Craig Dahlquist

Craig attended the socially conscious New College of California School of Law before earning his Juris Doctor from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. He began his legal career in private practice, operating his own bankruptcy law firm and representing individuals and businesses facing complex financial and legal challenges.

He later joined the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, where he served for seven years as a Judicial Assistant in Division Five under Justice Simons. Working closely with justices and court staff, Craig gained extensive experience in appellate procedure, judicial decision-making, legal research, and the standards governing appellate review — a close-up view of how appellate courts evaluate arguments, analyze records, and resolve complex legal questions.

In 2020, Craig relocated to North Carolina and joined the North Carolina Department of Justice, where he spent five years supporting the Criminal Appellate division in litigation before the state’s appellate courts. In that role, he assisted attorneys with record analysis, legal research, brief preparation, and appellate strategy, further sharpening the skills that now inform his practice.

Drawn to the interplay between statutes, procedural rules, and judicial decisions, Craig enjoys digging into difficult legal issues and helping colleagues find clear, well-supported answers. His career across private practice, the judiciary, and government service continues to shape his approach to appellate advocacy and motion practice.

Outside of the office, Craig and his wife are raising two children — and an ever-expanding assortment of animals, including cats, a dog, chickens, and ducks — at their home in North Carolina. He enjoys family life, reading, and following developments in legal history and appellate jurisprudence.