Fargo Attorney Mark Friese Appointed to North Dakota Supreme Court

Friese will replace retiring Justice Daniel Crothers, bringing a unique mix of professional experience to the bench.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed Fargo attorney Mark Friese to the state Supreme Court, replacing retiring Justice Daniel Crothers. Friese, a shareholder at Vogel Law Firm, has primarily practiced criminal defense law for 25 years and has a range of professional experience including as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, law school instructor, and military lawyer.

Why it matters

Friese's diverse background and experience as a criminal defense attorney, law enforcement officer, and military lawyer is expected to bring a unique perspective to the North Dakota Supreme Court, complementing the existing justices.

The details

Friese will serve on the Supreme Court until the 2028 election, at which point he may campaign to serve the remainder of Crothers' 10-year term, which concludes in 2032. Friese has often represented high-profile defendants, including former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg, who pleaded guilty in 2025 to traveling abroad to sexually abuse minors.

  • Friese will succeed Justice Daniel Crothers, who will retire effective Feb. 28.
  • Friese will serve on the Supreme Court until the 2028 election.

The players

Mark Friese

A Fargo attorney and shareholder at Vogel Law Firm, who has primarily practiced criminal defense law for 25 years and has a range of professional experience including as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, law school instructor, and military lawyer.

Kelly Armstrong

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

Daniel Crothers

The retiring North Dakota Supreme Court Justice that Friese will succeed.

Ray Holmberg

A former North Dakota state senator who pleaded guilty in 2025 to traveling abroad to sexually abuse minors, and was represented by Friese.

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What they’re saying

“I'm hopeful it's a unique perspective, one that will complement the court.”

— Mark Friese (The Forum)

“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. His deep understanding of the law and broad experience as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, law school instructor, defense attorney and military lawyer will bring a uniquely informed perspective to the Supreme Court and serve North Dakota citizens well.”

— Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota (Press Release)

What’s next

Friese will serve on the Supreme Court until the 2028 election, at which point he may campaign to serve the remainder of Crothers' 10-year term, which concludes in 2032.

The takeaway

Friese's diverse background and experience as a criminal defense attorney, law enforcement officer, and military lawyer is expected to bring a unique perspective to the North Dakota Supreme Court, complementing the existing justices and potentially serving the state for over a decade.