John Conard

Of Counsel Attorney

Phone Number: 651-291-7263
Fax Number: 888-795-1753

John Conard is an experienced civil and criminal litigation attorney with a winning track record that spans over two decades. John is recognized for his dedication to justice and his adeptness in the courtroom, earning him a reputation as a formidable advocate for his clients.

John’s journey into law commenced with a fervent desire to safeguard the rights of others. Following the attainment of his Juris Doctorate, he swiftly ascended through the ranks, honing his trial advocacy skills under seasoned mentors. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in his certification as a trial specialist, underscoring his proficiency and mastery.

In civil litigation, John has navigated a diverse array of cases, spanning from employment law to personal injury claims. Utilizing a strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail, he consistently secures favorable outcomes for his clients. In criminal law, John is a staunch defender of the accused, leveraging his extensive experience to ensure equitable treatment under the law.

Beyond the courtroom, John is actively engaged in various community initiatives, driven by a passion for effecting positive change. His commitment to making a difference is evident in his ongoing endeavors to utilize his legal skills for the betterment of society.

With a steadfast dedication to justice and an unwavering focus on his clients’ needs, John Conard continues to leave an indelible mark on the legal profession.

EDUCATION:

Central College, B.A., in Political Science, Philosophy and Economics
William Mitchell College of Law, J.D.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

Member, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2012 – Present
Minnesota Association for Justice Board of Governors. Selected to the Board of Governors, 2020
Member, Chicago County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Member, Ramsey County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Trial Lawyers College, National Faculty
Member, Anoka County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Board of Directors, Steinair Inc. 2004 – 2011
Board Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012 – Present
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Member, Washington County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
Tort Preservation Member- Minnesota Association for Justice., 2017
American Academy of Forensic Science
MACDL
NACDL
Trial Lawyers College

PRACTICE AREAS:

BAR ADMISSIONS:

SPECIAL LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Trial Practice, Graduate II, 2011
Certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Criminal Law Specialist
AAFS- Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2013
AAFS- Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2014
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Jury Trial Practice, F- Warrior, 2010
Grad II, Trial Lawyers College. Each year I dedicate one week to both presenting and learning the newest and most advanced trial skills as a returning graduate of the selective Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College., 2012
DNA Defense–National Institute for Science and Technology, 2011

HONORS & AWARDS:

Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News and World Report, Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Selected to WHo’s WHo in America., Marquis Who’s Who, Marquis Who’s Who, 2019 – Current
Rated as a Superlawyer for 2020., Superlawyers, Superlawyers, 2020
Rated as Superlawyer for 2019, Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2019
Rated as a top attorney in Minnesota, Top Attorney, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2019
Rated Superlawyer, Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2018
Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2018
Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2017
Top attorney rating in white collar and criminal defense., Top Attorney, Avvo, 2018
Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2016
Top Attorney rating in white collar and criminal defense., Top Attorney, Avvo, 2016
Certificate of Appreciation for Exemplary Work Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, 2010
Excellence for the future Award- Contracts, CALI, 2004
Summa Cum Laude, William Mitchell College of Law, 2006
G.D. Boat Scholarship for excellence in Political Science Central College, 1993
Ranked Third in his Class, William Mitchell College of Law
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers, 2014
Public Service Award, Minnesota Justice Foundation, 2006
Founder’s Scholarship, William Mitchell College of Law, 2003
Wormhoudt Pre-Law Scholarship, Central College, 1991
National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament, American Mock Trial Association
Client Distinction Award Martindale-Hubbell, 2013
Excellence for the Future Award – Securities Regulation CALI, 2005
Vander Lugt Award for excellence in philosophy Central College, 1993
Martindale-Hubbell® Client Distinction Award Recipient
Prestigious Trial Lawyers College and accepted back every year since his admission for hundreds of hours of graduate work

WRITINGS & LECTURES

Advanced Voire Dire instruction for the Minnesota Association for Justice., Faculty, Advanced Voire Dire, Minnesota Association for Justice, Trial Lawyers, 2019
A local TED type group in Manhattan, I am an invited speaker in their ongoing “Salon Series” which serves investment professionals and their lawyers., Faculty, What Isn’t White Collar Crime these Days? Salon Series- National Thinkers Symposium, Finance And Law, 2019
Teach Advanced Voire Dire in a three day seminar, Faculty, Voire dire Regional Seminar, New York 2019, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
Teaching graduates of the Trial Lawyers College advanced presentation and message techniques., Faculty, Graduate One Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
Faculty at a three day seminar on advanced voire dire., Faculty, Voire dire Regional Seminar, New Orleans 2019, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
Instructor–Seminar covering advanced messaging and framing. Worked with experts to deliver practical useful approaches to trial messaging for an audience of the best trial lawyers in Minnesota., Instructor, Advanced Trial Story, Minnesota Association For Justice, 2018
Instructor– Week long workshop with the most accomplished criminal trial lawyers from around the country. Every aspect of trial practice was developed including voire dire, cross examination, discovery strategy, storytelling, direct examination, complex case presentation, closing argument, and open statements., Faculty, In Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
Guest Lecturer–Advanced methods to deal with difficult issues in difficult cases. How to create an environment where covert biases can be discovered, and discussed., Instructor, Advanced Voire Dire, Iowa Association For Justice, 2018
Instructor–Three day seminar instructing accomplished lawyers on the newest techniques to discover the winning trial story, including how to find and describe the emotional truth of a story., Faculty, Discovering the Story, Trial Lawyers College- Texas, 2018
Instructor and Judge– At the culmination of the selective Trial Lawyers College is a week that includes mock trials and integration of all the skills taught in the first two weeks. Judged trials and offered instruction on integrating skills and strategies to achieve connection and persuasion., Faculty, Trial Lawyers College- July 2018, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
Instructor– Graduate program for accomplished trial lawyers that have graduated from the selective Trial Lawyers College. This is a week long program addressing core presentation skills and techniques. Using the most advanced techniques from the courtroom and the performing arts, we focus on connection and persuasion in communication., Faculty, Grad One, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
Group Leader- This is a week long seminar for graduates of the selective Trial Lawyers College. We worked on advanced cross examination techniques focused on expert witnesses., Group Leader, Graduate 2, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
Faculty, Trial Lawyers College- Direct Examination, Trial Lawyer’s College, 2017
Guest Speaker, Motions and More, Nebraska Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, 2017
Faculty, In Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyers College, 2017
Instructor, Advanced Trial Series- Voire Dire, Minnesota Association Of Justice, 2017
Instructor, Advanced Trial Skills Series- Discovering the Story, MAJ Minnesota Association of Justice, 2017
Faculty, Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyer’s College, 2017
Faculty- Atlanta regional seminar, Trial lawyers College – Closing Arguments, Trial Lawyers College, 2016
Faculty and group leader, Defending the Damned- On campus in Dubois Wyoming, Trial Lawyers College, 2016
Instructor at the three week college, the most prestigious and selective trial program in the country., Faculty and group leader, The Trial Lawyers College, The Trial Lawyers College, 2016
Lecturer, Advanced Cross Examination of Forensic Experts, MSBA, 2015
Lead a group exploration of voire dire in complex sex crimes cases., Group Leader, Grad Two, Trial Lawyers College Grad II, 2015
Speaker, Rules of the Road Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses, Minnesota Association of Justice, A New Era Of Trial, 2014
Presented and lead a group session on the effective cross examination of expert witnesses., Presenter, Cross Examining Forensic Experts, Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyers College, 2014
Author, Imperfect Heroes, The Warrior- The Journal Of The Trial Lawyer’s College, 2014
Forensic Evidence: The Criminal Defense Attorney’s Never-Ending Education, Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases, West Publishing, 2011
Speaker, Cross examining Forensic Experts, Minnesota State Bar- Criminal Trial School, 2013
Session Leader, Trial Lawyers College, 2013
Search Warrants Current Law, BCA Criminal Justice Training, 2011
Brief Writing: Clarity and Persuasion, Public Defender District Training, 2008
West Law’s “Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases.”