- Criminal Defense Attorney
Kalen Best
Kalen is a dedicated criminal defense attorney committed to defending her clients’ rights and ensuring they are seen as more than just a case number. She believes that effective advocacy requires both legal skill and a deep understanding of her clients’ humanity. With two years of post-graduate experience and four years in the legal field, she has developed a strong reputation for her honest, straightforward, and compassionate approach to legal defense.
Education
- J.D. – University of St. Thomas School of Law
- B.A. in Political Science & Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude – Minnesota State University Moorhead
Licensed to Practice
- Minnesota District Courts
- Federal Court
Memberships & Awards
- Minnesota State Bar Association
Kalen knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer. While still in high school, she toured law schools alongside undergraduate colleges, determined to pursue a career in advocacy. Though naturally shy, she set out to challenge herself, enrolling in public speaking extracurriculars and competing in legal competitions to refine her courtroom presence.
Her passion for criminal defense stems from years spent working on the periphery of the criminal justice system—at crisis centers, halfway houses, and within the court itself. With a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, she studied the system academically before immersing herself in it as an attorney. She finds criminal defense to be one of the most impactful areas of law, where every case has the potential to change a person’s future.
For Kalen, the most rewarding part of her work is giving her clients a voice in an overwhelmed legal system. She strives to ensure that judges and prosecutors see her clients as people, not just defendants. Her compassionate and nonjudgmental approach allows her to build trust with those she represents, helping them navigate the complexities of their cases with clarity and confidence.
Outside of her legal practice, Kalen enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, dog, and cat. She has a passion for traveling, crocheting, and exploring new foods. A South Dakota native, she frequently returns home to visit loved ones and reconnect with her roots.
