Jen Defoe’s legal career commenced with a move to Bismarck in 1991 where she worked with an attorney engaged in the private practice of law for the next 18 years. When his retirement was on the horizon, Jen moved to the Civil Litigation Division of the ND Attorney Generals’ Office, where she worked as a Paralegal for about a year. She then went on to work as a case administrator with the U.S. District Court in Bismarck. Jen returned to private practice in 2012 and joined Vogel in July of 2021.

Jen obtained her certification as a paralegal from the National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals in 1995; certification as an advanced certified paralegal in Personal Injury-Automobile Accidents in 2012; and holds two associate of science degrees in the legal field. Jen is a member of the Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (WDALA), as well as the National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (NALA), and continues to further her education by attending seminars, online courses, and writing or presenting on various topics to the members of WDALA.

Jen and her family, (husband Jeff, daughters Carli and Darbi) own and operate Paddle On, a local business renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. In their spare time, they enjoy water sports, hiking, camping, and skiing/snowboarding together.