Debbie Kleven has announced that she will step down as Northeast Central Judicial District Judge on August 5, 2016 to join [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″]. Debbie will join the firm’s Grand Forks Office on September 1, 2016. She plans to practice in the areas of mediation, arbitration, farm and business succession planning, trusts and estates, and elder law.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Grand Forks County, Nelson County, and the State of North Dakota for the past 30 years in my capacity as an assistant state’s attorney, county judge, and district judge,” said Kleven, a 1983 graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law . “I have had the opportunity to work with professional and competent attorneys, judges, and support staff. I am looking forward to beginning the practice of law again. With over 30 years of courtroom experience, both as an attorney and as a judge, I believe that I have a unique perspective as to what works and what does not work in the law. I am looking for the best platform to begin my practice again and one that will help my practice succeed. Vogel Law has the combination of expertise, experience, and practice areas to help support me with this endeavor.”

Peter Welte, a partner at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″]’s Grand Forks office commented, “We couldn’t be more excited about Judge Kleven’s decision to join the Vogel office in Grand Forks. To add an attorney with her depth of experience and breadth of knowledge is a rarity. Her reputation and her commitment to excellence will enhance the [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″]’s ability to provide quality legal services to both Grand Forks and all of the surrounding communities.”

Rob Manly, [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″]’s president, explained how the addition of Judge Kleven adds to the firm’s growing presence in Grand Forks, “Judge Kleven has a tremendous reputation for both her legal ability and work ethic. She also possesses the character that melds with our law firm’s culture. With Peter Welte and Debbie Kleven anchoring our Grand Forks office, we have a strong foundation for growth in the northern valley. Judge Kleven will be integral to our commitment to providing top-notch representation to our clients in the vibrant Grand Forks market. We are privileged that she will be joining our team.”