Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
36 Client Reviews
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Christopher Jay Cadem
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About Christopher
Biography
Chris Cadem concentrates his practice on litigation matters in both civil and criminal cases. His experience includes numerous successful trials and appeals. Chris is also a contract attorney for the Otter Tail County District Court, where he performs work in juvenile delinquency cases, prosecutes appeals for termination of parental rights and other child protection cases, and appears in criminal proceedings as standby defense counsel.
Prior to forming Cadem Law Group, Chris practiced at a small Minnesota based law firm where he founded the firm's first civil litigation practice. Prior to that, he worked as the vice president and as legal counsel for an insurance agency located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and an intern lobbyist in Washington D.C. for Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree in both political science and psychology from the University of Minnesota Morris with Highest Distinction, where he was honored with the prestigious Scholar of the College Award and the Gieske Academic Award. He was also a Phi Kappa Phi honorary and presented independent research on the impact of social identity on voting behavior at the University of Minnesota Research Symposium and at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Kentucky.
Chris received his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School. While a student there, Chris was in the Maynard Pirsig Appellate Advocacy Moot Court, where he was awarded honors and was recognized for his section's best appellate brief. He was also selected as a student director of the University of Minnesota Housing Law Clinic and to take part in the Kommerstad Center's Business Law Clinic. During his final year in school, Chris externed with the Honorable Richard H. Kyle of the United States District Court, District of Minnesota.
In his practice and personal life, Chris works diligently to have a positive influence in his community and on the lives of the people around him. Chris gives back to his community through multiple volunteer organizations. He is currently an officer of the Fergus Falls Jaycees where he has served as president, vice president of membership, and treasurer. He is also currently the president of the Fergus Falls Lions, the secretary and treasurer of the Otter Tail County Bar Association, and an Ambassador for the Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Chris currently resides in the lakes area with his wife, Elizabeth. In his spare time, he enjoys home renovation and improvement, biking, fishing, weight training, sailing, and woodworking, and has recently started work on a book and screenplay.
Aggressive, Compassionate, Strategic, Criminal Defense Attorney
Aggressive criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts.
Mr. Cadem is a leader among his peers in DWI defense and teaches seminars on issues relating to DWIs
Mr. Cadem has collected over a million dollars for his clients and he can help you also.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
21 years
DUI and DWI
20%
21 years
Family
20%
21 years
Personal Injury
10%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 20 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Christopher Jay Cadem
(218) 736-3411
Fax
1005 Pebble Lk Rd, Suite 209, Fergus Falls, MN, 56537-3109
CademLaw.comOnline Presence
Other places you can find Christopher online.
Christopher Jay Cadem's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Heather | November 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend
Will fight for you all the way! Very superior attorney. Knows his stuff. He took on my brother's case which was not and easy case at all, but he fought and the casr eventually got dismissed. Without Chris's help we would not be where we are today. Would recommend Chris Cadem to anyone with crimina...
Posted by anonymous | April 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
DWI
I was pulled over for a dirty license plate and that stop lead to being arrested for a dwi. I was reffered to Christopher Jay Cadem and after the first phone call I felt at ease and decided to hire him. He helped me through all the steps and made sure I was at eas and knew exactly what was going on t...
Posted by Jacob | January 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly motivated and determined to deliver the best results
Chris was truly excellent. He used every available resource to ensure I got the best result in my case. Chris uses his stellar experience, resources, and reputation to deliver the highest quality of legal representation. As a former litigator with experience in criminal defense, I was immensely impre...
Posted by Mary | November 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent and Professional Attorney
I retained Mr. Cadem for a 3rd degree DWI case. The case had been ongoing for 9 months when I hired Chris. Within a month, a plea deal was reached where I did not have to do any jail time, and my fines were minimal. I can't thank him enough for what we accomplished in a short period of time. In add...
Posted by Cory | March 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
BEST LAWYER IN THE STATE AND BOYOND
Ico have had cadem on two cases that got resolved recently The one was a first degree possession where I was facing 7 to 10 years in prison And he worked hard and got to the truth of the situation and it got dismissed before trial, And a 5th degree, a separate case he also got it dismissed befor...
Christopher Jay Cadem's Lawyer Endorsements
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cadem is one of the finest examples of true professionalism in the practice of law and a client centered attorney. He is a leader in his profession and community. In his career, Mr. Cadem has successfully litigated difficult cases in a variety of fields, including both criminal and civil matters, while successfully building one of the most successful practices in Minnesota. Mr. Cadem has appeared numerous times in front of the Court of Appeals and has successfully defended many high profile clients in lengthy jury trials. Mr. Cadem is easily one of the very best attorneys in Minnesota."
Carolyn Cadem
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association
2011
Gold Treasurer Award, Minnesota State Jaycees
2004
Section Best Brief, University of Minnesota Law School
2004
Honors - Maynard Pirsig Appellate Moot Court, University of Minnesota Law School
2001
Scholar of the College Award, University of Minnesota
2000
Gieske Acedemic Award, University of Minnesota
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, Cadem Law Group, PLLC
2006 - 2009
Associate Attorney, Hatling Law Office
2005 - 2006
Company Counsel, Trusted Family Insurance, Inc.
Associations
2008 - Present
Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
American Association for Justice
Minnesota Association for Justice
2012 - 2013
Fergus Falls JayceesVice President Membership/Treasurer
2011 - 2022
Midwest Defense Lawyers GuildPresident
2010 - 2016
Otter Tail County Bar AssociationSecretary/Treasurer
2010 - 2013
Fergus Falls LionsPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Beck v. Noska
Dismissal
State v. Hamil
Acquitted
State v. J.A
Acquitted
State of Minnesota v. J. Johnson
Dismissed
State of Minnesota v. Robert M
Successful Appeal - Modified
Employment Law - Discriminatory Discharge
$320,000
Charles W. Gorres v. R. Duncan Farms, Inc.
Successful Trial and Appeal
Education
2005
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
University of Minnesota, Morris
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
The New Lawyer Experience
Minnesota CLE
2013
The Law, the Facts, and the Reality of Drinking and Driving in Minnesota
Criminal - DWI Legal Developments
2012
Taking Charge of Money Matters
An Introduction to Wills and Probate in MInnesota
2012
Radio Guest Host: "Ask the Attorney"
Don't Drink and Drive
2012
Minnesota DWI Laws: Tricks, Traps and Pitfalls Every Driver Should Know
Criminal - DWI
2012
Fergus Falls Lions Club
DWIs in Minnesota: What Every Motorist Should Know
2011
United States Immigration Naturalization Ceremony
Civic Responsibilities of Citizenship
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Christopher earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
First dwi Alcohol concentration over 0.08 3rd degree
22 Sep 2022
Q&A
What if they deemed this conviction a petty misd pursuant to Minn. Rul. 23.02? Would I still have a 30 day driving suspension?
05 Sep 2012
Q&A
How to get a theft charge dropped when I didn't steal anything?
14 Dec 2011
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
How to Protect Yourself When Contracting for Home Improvement Labor
02 Dec 2010
Legal Guide
K2 - Fake Marijuana - Federal Legislation Outlaws the Sale of K2 Chemicals*
26 Oct 2010
Legal Guide
Another Vehicle Recall: How to Protect Yourself If Your Car Is Involved
13 Oct 2010