Hovey named new Southeast District judge, chambered in New Rockford

Gov. John Hoeven today named James Hovey of Grand Forks to the Southeast Judicial District Court, chambered in New Rockford. Hovey will replace Judge James Bekken, who died earlier this year. The Southeast Judicial District includes the counties of Barnes, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, LaMoure, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Stutsman and Wells.

“James brings a wealth of legal experience to this judgeship, both as a litigator and mediator, and will do an outstanding job for the citizens of the Southeast Judicial District,” Hoeven said. “He has the integrity, judicial temperament, education and experience necessary to be an effective judge and will serve the district well.”

A native of New Rockford, Hovey has been practicing law in the state and federal courts of North Dakota and Minnesota as an attorney with Pearson, Christensen & Clapp in Grand Forks since 1996. His practice areas have encompassed a wide variety of legal issues, with an emphasis on family and criminal law. In addition to his legal practice, he has served as city attorney for the city of Larimore and as an instructor at the University of North Dakota Center for Legal Studies.

Hovey received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Arts from the University of Arizona. He attended the University of North Dakota School of Law and graduated with distinction, receiving a Juris Doctor in 1996.

Hovey has been active in several professional associations, including the American Bar Association, the Greater Grand Forks County Bar Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

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