About Dan
Family
One of the best decisions I ever made was
marrying my wife Debbie in 1991. We are blessed
with four sons who are very active in a variety of
activities which we hope not only develops their
physical strength but strength of character. If I
didn’t already know this, my 14 years working with
Children in Need of Protection Services (CHIPS)
convinces me that the most important institution is
the family. Children need stability. We should
reward those who invest their time, energy and
talent into raising children.
Education
I love reading and especially reading history.
Therefore, majoring in history was an easy call.
I started my education in my hometown of
International Falls, MN graduating from Falls High
School in 1980 and then later the local community
college (Rainy River Community College). I took
two years off from school to work and serve as a
Senate Page for two complete sessions. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of
Minnesota (1988) with a double concentration in History and a minor in South Asian Studies. I was
fortunate to find a job with the Department of Human Services after college and worked there while
attending law school at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN. I was admitted to the bar in
May 1993 and reported for Basic Combat Training in June 1993 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I
thought learning Russian was a good idea and learning it through the military was the best way to
do it. Therefore, after Basic Training I attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA.
I thought large companies would be interested in expanding in that area of the world after it
opened up and being able to speak the language would make me more employable. I am proud of
having served in the army.
Work Experience
Presently I have my own private law practice, Griffith Law Office, and enjoy practicing in
International Falls,MN. Prior to that I was Assistant City Attorney for 2 years and worked as an
Assistant County Attorney by appointment for 5 years. I also work as Court Appointed Counsel and
have for the last 14 years. I have had the honor to serve on the Judicare Panels for Northeast and
Northwest Minnesota for 14 and 5 years respectfully. In addition, I have worked as a Guardian Ad
Litem for 8 years. Finally I served as an Adjunct Professor at our local community college teaching
Criminal Justice, International Relations, Political Science and Business Law.
Professional
* Awarded The 2008 Advocacy Achievement Award presented by Legal Services of Northwest
Minnesota
in recognition of outstanding legal work - making a difference to the disadvantaged
* Past President of the Koochiching County Bar Association
* Minnesota State Bar Association
* Bois Forte Tribal Court Bar, Minnesota Supreme Court Bar
* Federal District Court Bar
* Federal Court of Appeals Bar
* Children’s Justice Initiative.
Community Involvement
* Red Cross Volunteer & Board Member
* KBHW Radio Board Member
* Children’s Justice Initiative
* Covenant Church Member and Deacon
* Friends Against Abuse Board Member
* Life Care Center Board Member
* American Legion Member
* 4-H Volunteer
* Elementary Football Coach
* Elementary Basketball coach
* T-ball Coach
* Wrestling organizer and part-time coach.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy well made things and like antiques as they usually fall into that category. That old adage,
“They don't make things like they used to,” is true. I enjoy traveling, reading, history, biking,
hiking and hunting and fishing which makes living in International Falls a good place to be. My
favorite sport is wrestling (high school and college wrestling) so it’s fun that two of our boys are
wrestlers. I am also thinking about resurrecting my interest in motorcycles. A motorcycle was my
only transportation when I first moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and with the soaring gas
prices I am now on the scout for a good gas saver.
One of the best decisions I ever made was
marrying my wife Debbie in 1991. We are blessed
with four sons who are very active in a variety of
activities which we hope not only develops their
physical strength but strength of character. If I
didn’t already know this, my 14 years working with
Children in Need of Protection Services (CHIPS)
convinces me that the most important institution is
the family. Children need stability. We should
reward those who invest their time, energy and
talent into raising children.
Education
I love reading and especially reading history.
Therefore, majoring in history was an easy call.
I started my education in my hometown of
International Falls, MN graduating from Falls High
School in 1980 and then later the local community
college (Rainy River Community College). I took
two years off from school to work and serve as a
Senate Page for two complete sessions. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of
Minnesota (1988) with a double concentration in History and a minor in South Asian Studies. I was
fortunate to find a job with the Department of Human Services after college and worked there while
attending law school at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN. I was admitted to the bar in
May 1993 and reported for Basic Combat Training in June 1993 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I
thought learning Russian was a good idea and learning it through the military was the best way to
do it. Therefore, after Basic Training I attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA.
I thought large companies would be interested in expanding in that area of the world after it
opened up and being able to speak the language would make me more employable. I am proud of
having served in the army.
Work Experience
Presently I have my own private law practice, Griffith Law Office, and enjoy practicing in
International Falls,MN. Prior to that I was Assistant City Attorney for 2 years and worked as an
Assistant County Attorney by appointment for 5 years. I also work as Court Appointed Counsel and
have for the last 14 years. I have had the honor to serve on the Judicare Panels for Northeast and
Northwest Minnesota for 14 and 5 years respectfully. In addition, I have worked as a Guardian Ad
Litem for 8 years. Finally I served as an Adjunct Professor at our local community college teaching
Criminal Justice, International Relations, Political Science and Business Law.
Professional
* Awarded The 2008 Advocacy Achievement Award presented by Legal Services of Northwest
Minnesota
in recognition of outstanding legal work - making a difference to the disadvantaged
* Past President of the Koochiching County Bar Association
* Minnesota State Bar Association
* Bois Forte Tribal Court Bar, Minnesota Supreme Court Bar
* Federal District Court Bar
* Federal Court of Appeals Bar
* Children’s Justice Initiative.
Community Involvement
* Red Cross Volunteer & Board Member
* KBHW Radio Board Member
* Children’s Justice Initiative
* Covenant Church Member and Deacon
* Friends Against Abuse Board Member
* Life Care Center Board Member
* American Legion Member
* 4-H Volunteer
* Elementary Football Coach
* Elementary Basketball coach
* T-ball Coach
* Wrestling organizer and part-time coach.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy well made things and like antiques as they usually fall into that category. That old adage,
“They don't make things like they used to,” is true. I enjoy traveling, reading, history, biking,
hiking and hunting and fishing which makes living in International Falls a good place to be. My
favorite sport is wrestling (high school and college wrestling) so it’s fun that two of our boys are
wrestlers. I am also thinking about resurrecting my interest in motorcycles. A motorcycle was my
only transportation when I first moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and with the soaring gas
prices I am now on the scout for a good gas saver.
| Integrity Matters |
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| Griffith Law Office |
| Dan Griffith, Esq. Iltis Building 343 Third Street International Falls, MN 56649 Phone: 218.283.8400 Fax: 320.566.2120 griffithlaw@yahoo.com |