Fargo Attorney Mark Friese Appointed to North Dakota Supreme Court

Governor Kelly Armstrong names Friese to succeed retiring Justice Daniel Crothers.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Governor Kelly Armstrong has appointed Fargo attorney Mark Friese to the North Dakota Supreme Court, succeeding Justice Daniel Crothers who is retiring next month after serving on the state's highest court since 2005. Friese is a shareholder at Vogel Law Firm and has practiced primarily criminal defense law for 25 years, as well as civil litigation. Prior to joining the law firm, he clerked for North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Dale Sandstrom and served as a Bismarck police officer for five years.

Why it matters

Friese's appointment brings a unique blend of legal experience to the North Dakota Supreme Court, including his time as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, and prominent criminal defense attorney. His selection reflects Governor Armstrong's aim to appoint a well-respected and fair-minded jurist to the state's highest court.

The details

Mark Friese is a shareholder at the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, North Dakota, where he has practiced primarily criminal defense law for 25 years, as well as civil litigation. Prior to joining the law firm, he clerked for North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Dale Sandstrom for one year. Before earning his law degree in 2000, Friese served as a Bismarck police officer for five years.

  • Friese will succeed Justice Daniel Crothers, who is retiring next month after serving on the North Dakota Supreme Court since 2005.
  • Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Friese to the North Dakota Supreme Court on February 18, 2026.

The players

Mark Friese

A Fargo attorney who has been appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court, succeeding Justice Daniel Crothers. Friese is a shareholder at Vogel Law Firm and has practiced primarily criminal defense law for 25 years, as well as civil litigation. Prior to joining the law firm, he clerked for North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Dale Sandstrom and served as a Bismarck police officer for five years.

Kelly Armstrong

The Governor of North Dakota who appointed Mark Friese to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Daniel Crothers

The North Dakota Supreme Court Justice who is retiring next month after serving on the state's highest court since 2005.

Dale Sandstrom

The North Dakota Supreme Court Justice for whom Mark Friese clerked for one year prior to joining the Vogel Law Firm.

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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. 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 (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

Friese will be sworn in to the North Dakota Supreme Court next month, succeeding the retiring Justice Daniel Crothers.

The takeaway

Friese's appointment to the North Dakota Supreme Court brings a diverse legal background to the state's highest court, including his experience as a police officer, Supreme Court clerk, and prominent criminal defense attorney. His selection reflects the governor's aim to appoint a fair-minded and well-respected jurist to serve the people of North Dakota.