Kirby C. Graff
Kirby Graff is the head of the firm’s litigation department and focuses his practice on real estate, business, estate, and probate matters, with a particular emphasis on civil litigation involving those areas. He represents individuals, businesses, fiduciaries, and property owners in disputes ranging from contract and shareholder issues to real estate, trust, estate, and probate litigation. As a litigator, Kirby has handled cases involving arbitration, breach of contract disputes, collections, commercial litigation, landlord-tenant matters, contracts for deed, construction defects, corporate and shareholder disputes, debtor-creditor law, foreclosures, fraud, interference with contract, negligence claims, non-compete agreements, nondisclosure disputes, replevin actions, small claims and conciliation court matters, trust and estate disputes, and related litigation.
In addition to his litigation practice, Kirby advises clients on real estate transactions, business transactions, estate planning, probate administration, and related legal matters. His experience allows him to assist clients both in preventing disputes through thoughtful planning and in resolving conflicts when litigation becomes necessary.
Kirby is admitted to practice law in Minnesota and North Dakota, as well as in the United States District Courts.
Kirby grew up in greater Minnesota and graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School. He attended the University of North Dakota, where he spent a semester studying abroad in Norway before earning his undergraduate degree. He remained at the University of North Dakota for law school and graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law. During law school, Kirby competed in numerous moot court competitions and was inducted into the Order of Barristers.
Kirby began his legal career in North Dakota, serving as a Judicial Law Clerk for the judges of the North Central Judicial District in Minot before entering private practice in Fargo. He joined Sanford, Pierson, Thone & Strean in 2016.
Kirby is an active member of the Mound-Westonka Rotary Club. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing volleyball and golf, metal detecting, coaching, and spending time outdoors.
Education:
University of North Dakota (B.A., 2010)
University of North Dakota School of Law (J.D., 2013)
Professional Associations:
State Bar Association of North Dakota
Community Activities:
Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce (Previous Board Member)
- Westonka Youth Sports Coach
