Michael S. Gaarder

Michael S. Gaarder is an attorney at PCG Law in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, whose primary work includes family law, personal injury, contract/business disputes, employment law, new business formation, criminal defense, and appeals. His practice also includes divorce, custody and parenting time, adoption, probate and estate planning, business formation and dissolution matters, and civil litigation. His broad practice serves individuals and businesses facing disputes, transitions, injuries, and other significant legal concerns.

Michael earned a J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in 2006 and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Minnesota in 1998. He also studied Law Enforcement at Metropolitan State University and passed the Minnesota POST Test in 2004. His education combines legal training with international relations and law enforcement studies, supporting work that requires legal analysis, courtroom preparation, communication, and practical understanding of varied client circumstances.

Michael served as a law clerk for Crow Wing County Judges Fred Casey and Richard Zimmerman and also worked in Stearns County Court Administration. Earlier, while serving in the United States Navy, he assisted the Naval Legal Service prosecution team and worked with the Staff Judge Advocate’s Office in Yokosuka, Japan. These roles gave him experience in litigation preparation, motion practice, courtroom presentation, legal procedure, and the practical demands of contested matters.

Michael S. Gaarder has received Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Northstar Lawyer recognition. His professional involvement includes the Minnesota State Bar Association, Stearns/Benton Bar Association, and Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. His varied professional history, including military legal service and judicial clerkships, supports a practical approach to client representation. He continues to advise clients across family, injury, employment, criminal, business, estate planning, civil litigation, and appellate matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, PCG Law
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Committee Member, Seventh Judicial District Ethics
• Volunteer, Minnesota Justice Foundation
• Past Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
• Member, John E. Simonett American Inn of Court
• Member, Stearns/Benton Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Past President, Cloud City Achievers BNI Chapter (2014-2015)

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• Hamline University School of Law
  J.D.
• University of Minnesota
  B.A. (1998, Major: International Relations)

Awards & Badges