YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
The Young Lawyers Section of the North Dakota State Bar Association is hosting bimonthly , statewide social events and webinars featuring various legal topics . North Dakota ’ s young lawyers are strongly encouraged to participate in these social and educational events .
The Young Lawyers Section ( YLS ) will be hosting an election for vacancies on the board of directors . An election will occur at the State Bar Association of North Dakota ’ s ( SBAND ) annual meeting . Information regarding the election and board vacancies will be posted on SBAND ’ s event calendar and emailed directly to YLS members .
If you would like to get involved in YLS or recommend a young lawyer for a future Gavel feature , contact YLS President Erica Hovey at EHovey @ vogellaw . com . You can also follow YLS on Instagram @ younglawyersnd to stay up to date on the organization ' s latest events .
JEREMY CURRAN
Jeremy Curran is the owner of Curran Law Firm in Grand Forks , where he handles a wide range of cases but primarily focuses on criminal defense . He also works as a part-time public defender for Polk County , Minn . Prior to opening his own office in February 2022 , he worked for Chapman Law Firm in Williston for several years .
Curran is originally from Crookston , Minn ., and attended the University of North Dakota for both his undergraduate education , obtaining a degree in communications and focusing primarily on broadcast journalism in 2009 , and attending the University of North Dakota School of Law , obtaining his juris doctor in 2014 . Along with his part-time work as a public defender in Minnesota , he is licensed to practice in North Dakota , in both the state and federal courts , and is a member of the Inns of Court , the North Dakota Association for Justice , and the North Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers .
Curran currently resides in Grand Forks with his fiancée , Cindy , and has four children , three sons and a daughter , along with a stubborn red lab . In his free time , when he is not chasing after his kids or running them around town to one of their activities , he enjoys anything outside , including attempting to golf , hunting , fishing , or playing basketball .
JESSE GANDARA JR .
Jesse Gandara Jr . is an assistant state ’ s attorney in McKenzie County , where he prosecutes felony and misdemeanor criminal cases . He graduated , summa cum laude , with a bachelor ’ s degree from Western New Mexico University . He was also chosen to be the keynote speaker for the graduating baccalaureate class . Gandara then earned his juris doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law .
Prior to joining McKenzie County , Gandara accepted a position as a public defender in Williams County . He firmly believes every new attorney should serve as a public defender . Gandara states it ’ s an honorable and humbling job helping those that are economically disadvantaged .
In 2018 , Gandara was asked to be the keynote speaker at the InterNational Prisoners Family Conference , where he spoke on how to navigate an adversarial criminal justice system and come out successful on the other side .
Gandara states helping victims and the state has been deeply satisfying and rewarding . He is especially excited for summer with his wife and kids and taking full advantage of the outdoor adventures in the surrounding area . Gandara collects silver coins and roots for the Dallas Cowboys in his off time .
YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
26 THE GAVEL