PCG Law

Attorney Russell Richard Cherne

Bar Admissions:

• U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2000
• Minnesota, 2000

Education:

• University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota
  
  • J.D. - 2000
  • Honors: With High Distinction
• University of Minnesota, Morris, Minnesota
  
  • B.S. - 1997
  • Major: Political Science

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Stearns/Benton Bar Association
• John E. Simonett American Inn of Court
• St. Cloud West Side Sertoma
• Ducks Unlimited
• Albany Jaycees
• Sertoma International - Central Minnesota

Languages Spoken:

• English

Attorney Michael S. Gaarder

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota, 2006
• U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2007

Education:

• Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
  • J.D. - 2006
• Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota - 2004
  • Honors: Passed Minnesota POST Test, 2004
  • Major: Law Enforcement Certificate
• University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • B.A. - 1998
  • Major: International Relations

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Stearns/Benton Bar Association
• Department of Veteran's Affairs, Accredited Attorney
• BNI Cloud City Achievers, Member
• Seventh Judicial District Ethics, Committee Member
• Cloud City Achievers BNI Chapter, Saint Cloud, President, 2014 - 2015

Attorney Kendra J. Geiger Hagen

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota, 2003

Education:

• University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota
  
  • J.D.- 2003
  • Honors: With Distinction
• Winona State University
  
  • B.A. - 1997
  • Honors: cum laude
  • Major: Paralegal Studies

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Stearns-Benton County Bar Association
• Minnesota Women Lawyers
• American Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Attorney Ross W. Montgomery

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota, 2018

Education:

• University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota
  
  • J.D. - 2018
• Minnesota State University of Moorhead, Minnesota
  
  • B.A. - 2014
  • Honors: Multi-Dean List Recipient

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Stearns/Benton Bar Association
• Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorney Kim A. Pennington

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota, 1979-2022
• North Dakota, 1979-1979
• U.S. District Court of Minnesota, 1979-2022

Education:

• University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota
  
  • J.D., (With Distinction) - 1979
• Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
  
  • General Mediation Training and General Arbitration Training - 1994
• University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
  
  • B.A. - 1975
  • Honors: magna cum laude

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Seventh Judicial District Bar Association, President
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• American Trial Lawyers Association
• Minnesota Association for Justice (fka Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association)
• Stearns/Benton Bar Association, Past president
• John E. Simonett American Inn of Court
• Minnesota Supreme Court ADR Qualified Neutrals Roster, 1994 to 2022

Languages Spoken:

• English

Attorney Chelsey Fischbach

Chelsey Fischbach began her legal career in Saint Cloud, Minnesota as a legal assistant, where she developed a commitment to advocacy that ultimately led her to pursue a law degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Cloud State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
 
Chelsey’s practice focuses on criminal defense and related matters. She has significant trial experience, including six criminal jury trials — four as lead counsel resulting in acquittals and two as second chair. Chelsey has obtained dismissals and suppressions in cases involving constitutional violations, including unlawful stops and unlawful entry. Her experience covers a wide range of offenses, from DUI/DWI and assault to theft, homicide-related matters, criminal sexual conduct allegations, trespass, and protective order violations. She also secured dismissal of a felony financial exploitation charge prior to trial.
 
In addition to criminal jury trials, Chelsey has successfully litigated administrative and quasi-civil proceedings tied to criminal matters, including contested maltreatment determinations and disciplinary proceedings involving professional licensure.
 
Chelsey also represents professionals facing employment-related ethical and licensing issues, including nurses, psychologists, and other licensed professionals confronting board investigations, disciplinary actions, or employment-related ethical allegations.
 
Chelsey is dedicated to strategic, client-focused representation and works to address complex legal issues with thoughtful advocacy.
 
Outside of her practice, she enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.