Michael J. Brandt

The owner of the Minnesota-based law firm Brandt Kettwick Defense, attorney Michael J. Brandt is an established law practitioner with offices in Anoka and Hopkins, Minnesota. Since passing the bar and earning the license to practice in Minnesota in 1994, he has dedicated his career to defending clients who wind up on the wrong side of the law. He has been protecting the rights of his clients who have been accused of criminal charges from speeding, vehicle forfeitures, drunken driving, theft and drug crimes to physical abuse, sexual assault and first-degree murder.

Working as a public defender during the initial stages of his career, Mr. Brandt has obtained dismissals and lawful suppression of evidence, apart from defeating claims of probation violations. He further honed his skills in defense by entering private practice at a major firm, where he aided clients against charges of DWI and license revocations. Through the years, he has also imparted his valuable knowledge in his area of expertise to the younger generations through a series of continuing legal education seminars.

Later in 2003, Mr. Brandt established a law firm with his law partner and in 2005, founded Brandt Kettwick Defense to personally cater to all the needs of his clients after his partner left the firm. He has been honored with the title of a Rising Star by the Minnesota Law & Politics magazine. He has also received a “Superb” rating on Avvo and is praised by his satisfied clients as a professional, committed and compassionate attorney whose interactions are clear and precise.

Mr. Brandt is a 1991 Bachelor of Arts graduate in political science from the University of Minnesota. He obtained his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1994 from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is admitted to appear before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Supreme Court. 

A former president of the Anoka County Bar Association and additionally a board member of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mr. Brandt maintains affiliations with other legal associations. He has memberships in the Minnesota State Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice and the Hennepin County Bar Association. 

Apart from this, Mr. Brandt has several publications including books and articles in various renowned legal journals to his credit. He contributes his time and effort to the benefit of the society by functioning as a mentor and guest lecturer at various educational institutions and involving in the activities of several community-oriented organizations such as:

· The Minnesota Supreme Court Race Committee – Member 

· Anoka County Domestic Abuse Pilot Project – Member

· Anoka County Court-Appointed Counsel Committee – Member

· St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission – Board member

·10th Judicial District Bias Elimination Team – Board member