Judge Debbie Kleven (Ret.) brings the perspective of a former North Dakota judge to the dispute resolution process. Her judicial background offers valuable insight into the legal, procedural, and practical considerations that shape disputes and influence litigation decisions. Through PowerHouse Mediation, Judge Kleven brings a thoughtful approach to evaluating competing positions, encouraging productive dialogue, and helping parties explore practical paths toward resolution.
(612) 895-2210
J.D, 1983 – University of North Dakota School of Law
B.S. Ed, 1980 – University of North Dakota
Adjunct Lecturer: University of North Dakota School of Law, January 2020 to 2022.
July 1, 2020, to present: Kleven Law & Associates, PLLC.
September 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020: Vogel Law Office
January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2016: District Judge, Northeast Central Judicial District, Grand Forks,
North Dakota.
January 1, 1991 to December 31, 1994: Grand Forks County Judge, Grand Forks, North Dakota.
August 25, 1985 to December 31, 1990: Assistant Grand Forks State’s Attorney.
September 1, 1983 to August 24, 1983: Associate Attorney, Olson and Engen Law Firm, Grand
Forks, North Dakota.
Grand Forks County Bar Association – current member
North Dakota State Bar Association – current member
Greater Grand Forks Women’s Leadership Cooperative – past director and current member
Civil Legal Remedies Collaborative – past member
Northeast Central Judicial District – past presiding judge
North Dakota Judge’s Association – past president
National Association of Women Judges National Association – past member and district director
North Dakota Indigent Defense Committee – past chair
1North Dakota Juvenile Policy Board – past chair
North Dakota Association of Counties – past director
Grand Forks County Community Foundation – past board member
Grand Forks Community Foundation – Women’s Fund – founding member
Grand Forks Exchange Club – former member
Larimore Golf Course Board of Directors – past director
Larimore Polar Bear Booster Club – past president
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Honeyford – past president and council member
Turtle River Ministry Council – past member
Judge Debbie Kleven (ret.) brings over 30 years of legal and judicial experience to her work in mediation and arbitration. She served as a District Court Judge in the Northeast Central Judicial District of North Dakota from 1994 to 2016, following an initial judicial appointment in 1990 prior to the consolidation of the county and district courts. During her tenure, she held leadership roles including Presiding Judge of the District and Surrogate Judge for the North Dakota Supreme Court. She also served as President of the North Dakota Judges’ Association.
Before joining the bench, Judge Kleven practiced in both the public and private sectors, including work as an assistant state’s attorney for Grand Forks County. Following her retirement from the judiciary, she founded Kleven Law & Associates, where she focused on estate planning, elder law, farm and business succession, and dispute resolution.
Judge Kleven now serves as a mediator and arbitrator with PowerHouse Mediation, where she applies her deep legal knowledge, steady demeanor, and commitment to fair resolution in civil matters.
January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2016: District Judge, Northeast Central Judicial District, Grand Forks,
North Dakota.
January 1, 1991 to December 31, 1994: Grand Forks County Judge, Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Agricultural Law, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Arbitration, Mediation
When resolution requires experienced judgment, thoughtful evaluation, and a practical understanding of the litigation process, Judge Debbie Kleven (Ret.) brings valuable judicial perspective to the table. Connect with PowerHouse Mediation to discuss your matter and explore the appropriate path forward.