Get to Know Stephen — And Join His
Campaign for Douglas County Attorney
Stephen moved to Alexandria in 2004 to serve as a law clerk for the Hon. David R. Battey. He is proud to call this region home and to raise his family here. Stand with a proven local leader who truly understands our community.
Legal Career and Professional Experience
Stephen Knudsen is a seasoned attorney with more than twenty years of dedicated service to the residents of Douglas County. Currently, Steve operates a general practice at Knudsen Law Firm, LLC in Alexandria. Licensed in Minnesota and Federal Courts, he has successfully represented clients in District Court proceedings and argued before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Stephen also serves as a Qualified Neutral Mediator, assisting families and parties in resolving disputes constructively.
A 2004 graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, Stephen earned his Juris Doctor while serving as Assistant Editor of the William Mitchell Law Review and receiving CALI Awards for excellence in Contracts II, Property I, and Entertainment Law. He also worked as a CLEO Teaching Assistant.
Early in his career, Stephen served as a Law Clerk at Colich & Associates in Minneapolis, where he gained valuable experience evaluating criminal cases, preparing briefs, conducting research, and assisting in misdemeanor prosecutions under the guidance of respected Minnesota attorney Michael Colich. This hands-on foundation in criminal law and procedure, followed by his role as Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. David R. Battey and as an Associate Attorney at an Alexandria law firm, prepared him well for the demands of public service.
Since establishing Knudsen Law Firm in 2011, Stephen has handled a wide range of matters, including criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, estate planning, probate, real estate, and contracts, with a client-centered approach focused on clear communication and practical results.
Stephen Knudsen receiving his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in 2004. This milestone marked the beginning of a legal career deeply rooted in service, scholarship, and a commitment to justice in Douglas County.
Highlights of Qualifications
-
More than 20 years of broad legal experience in criminal, family, civil, estate, and mediation matters.
-
William Mitchell College of Law, Juris Doctor 2004 (Assistant Editor, William Mitchell Law Review; CALI Awards in Contracts II, Property I, and Entertainment Law; CLEO Teaching Assistant).
-
Early experience at Colich & Associates, including case evaluation, legal research, brief preparation, and assisting in misdemeanor prosecutions - directly relevant to the prosecutorial responsibilities of the County Attorney.
-
Proven trial and appellate advocacy, including a successful argument before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
-
Licensed to practice in Minnesota and Federal Courts.
-
Qualified Neutral Mediator for Family Law and Civil cases; active participant in Family Law Clinics through the Fathers Resource Program.
-
Former Judicial Law Clerk and Associate Attorney roles at a prominent local firm that strengthened his skills in legal research, drafting, and client representation.
-
Committed to upholding the integrity of the legal system while delivering compassionate, results-focused service to Douglas County residents.
Stephen Knudsen on his graduation day from Simley High School.
This milestone launched a journey of continued learning that led him to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Life Before Law
Before pursuing a legal career, Stephen Knudsen built a strong foundation in creative and interpersonal fields through his work in the film and television industry. He worked as a lighting and camera technician, gaining valuable experience on production sets where attention to detail, technical skill, and teamwork were essential. This early career honed his ability to perform under pressure, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively with diverse teams, skills that continue to serve him well in the courtroom and in client advocacy today.
Stephen earned his Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. His interdisciplinary degree thoughtfully combined studies in psychology, communications, political science, and linguistics. This unique academic path gave him a deep understanding of human behavior, effective communication, political systems, and language dynamics, all of which inform his compassionate, strategic approach to the practice of law and his commitment to serving the Douglas County community.
Get Involved and Support Steve Knudsen for Douglas
County Attorney
Your voice and support make a real difference in this campaign. Whether you’re ready to contribute financially, request a yard sign, host a meet-and-greet, or simply stay connected, we invite you to join us. Every donation, lawn sign displayed, and conversation helps bring experienced, principled leadership to the Douglas County Attorney’s Office — together we can strengthen justice and serve our community.