YOUNG LAWYER SHOWCASE
YLS will be looking to continue to host virtual happy hour and lunch events as well as webinars . YLS is also gearing up for the annual spring food drive . If you are interested in participating or assisting with this community service event , please contact J . R . Steele ( jsteele @ nd . gov ). As always , we encourage all young lawyers to participate in YLS . If you are interested in increasing your involvement , anyone on the board would be happy to assist you .
TRENT BARKUS
Trent Barkus is an associate attorney at Bredahl & Associates , P . C ., in Fargo . He is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in North Dakota , and primarily focuses his practice in the area of criminal law .
Barkus grew up in Jamestown and attended the University of Jamestown , where he graduated in 2008 . He served on active duty in the U . S . Navy from 2010-2016 . Barkus earned a master ’ s degree in International Relations from Troy University in 2015 .
After completing his active duty service , Barkus attended the University of North Dakota School of Law . During that time , he received his commission as an officer in the U . S . Navy Reserve , where he continues to proudly serve . He volunteers on the Barnes / Stutsman Drug Court , the Governor ’ s Task Force for Veteran ’ s Affairs , Fargo National Cemetery Volunteer Committee , and various other committees .
Barkus resides in West Fargo with his wife , Nicole Bredahl , and two children . He spends his free time with his family , running , and golfing only slightly better than his wife .
JUSTINE HESSELBART
Justine Hesselbart is an associate attorney at Galstad , Jensen & McCann , P . A ., in East Grand Forks , Minn . Currently , she practices family law , representing clients in North Dakota and Minnesota . Hesselbart also assists with city prosecuting for the City of East Grand Forks and is a team member of the Polk County DWI Court .
Hesselbart was born in Appleton , Wis ., and spent her early child years in St . Cloud , Minn . In 2006 , her family then relocated to Winnipeg , Manitoba . While attending high school , Hesselbart volunteered at the Manitoba Youth Centre , which inspired her to pursue a career in the legal profession .
She graduated with honors from the University of Manitoba , obtaining a bachelor of arts degree in criminology and a minor in family social sciences . During university , she worked in the foodservice industry and was a dedicated soccer referee . Hesselbart was selected to be a soccer official for the 2017 Canada Summer Games .
Hesselbart continued her education at the University of North Dakota School of Law , earning her juris doctor in Dec . 2019 . In her first year of law school , Hesselbart was hired to be a law clerk for Galstad , Jensen & McCann , P . A . Throughout law school she was a member of the North Dakota Law Review and achieved the position of associate editor in her final year . Hesselbart was also actively involved in the Criminal Law Association and International Human Rights Organization .
Hesselbart resides in Grand Forks and is a member of the Greater Grand Forks Bar Association . In her spare time , she enjoys traveling , watching “ Criminal Minds ,” attending college hockey games , long-distance running , and spending time with her family and friends .
24 THE GAVEL