John C. Conard - Saint Paul, MN
Attorney at Sand Law
Personal Injury Lawyers in Saint Paul, MN
266 East 7th Street Saint Paul, MN 55101
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
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20
Years
Experience
Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer
Updated: 10/07/2026
Areas of Practice
- Personal Injury
- Criminal Defense
Attorney Information
Overview
John Conard is an experienced civil and criminal litigation attorney with a winning track record that spans over two decades. John is recognized for his dedication to justice and his adeptness in the courtroom, earning him a reputation as a formidable advocate for his clients.
John’s journey into law commenced with a fervent desire to safeguard the rights of others. Following the attainment of his Juris Doctorate, he swiftly ascended through the ranks, honing his trial advocacy skills under seasoned mentors. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in his certification as a trial specialist, underscoring his proficiency and mastery.
In civil litigation, John has navigated a diverse array of cases, spanning from employment law to personal injury claims. Utilizing a strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail, he consistently secures favorable outcomes for his clients. In criminal law, John is a staunch defender of the accused, leveraging his extensive experience to ensure equitable treatment under the law.
Beyond the courtroom, John is actively engaged in various community initiatives, driven by a passion for effecting positive change. His commitment to making a difference is evident in his ongoing endeavors to utilize his legal skills for the betterment of society.
With a steadfast dedication to justice and an unwavering focus on his clients’ needs, John Conard continues to leave an indelible mark on the legal profession.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News and World Report, Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Selected to Who's Who in America., Marquis Who's Who, Marquis Who's Who, 2019 - Current
- Rated as one of the Super Lawyers for 2020.
- Rated as one of the Super Lawyers for 2019.
- Rated as a top attorney in Minnesota, Top Attorney, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2019
- Rated as one of the Super Lawyers, 2018
- Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2018
- Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2017
- Top attorney rating in white collar and criminal defense., Top Attorney, Avvo, 2018
- Top Attorneys in Minnesota, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, 2016
- Top Attorney rating in white collar and criminal defense., Top Attorney, Avvo, 2016
- Certificate of Appreciation for Exemplary Work Ramsey County Attorney's Office, 2010
- Excellence for the future Award - Contracts, CALI, 2004
- G.D. Boat Scholarship for excellence in Political Science Central College, 1993
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers, 2014
- Public Service Award, Minnesota Justice Foundation, 2006
- Wormhoudt Pre-Law Scholarship, Central College, 1991
- National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament, American Mock Trial Association
- Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell, 2013
- Excellence for the Future Award - Securities Regulation CALI, 2005
- Vander Lugt Award for excellence in philosophy Central College, 1993
Other Sources of Feedback About John C. Conard
Included on the 2026 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Minnesota Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, 2006
Juris Doctor
Honors: summa cum laude
Honors: Founder's Scholarship Recipient
Honors: CALI Awards
Law Review: Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Contributor
Non Legal Education
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Central College, 1995
B.A.
Major: Political Science, Philosophy and Economics
Current Employment Position(s)
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Of Counsel
Past Positions
- Federal Public Defender, Law Clerk
- 10th Judicial District Public Defender, Law Clerk
Classes and Seminars
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Advanced Voire Dire instruction for the Minnesota Association for Justice., Faculty, Advanced Voire Dire, Minnesota Association for Justice, Trial Lawyers, 2019
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A local TED type group in Manhattan, I am an invited speaker in their ongoing "Salon Series" which serves investment professionals and their lawyers., Faculty, What Isn't White Collar Crime these Days? Salon Series- National Thinkers Symposium, Finance And Law, 2019
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Teach Advanced Voire Dire in a three day seminar, Faculty, Voire dire Regional Seminar, New York 2019, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
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Teaching graduates of the Trial Lawyers College advanced presentation and message techniques., Faculty, Graduate One Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
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Faculty at a three day seminar on advanced voire dire., Faculty, Voire dire Regional Seminar, New Orleans 2019, Trial Lawyers College, 2019
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Instructor--Seminar covering advanced messaging and framing. Worked with experts to deliver practical useful approaches to trial messaging for an audience of the best trial lawyers in Minnesota., Instructor, Advanced Trial Story, Minnesota Association For Justice, 2018
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Instructor-- Week long workshop with the most accomplished criminal trial lawyers from around the country. Every aspect of trial practice was developed including voire dire, cross examination, discovery strategy, storytelling, direct examination, complex case presentation, closing
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Guest Lecturer--Advanced methods to deal with difficult issues in difficult cases. How to create an environment where covert biases can be discovered, and discussed., Instructor, Advanced Voire Dire, Iowa Association For Justice, 2018
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Instructor--Three day seminar instructing accomplished lawyers on the newest techniques to discover the winning trial story, including how to find and describe the emotional truth of a story., Faculty, Discovering the Story, Trial Lawyers College- Texas, 2018
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Instructor-- Graduate program for accomplished trial lawyers that have graduated from the selective Trial Lawyers College, Faculty, Grad One, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
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Group Leader- This is a week long seminar for graduates of the selective Trial Lawyers College. We worked on advanced cross examination techniques focused on expert witnesses., Group Leader, Graduate 2, Trial Lawyers College, 2018
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Faculty, Trial Lawyers College- Direct Examination, Trial Lawyer's College, 2017
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Guest Speaker, Motions and More, Nebraska Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, 2017
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Faculty, In Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyers College, 2017
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Instructor, Advanced Trial Series- Voire Dire, Minnesota Association Of Justice, 2017
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Instructor, Advanced Trial Skills Series- Discovering the Story, MAJ Minnesota Association of Justice, 2017
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Faculty, Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyer's College, 2017
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Faculty- Atlanta regional seminar, Trial lawyers College - Closing Arguments, Trial Lawyers College, 2016
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Faculty and group leader, Defending the Damned- On campus in Dubois Wyoming, Trial Lawyers College, 2016
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Instructor at the three week college, the most prestigious and selective trial program in the country., Faculty and group leader, The Trial Lawyers College, The Trial Lawyers College, 2016
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Lecturer, Advanced Cross Examination of Forensic Experts, MSBA, 2015
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Lead a group exploration of voire dire in complex sex crimes cases., Group Leader, Grad Two, Trial Lawyers College Grad II, 2015
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Speaker, Rules of the Road Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses, Minnesota Association of Justice, A New Era Of Trial, 2014
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Presented and lead a group session on the effective cross examination of expert witnesses., Presenter, Cross Examining Forensic Experts, Trial Lawyers College, Trial Lawyers College, 2014
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Author, Imperfect Heroes, The Warrior- The Journal Of The Trial Lawyer's College, 2014
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Forensic Evidence: The Criminal Defense Attorney's Never-Ending Education, Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases, West Publishing, 2011
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Speaker, Cross examining Forensic Experts, Minnesota State Bar- Criminal Trial School, 2013
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Session Leader, Trial Lawyers College, 2013
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Search Warrants Current Law, BCA Criminal Justice Training, 2011
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Brief Writing: Clarity and Persuasion, Public Defender District Training, 2008
- West Law's "Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases."
Representative Cases
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State v. Lane - This was a successful man in his late 40's who was wrongfully accused of molesting a special needs girl. After a vigorous trial he was found not guilty.
- Year: 2014
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United States v. Colleen Shannon
- Year: 2013
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United States v. Domnitser et al.- A 57 million dollar fraud case in manhattan NY, where my client was convicted after a 6 week trial but the evidence at trial severed her from the $57 million, saving her ten years.
- Year: 2013
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State v. Trevino-A high profile Murder case in which the client was found not guilty of count one, intentional murder. He was found guilty of unintentional murder, saving him 20 years.
- Year: 2013
Published Works
Articles
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Imperfect Heroes, The Warrior, The Journal Of The Trial Lawyer's College, 2014
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Brief Writing: Clarity and Persuasion, Public Defender District Training, 2008
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Utilizing Forensic Science in Criminal Cases, West Law
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 2006
Specialties and Certifications
- Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Trial Practice, Graduate II, 2011
- Certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Criminal Law Specialist
- AAFS - Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2013
- AAFS - Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2014
- Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Jury Trial Practice, F- Warrior, 2010
- Grad II, Trial Lawyers College. Each year I dedicate one week to both presenting and learning the newest and most advanced trial skills as a returning graduate of the selective Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College., 2012
- DNA Defense - National Institute for Science and Technology, 2011
Other Affiliations
- Member, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 2012 – Present
- Minnesota Association for Justice Board of Governors. Selected to the Board of Governors, 2020
- Member, Chicago County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Member, Ramsey County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Trial Lawyers College, National Faculty
- Member, Anoka County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 10th District Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Board of Directors, Steinair Inc. 2004 – 2011
- Board Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012 – Present
- Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Member, Washington County Bar Association, 2006 – Present
- Tort Preservation Member- Minnesota Association for Justice., 2017
Photo
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