Fargo Attorney Appointed to North Dakota Supreme Court

Mark Friese, a criminal defense lawyer, will succeed retiring Justice Daniel Crothers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed Fargo criminal defense attorney Mark Friese to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Friese will begin his term on March 9, succeeding retiring Supreme Court Justice Daniel Crothers. Friese has over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney and previously served as a police officer and in the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Why it matters

Friese's appointment brings a unique perspective to the state's highest court, with his background in criminal defense, law enforcement, and military service. His selection reflects the governor's aim to appoint a well-respected and fair-minded jurist to the bench.

The details

Friese is currently a shareholder at the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo and has handled high-profile cases, including representing former state Sen. Ray Holmberg, who was convicted of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Before earning his law degree, Friese worked as a Bismarck police officer for five years and served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 24 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

  • Friese will begin his term on the North Dakota Supreme Court on March 9, 2026.
  • Retiring Justice Daniel Crothers announced his plans to retire in February 2026.

The players

Mark Friese

A Fargo criminal defense attorney and shareholder at the Vogel Law Firm, with over 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He previously served as a police officer and in the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong

The governor of North Dakota, who appointed Friese to the state's Supreme Court.

Daniel Crothers

The retiring North Dakota Supreme Court Justice, whose term Friese will be succeeding.

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What they’re saying

“Mark is a brilliant, fair-minded and well-respected lawyer who has excelled as one of our state's premier trial attorneys for more than two decades.”

— Gov. Kelly Armstrong (North Dakota Monitor)

What’s next

Friese will be sworn in and begin his term on the North Dakota Supreme Court on March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Friese's appointment to the North Dakota Supreme Court brings a diverse set of experiences to the bench, including his background in criminal defense, law enforcement, and military service. His selection reflects the governor's commitment to appointing fair-minded and well-respected jurists to the state's highest court.