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John Leif Fossum
also known as John L. Fossum
About John
Biography
Get experienced legal help now. Call Fossum Law Office, LLC to address your legal issues.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
32 years
Civil Rights
30%
32 years
Arbitration
10%
Business
10%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Awards
2012 2011
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 32 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Fossum Law Office, LLC
7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Bloomington, MN, 55425
fossumlawllc.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John Leif Fossum's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Diane | January 20, 2012
A Knowledgable and Compassionate Lawyer
I heartily recommend John Fossum. He has both represented and advised us, on many occasions, concerning both corporate and personal issues. His advice comes from a position of both knowledge and compassion. Northfield is lucky to have such a fine lawyer here in town.
John Leif Fossum's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse John Fossum. I have worked various companion cases with John, and he is thorough and experienced. John has significant criminal defense experience, both in state and federal courts. John is able to quickly identify pertinent issues and I have seen him successfully challenge warrants, probable cause, and the admissibility of damaging evidence."
"I have read Mr. Fossum's contributions regarding federal criminal matters with great interest. He is very knowledgeable in this area of law, and his answers to questions involving matters of federal crime are not only insightful, but practical. I commend his obvious ability and highly recommend him for anyone who needs a federal criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Fossum. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos"
"Mr. Fossum is one of the most exemplary and extraordinary attorneys that I have encountered in 24 years of practice. Despite being a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for nearly two and a half decades, I continue to learn valuable information from his posts every day. I would highly recommend."
"Mr. Fossum and I practice in some of the same areas of law. I have had the privilege of reviewing many of her responses and comments to questions posted on Avvo. His answers and comments reflect a deep understanding of the law and have provided helpful information. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Fossum is incredibly knowledgeable in federal criminal matters and forfeitures, and is able to give good counsel to anyone who has been charged, or is being investigated federally. His wealth of experience and know how give him a confidence that is unnerving to any prosecutor. I highly recommend Mr. Fossum for anyone facing federal charges."
"I fully endorse John. I have known him for several years. He is an outstanding lawyer who diligently represents his clients and achieves great results through his hard work and dedication to our profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Fossum is a well respected attorney in Minnesota."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Fossum is clearly well-versed in many areas of the law. Having read his frequent contributions on this website relating to a number of legal issues, I would refer clients his way without hesitation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area."
"I endorse Attorney Fossum. Mr. Fossum gives sound legal answers to the questions presented to him on Avvo. I gladly endorse this fellow colleague."
"I endorse this lawyer. His answers on AVVO display his exemplary knowledge and committment to those accused of criminal conduct. He is knowledgable, professional and I would refer any clients in the bloomington area to him."
"After reviewing attorney Fossum's history as well as his insightful answers to questions posted on Avvo, I believe he is a trustworthy source of legal information and experience."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Fossum as evidenced by his profile (it speaks for itself) is highly experienced and well respected within the legal community. I would not hesitate referring him to someone or seeking his assistance with my own cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Fossum provides detailed and honest postings on AVVO assisting those with various areas of Federal and State criminal law questions. Also, his detailed analysis of criminal issues provide assistance not only to AVVO posters but also to the legal community. A true professional"
"I endorse this lawyer. John is an experienced and savvy criminal defense lawyer. He's terrific at boring into legal and constitutional issues. His clients are well represented."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Board Certified Specialist - Criminal Law, Minnesota State Bar Association
2011
Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International
2001
Feature article on public defense in Minnesota, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Attorney, Fossum Law Office LLC
2015 - 2022
Elected County Attorney, Rice County Attorney
2008 - 2014
Attorney, Fossum Law Office, LLC
2007 - 2008
Justice Advisor, Afghanistan Justice Sector Support Program
2003 - 2018
Practitioner Faculty, University of Phoenix Online
1993 - 2006
Attorney, Private Law Practice
Associations
2012 - Present
Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota
1996 - Present
Rice County Bar Association
1993 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association, 5th District Bar Association
2010 - 2011
Minnesota State Bar Association AssemblyCriminal Law Section Delegate
2010 - 2011
Minnesota State Bar Association, Legislative CommitteeMember
2009 - 2010
Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionChair
2008 - 2009
Minnesota State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionVice-Chair
2007 - 2007
Association of Defence Counsel ICTYMember, Post-Tribunal Committee
2006 - 2014
International Criminal Bar
1997 - 2000
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Indigent Defense CommitteeVice-Chair
1996 - 2014
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Rowden
Acquittal
Welfare of the Child of SLJ
Decision in favor of party supported.
Welfare of the Child of SLJ
Judgment in favor of party supported
Patee v. Commissioner of Public Safety
License reinstated, criminal case dismissed.
State v. Perez
Dismissed
State v. Ghinter
Acquitted
State v. Larson
Acquitted
State v. Quinnell
Sentencing Appeal, Downward Departure affirmed
United States v. Lemon
Upheld on appeal
Education
1993
William Mitchell College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
Macalester College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Beyond Africa, The Future of the International Criminal Court
International Criminal Court Defense Function
2013
International Criminal Law, Promise and Practice
History and Overview of International Criminal Law
2011
Overview of the International Criminal Court
Victims Participation and Procedure at the International Criminal Court
2011
Introduction to Law Office Managment for Moroccan Lawyers
Law Office Management
2010
Minnesota State Bar Association, Human Rights Committee
International Criminal Law and Victim's Representation
2010
International Criminal Law Conference
History and Overview of War Crimes
2010
"Children & Human Trafficking: Providing Legal Perspectives from Immigration, Criminal, and Child Advocates"
Human Trafficking Crimes
2009
Northfield Lions Club
Bringing the Rule of Law to Afghanistan
2009
Foreign Service Officers Association
Corruption and reconstruction in Afghanistan
2008
Northfield Rotary Club
Bringing the Rule of Law to Afghanistan
2003
Minnesota Public Defenders Annual Conference
Defending the Meth Lab Case
2003
Annual Conference
Legislative Updates
2002
Annual Conference
Legislative Update, Ethics
2001
Annual Conference
Case Handling Tips
2000
Annual Conference
Contract Update
Publications
2009
African News Journal
First Sudan Case advances in the International Criminal Court
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
John earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Recieved a ticket for 40+mph on 25mph school zone, can I fight it?
23 Sep 2013
Q&A
How far will "mutual combat" hold up in court, if one party decides to press charges?
25 Feb 2013
Q&A
In Minnesota, When is a police officer suppose to turn on their lights to make a traffic stop for a speeder?
08 Jan 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Juvenile Law in Minnesota
26 Oct 2010
Legal Guide
How to avoid business litigation
09 Feb 2010
Legal Guide
Reparations for Victims of War Crimes at the International Criminal Court
09 Feb 2010