About Justin
Justin Schiks earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. He built his legal foundation there and moved into practice in Minnesota. His academic training prepared him for work in state courts and for the practical demands of criminal defense.
He is admitted to practice in Minnesota and has centered his career on criminal defense work in Washington County. Over time he became involved in the county’s systems for appointed counsel. That involvement led to roles on the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel and at the Washington County Criminal Clinic, where he currently serves as a criminal defense lawyer.
His work on the county panel involves representing individuals charged in local courts. He appears in arraignments, handles pretrial matters and represents clients at trial when cases proceed that far. His clinic work places him in community-facing settings, where he sees a steady stream of cases and assists people who need counsel in early stages of criminal proceedings. Colleagues describe him as methodical in case preparation and practical at the courthouse.
Schiks’s practice covers a range of misdemeanor and felony matters under Minnesota law. He handles client interviews, evidence review and plea negotiations, and he is familiar with the procedural rules that govern criminal cases in the state. He has worked alongside other defense attorneys in Washington County, taking assignments through the county’s appointed counsel system and participating in the local defense community.
Outside of court, Schiks maintains a hands-on approach to casework. He focuses on thorough file review and on advising clients about decision points they face early in a case. He spends time explaining options and likely outcomes to people who are often participating in the legal system for the first time.
He continues to serve on the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel and at the Washington County Criminal Clinic. He currently practices criminal defense in Washington County, representing clients in state court criminal matters.
