Fergus Falls, MN

Christopher J. Cadem

For almost two decades, Christopher Cadem has concentrated his practice on litigation matters in both criminal and civil cases in State and Federal Court. His experience includes more than 100 trials and roughly a dozen appeals, including multiple petitions to the Minnesota Supreme Court. He has successfully litigated cases spanning from simple speeding tickets to first degree murder and first degree criminal sexual conduct. His civil docket includes everything from contract disputes to complex multiparty, million-dollar financial matters totaling in excess of $20 million dollars. Christopher’s clients include an Academy Award-nominated actor, family members of court staff, a judge, and thousands of other Minnesotans. Christopher has been widely recognized by his peers as one of Minnesota’s best. He has been twice named “Attorney of the Year” by Minnesota Lawyer Magazine (2022 & 2024). Prior to that, was named “Up & Coming Attorney.” Super Lawyers Magazine has also recognized him as a “Super Lawyer” and as a “Rising Star,” distinctions given to no more than 5% of all attorneys. He has also been repeatedly recognized as a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association, repeatedly named in the “Top 100” Defense Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyer Association, and has received Avvo.com’s highest distinction as a “Superb Attorney.”

J.J. Cline

J.J. is a partner in the firm. His current practice focuses on mediation and arbitration. He has mediated hundreds of disputes involving family and domestic relations matters, real estate disputes, personal injury and civil litigation disputes and estate matters. J.J. remains active as a practicing lawyer representing clients in family / domestic, personal injury, municipal and township and other general civil litigation matters. J.J. has practiced for over 30 years. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul in 1989, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He then went to William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) where he graduated in 1993. J.J. is a Qualified Neutral and serves as a neutral in both Minnesota and North Dakota. He is able to serve in the capacity of mediator, arbitrator, early neutral evaluator, neutral fact finder and hybrid roles of med-arb and arb-md

Van R. Ellig has dedicated his career to standing up for the injured, bringing relentless advocacy to personal injury, workers' compensation, and environmental law. A Minnesota-born trial attorney, he is licensed in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. After earning his law degree from Hamline School of Law in 1976, he quickly gained a reputation as a no-nonsense, aggressive advocate who fights tirelessly for those impacted by unforeseen accidents. Van is also a qualified neutral arbitrator, frequently called upon by fellow attorneys to resolve disputes. His expertise in environmental law led to his appointment as Chairperson and Board Member of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency by the Governor, where he played a pivotal role in shaping environmental policy. Van’s passion for justice extends beyond the courtroom. A devoted husband to Jo Eve, he takes great pride in their five children-two of whom followed in his legal footsteps-and cherishes time with their four grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, Van has shared his love of fishing and hunting with his family, including operating a successful goose-guiding business with his son, Joseph, now his law partner. His deep-rooted commitment to civic service is evident in his past roles, including his tenure as an elected Otter Tail County Commissioner and his leadership in numerous community organizations. Throughout his career, Van has taken immense satisfaction in helping people reclaim their lives after devastating accidents. Whether advocating for victims of car crashes, dog bites, or families suffering the loss of a loved one due to negligence, he has fearlessly taken on insurance companies to ensure his clients receive the compensation they deserve. As part of one of the few "Plaintiffs-only" law firms in the region, Van and his son Joe remain unwavering in their mission to serve injured workers and accident victims-never insurance companies. His commitment to justice, his clients, and his community has left an enduring legacy. Van's service to the firm has been deeply valued, and his contributions will continue to shape the practice of law for years to come.

Joe Ellig grew up in Fergus Falls and graduated from the University of North Dakota Law School in May 2007. He joined the firm in the fall of 2007 and is now a partner at Nycklemoe & Ellig. His addition to the firm solidified it as a true family law practice. Today, the firm carries on its legacy of dedicated legal service, following the retirements of its founding fathers, David Nycklemoe and Van Ellig. Joe focuses on workers' compensation and personal injury cases (which include wrongful death, car accidents, slip/trip and falls, dog bites, medical malpractice and other injury matters). He also handles Social Security Disability matters and is proud to serve as the prosecutor for the great City of Fergus Falls. Known for his tough but fair approach, Joe fights hard for his clients while providing clear and practical legal guidance throughout their cases. With extensive courtroom experience, including jury trials, court trials, and contested motions, he is prepared to take cases to court when necessary. However, he also understands the importance of negotiating fair settlements to minimize unnecessary costs for his clients. Nycklemoe & Ellig, P.A. remains one of the few "Plaintiffs only" law firms handling personal injury and workers' compensation cases in rural Minnesota. The firm does not represent insurance companies in these matters-Joe exclusively advocates for injured workers and individuals harmed due to negligence of others. He has successfully represented hundreds of clients in workers' compensation and personal injury cases and welcomes the opportunity to discuss your case. Joe lives in Fergus Falls, MN, with his wife, Kelsee, who works as a custody evaluator and is also a skilled attorney, a wonderful daughter, a blonde lab named Mia and a red lab named Frankee. When he's not at the office or spending time with his family, you'll likely find him out hunting or fishing somewhere.

Carolyn A. Cadem

Carolyn A. Cadem provides personalized, strategic, and effective legal representation to her clients. Carolyn primarily focuses her practice on family law, including divorce, custody, child support, domestic abuse, harassment, post-decree issues, and child protection. Carolyn prides herself on being easy to talk to, understanding, and tenacious. To Carolyn, her clients are not just “cases.” Carolyn’s clients receive compassionate, individualized attention and dedication. Carolyn always fights to protect her clients’ interests, while recognizing that often the most satisfying and sustainable resolution for them is often obtained outside the courtroom. Whether it is a complex divorce proceeding, or a modification of child support, when Carolyn takes on a case, her clients benefit from her legal knowledge, creativity, experience, personal investment, and her sense of humor.

Crystal Lemmer

Crystal is an associate attorney at CJB Law, and is the firm’s Family Law attorney. She graduated from the Executive JD Program at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in December 2020, and has been a licensed attorney since May 2021. Crystal is licensed to practice in both Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition to handling divorce and custody cases, Crystal also handles personal injury matters and township representation.

Jacob J. Thomason

Jacob J. Thomason (“Jake”) provides passionate and creative representation to his clients. Jake focuses his practice on criminal defense, domestic abuse, harassment, and family law. Jake’s wealth of experience provides him with the unique ability to analyze and win cases for his clients. For nearly a decade Jake has focused his practice on criminal law, with the past seven years spent as a prosecutor at the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office. During that time, Jake prosecuted more than 1,000 criminal matters and successfully handled more than 25 jury trials, ranging from simple traffic matters to DWIs, drug possession, domestic assault, financial crimes, serious assaults, and drug trafficking. This unique insider perspective gives Jake a powerful advantage while defending clients charged with crimes.