Kent Strunk

Attorney and Trial Lawyer

Kent Strunk is an attorney and trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in criminal defense. Throughout this time, he has built a professional record rooted in steady courtroom involvement, long-term dedication, and careful preparation. His work reflects a commitment to understanding the demands of criminal law and serving clients with responsibility and consistency.

Legal Career and Professional Achievements

He graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Law in 1998 and began his legal career with a clear focus on criminal defense. Early on, he immersed himself in trial work, which became a defining part of his professional path. His interest in courtroom practice and his willingness to take on challenging cases allowed him to grow steadily in both experience and skill.

Over the course of his career, Kent has tried more than 100 felony jury trials. These cases have covered a wide range of serious criminal matters, including two high-profile murder trials. His commitment to trial work led to recognition from the Minnesota Public Defenders Office, which named him the 9th Judicial District's top jury trial attorney for three consecutive years. These milestones reflect the depth of his work rather than an emphasis on numbers alone.

Despite these accomplishments, he has approached his profession with humility and a focus on the process rather than the statistics. His method is grounded in thorough analysis, thoughtful review of case details, and strategic planning. He aims to understand each case fully before entering the courtroom, ensuring that his representation is rooted in preparation and fairness. These qualities have shaped his reputation within Minnesota’s legal community, where he is regarded as a reliable and balanced practitioner.

As the legal field has evolved, Strunk has continued to refine his knowledge and adapt his approach. His professional work has required him to evaluate complex issues, maintain composure during demanding trials, and adjust strategies as cases unfold. His long record reflects a dedication to legal advocacy built on experience, patience, and steady engagement with the challenges of criminal defense.

Research and Volunteer Engagement

In addition to his legal practice, he has been involved in work that extends beyond the courtroom. His professional life includes research responsibilities and active engagement in community-focused programs, demonstrating his willingness to contribute to broader public efforts.

From March 2022 to July 2024, he worked with the National Opinion Research Center in Chicago, Illinois. During this period, he participated in two national surveys: the Consumer Finance Survey and the Early Childcare and Education Survey. His responsibilities involved conducting field interviews, gathering accurate data, and supporting the development of objective, nonpartisan research findings.

This work required clear communication, strong organizational habits, and the ability to interact with people from varied backgrounds. He views this experience as an essential part of his career because it broadened his perspective and allowed him to participate in projects that influence national program development and policy discussions. The skills he used in research—attention to detail, structured interviewing, and respectful engagement—also strengthened his broader professional practice.

His commitment to public service extends to volunteer involvement as well. He has supported the United Way in different capacities, including multiple years of service as a disbursement judge. He has also been a donor and supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, contributing to programs that offer essential resources to young people and families.

Kent Strunk's volunteer activities frequently include mentoring, helping at events, and supporting organizations during busy or high-need periods. These efforts reflect his steady belief in giving back to the community and supporting local programs that serve others. His involvement has been consistent over the years and complements the values he demonstrates in his legal and research work.

Family Life

Family life plays a central role in his identity, and he has made it a priority throughout his career. He married on September 15, 2000, and he and his spouse have four children. Their first child was born in 2001, followed by their second child in 2003. Their family expanded again in 2006 with the birth of twins.

Their first child was featured in the Minnesota book Faces of Hope, which highlighted newborns born on that date. This child later graduated from the University of Minnesota and is now pursuing graduate studies. Their second child earned a degree in Archaeology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and plans to pursue graduate education at the University of Minnesota. The twins attend the University of Minnesota as well. One is studying management, while the other is active in theater and recently performed in a lead role in a school production.

As the primary caregiver in the household, Kent has been consistently involved in the children’s education, daily routines, and personal interests. His involvement has been a defining part of his life, and he places great value on being present for his family. One cherished family tradition is attending a Minnesota Twins game each year with every child. This tradition has continued since their births and remains a meaningful way for the family to spend time together while supporting Minnesota athletics.

Personal Interests and Traditions

His personal interests reflect a grounded lifestyle centered on family, community involvement, and longstanding traditions. His more than 25 years as an attorney demonstrate his dedication to meaningful work. At the same time, his participation in volunteer programs and research projects shows his willingness to contribute to broader social efforts. He approaches each of these roles with the same steady values—responsibility, consistency, and thoughtful engagement.

Strunk's experiences illustrate a commitment to both personal and professional growth. Whether preparing for a courtroom trial, gathering research data for national studies, or supporting community organizations, he brings a balanced perspective that emphasizes fairness and careful consideration. These principles guide his decisions and define the way he interacts with others.

His life reflects a focus on maintaining strong family relationships, supporting community programs, and continuing traditions that hold meaning for him and those close to him. Through these commitments, he has built a life centered on service, involvement, and a steady connection to the community.

Today, Kent Strunk continues to make his home in Minnesota, staying active in family life, community engagement, and the traditions that shape his daily experiences. He shares his home with a yellow Labrador named Annie, maintaining the grounded and steady lifestyle that has accompanied him throughout his career.