Welcome!  Here is a little bit about my background. I graduated from Bemidji High School in 1976, after moving to the area in 1972 and graduated from Bemidji State University in 1982 and the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1985. I am licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, the Red Lake Nation Tribal Court and the White Earth Tribal Court.  Early in my career I learned that helping injured people or those who had lost a loved one because of someone else's carelessness was where my passion was and limited my practice to those areas starting in 1990. 

In 2000 I attended the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming.  It was a 3 week intense course that had nothing to do with the law itself. Rather, we learned ways to get inside the hide of those we represent and understand from their eyes how injury or loss of a loved one has affected their life.  And, we learned how to tell those stories and help our clients tell their stories, in living color, in the courtroom.  To learn more about this unique method of training follow this link: http://www.insiderexclusive.com/component/content/article/29-insider-exclusive/110-gerry-spence-and-the-trial-lawyers-college.html   I return annually for additioinal training. My associate, Michael Hughes, attended the College in 2006.  It is this training that guides our representation of our clients, everyday people. 

Our philosophy is to learn the life story of each client, understand from their perspective how their life has been affected and then leave no stone unturned in pursuit of what is just and right for their cause.  If there is one overriding thing I have learned in 25+ years of practice is that just when you think you know everything about a case, a person, a witness you will find out you don't.  Remaining open to all possibilities keeps one's mind open to learning and understanding.

Gary M. Hazelton
Biographical:
Born December 10, 1957 Jamestown, North Dakota
Married September 22, 1979 - Diane Christopherson
Children (4) Zach, Brooks, Max, Kiley

Education:
1976   Bemidji High School
1980   B.S. Industrial Education
            Concentration:  Construction
            Bemidji State University
1984   Juris Doctor
University of North Dakota School of Law

Licensure:
1985   Minnesota Supreme Court
            North Dakota Supreme Court
            Federal District Court - District of North Dakota
1986   Federal District Court -  District of Minnesota
1988   Federal District Court - Eastern Dist. Wisconsin
1988   United States Court of Claims
1991   Red Lake Nation Tribal Court
1999   White Earth Tribal Court

Certifications / Awards:
MSBA Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist
Minnesota SuperLawyer 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Memberships / Affiliations:
MSBA Certified Civil Trial Specialist
Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association - Board of Governors
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association - Executive Committee
Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College - F-Warriors Board Member (past)
Halpern Group - Litigation Advisory Board
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Anishinabe Legal Services (past Board of Directors & chair)

Lectures:
An Independent Examination of the Independent Examiner
MTLA Mid-winter Convention 1999

Snowmobile Liability
MTLA spring 1999


Check it out:  Does the Medical Literature Really say what the Adverse Examiner says it says?
MTLA Annual Convention 2000


Medical Records Documentation
Numerous - 2001
Minnesota Chiropractic Association


Medical Records Documentation
Minnesota Chiropractic Association Spring Convention 2001


Voir Dire Laboratory - Jury Selection Demonstration
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association February 2003


Damages Workshop - Course Chair
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association March 2003


Voir Dire Laboratory - Jury Selection Demonstration
2004 Minnesota Trial Lawyers Assoc. Annual Convention


Anatomy of a Personal Injury Trial - "Direct Examination of Lay Witnesses" Minnesota Trial Lawyers Assoc. February 2005


Dram Shop & Liquor Liability - Course Chair - Lectures: "Claims for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors" & "Undermining the Defense Toxicologist and Bartender/Staff on Cross-Examination - Minnesota Trial Lawyers Assoc. April 2005


Getting Your Evidence and Expert Testimony Admitted Into Court in North Dakota - June 2005


Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Seminar - MLTA - Multiple


Winning Your First Civil Trial - March 2007


Amending the Complaint to Assert Punitive Damages  Against the Drunk Driver - MNAJ Mid-Winter Convention February 2009


Motions in Limine Before and During Trial  - MNAJ Motions Seminar - December 2009

Publications:
2002 - 2003 Three part series on jury selection for The Warrior
Publication of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College
Seminar Materials for all above seminars


Hobbies:
Hunt, fish, camp, read
Coach youth hockey - 12 years
Coach High School Mock Trial - 7 years

Check out this interview with Brian Tracy

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Hazelton Injury Attorneys
P.O. Box 1248
677 Anne St.
Suite B
Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
Phone: 218-444-4529
Toll Free: 888-711-4529
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