Nicole A. Kettwick

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After more than a decade of practicing exclusively in the area of criminal defense, it is no surprise that people turn to Nicole Kettwick for her knowledge, experience, and success. This, of course, includes those facing criminal charges, but it also includes other lawyers, as well as national and international media outlets hoping to gain insight into criminal law.

Despite a tenured and momentous career, Nicole’s path may be explained in simple terms: a dedication to the lives and concerns of her clients at all costs within the boundaries of the law.

Nicole is relentlessly committed to her clients’ best interests in order to get a just result. From the first phone call to the end of the trial process, Nicole listens to the concerns, fears, and goals of her clients. This allows her to implement creative and cutting-edge strategies with a proven track record.

Nicole has worked with thousands of people facing a variety of charges, ranging from minor traffic offenses and DWI crime, to criminal sexual conduct and murder. Every person is unique, and her ability to comprehend and relay the true lives of other people makes her an effective advocate.

She teaches law students at the University of St. Thomas School of Law as an adjunct professor. As a Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Hennepin County Bar Association, Nicole plans Continued Legal Education courses for criminal attorneys throughout Minnesota. She also volunteers her time with several Bar Associations as well as judging moot court and mock trial competitions for law schools and colleges. For years, law school have called upon her to mentor their high-achieving students.

Nicole is currently admitted to all Courts within the State of Minnesota, as well as the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Above all else, Nicole’s greatest sense of pride comes from being a named partner at Brandt Kettwick Defense where she does her true life’s work in the service of others.

  • Juris Doctor, University of St. Thomas – School of Law
  • Bachelor of Arts– Philosophy and Sociology, Cum Laude, University of St. Thomas
  • Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law
Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Supreme Court
United States District Court - District of Minnesota
United States District Court – District of Minnesota
United States Supreme Court
United States Supreme Court
8th Circuit Court of Appeals
8th Circuit Court of Appeals
ArticlePublicationDate
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2019
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2018
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2017
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2016
Interpreters in the CourtroomHennepin Lawyer2016
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2015
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2014
Marijuana in Minnesota: Yesterday, Today, and TomorrowHennepin Lawyer2014
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2013
Thou Shall Not Spank: A Look at Minnesota’s Malicious Punishment StatuteHearsay (MSBA New Lawyers Section)2013
Chapter on Evidence – DWI DESKBOOKMinnesota CLE2012
Forfeiture Chapter DWI DESKBOOKDWI Deskbook2012
Gone in 6 drinks: An overview of Minnesota Forfeiture Law in DWI cases.Hennepin Lawyer2012
Letter to the EditorThe Champion magazine2011
PositionAssociation Name
Former PresidentHennepin County Bar Association
Co-chairHennepin County Bar Association, Criminal Division
Former ChairHennepin County Bar Association, New Lawyers Section
DelegateHennepin County Bar Association, New Lawyers Section
DelegateAmerican Bar Association
MemberAmerican Bar Association
MemberAmerican Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
MemberHennepin County Bar Association
MemberMinnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
MemberNational Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
MemberNational Trial Lawyers
Former CLE DirectorHennepin County Bar Association
Former CLE DirectorNew Lawyers Section of the Hennepin County Bar Association
Mentor for law students at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mentor for law students at UST
Judge for the MSBA Mock Trial Team
1. Judge for the Law School Moot Court Competition 2. Ethics investigator for the 21st district
Nicole A. Kettwick

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