---
title: "Nicholas D. Thornton | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/nicholas-d-thornton-nd-sejd-2"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Nicholas D. Thornton

North Dakota Southeast Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Southeast Judicial District Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- District Court Judge for the Southeast Judicial District of North Dakota, elected in 2022 and serving in Valley City, ND
- 2013–2022: Private Practice: Fremstad Law Firm
- Practiced at Serkland Law Firm in 2007–2008, held the role of a Fargo assistant public defender from 2008 to 2013, and practiced at Fremstad Law Firm from 2013 to 2022
- 2008–2013: Assistant Public Defender: Fargo Public Defender’s Office
- 2007–2008: Private Practice: Serkland Law Firm
- 2006–2007: Law Clerk: Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner, North Dakota Supreme Court
- He entered the North Dakota bar in 2006 and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Carol Ronning Kapsner in 2006–2007
- His academic qualifications include a Minnesota State University, Moorhead criminal-justice degree in 2003 and a University of North Dakota law degree in 2006

### Education


### Additional information

- Elected in 2022 to the Southeast Judicial District judgeship #2 in Valley City through a nonpartisan election
- He won election to Southeast Judicial District Judgeship 2 in 2022 and has chambers in Valley City.
- Nicholas D. Thornton grew up in Jamestown and graduated from its high school in 1998.
- 1980, native of Jamestown, ND (Born).
- His practice included criminal, family, business and civil matters.
- His campaign biography also describes Mapleton City Council service and volunteer defense representation in drug court.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota Administrative Rule 52 permits reliable electronic-means proceedings in district and municipal courts on the court's or a party's motion; a party seeking the proceeding must give notice and obtain court approval.

Evidence excerpt: Parties seeking to hold an electronic means proceeding must provide notice to the other parties and obtain approval from the court.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota's official Rule 52 guidance states that in civil actions a court may conduct a hearing, conference, other proceeding, or take testimony by reliable electronic means.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding, or take testimony, by reliable electronic means.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)

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