Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.