Jeff Gunkelman

Jeff Gunkelman is a Fargo business lawyer who advises individuals, owners, and companies on business formation, growth, transactions, and disputes. His practice includes business start-ups, business purchases and sales, contract drafting and review, real estate transactions, landlord-tenant matters, commercial litigation, banking, estate planning, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. Clients rely on his guidance when organizing ventures, protecting property, reviewing agreements, and planning for business continuity across connected personal and commercial concerns.

Jeff earned a JD from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He earned a BBA from the University of North Dakota, with a major in Banking and Financial Economics. His legal studies focused on business and tax, and he graduated cum laude with distinction. This background supports his ability to evaluate contracts, financial issues, business structures, and planning needs with practical legal judgment and care in each matter.

Jeff helps clients start and grow businesses, drawing on a background connected to business ownership, finance, and legal problem-solving. His experience includes business entity work, contracts, purchases and sales, real estate matters, banking issues, estate plans, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. He also externed for Judge Kermit Bye of the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and clerked for East Central Judicial District judges before entering private practice.

Jeff Gunkelman brings disciplined analysis and practical service to matters involving businesses, families, lenders, and property owners. He is admitted in North Dakota and Minnesota and belongs to state, county, and estate planning professional groups. His Order of the Coif honor reflects strong academic performance. Through preparation and steady advice, he helps clients manage legal risk, complete transactions, preserve assets, and address future planning needs during key business planning decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Kennelly Business Law
• Member, North Dakota State Bar
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Cass County Bar Association
• Member, Red River Valley Estate Planning Association

Licensed State

• North Dakota
• Minnesota

Education

• University of North Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Dakota
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Awards & Badges