Board Member Profile: Anders Folk
Anders Folk brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the VDP
Anders Folk, a proud Minnesotan from Hopkins, charted a remarkable career that bridges military service, public prosecution, and high-stakes legal work. A two-time graduate of the University of Minnesota, Anders pursued his undergraduate and legal studies at the U of M, all while answering the call to serve by joining the Marine Corps during law school. After demanding training, he launched his legal journey as a Judge Advocate, taking on roles as both prosecutor and defense counsel, representing Marines and sailors in military justice proceedings.
Anders’ trajectory soared when he transitioned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis. As a federal prosecutor, he spent five years tackling complex fraud, organized crime, narcotics, and gun violence cases, eventually specializing in national security and counterterrorism. His work took him across the globe, collaborating with foreign governments on issues of critical importance to the Department of Justice.
After this exciting chapter, Anders entered private practice, where he honed his expertise in white-collar trial work, class action litigation, and securities law. Eight years later, he returned to public service as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, and later, Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, steering the office from 2018 to 2021.
Anders' leadership was recognized nationally when he joined the Deputy Attorney General’s team at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., serving as Senior Counsel to Lisa Monaco. After a year of high-profile work, he returned to Minnesota, joining Jones Day as a partner in their white-collar practice. Throughout his career, Anders has described his journey as “lucky, interesting, fun, and challenging.” His deep roots in criminal justice and his military service laid the foundation for his passion to give back, particularly to those who have served.
Anders’ path to the Veterans Defense Project began with relationships forged through shared military service and professional respect. Longtime connections with Brock Hunter and Hank Shea led to discussions about the VDP’s mission and its transformative work for veterans in the justice system. Recognizing the alignment between his experience and the organization’s goals, Anders enthusiastically joined the board. Anders is committed to advancing the VDP’s mission in several key areas. First, in building awareness among judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys about Veterans Courts and the effective implementation of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act (VRJA). Second, expanding data collection and analysis to showcase the VRJA’s measurable impact on veterans and justice outcomes. Third, extending the VDP’s groundbreaking work in Minnesota to other states through the Veteran’s Justice Act (VJA), creating a broader reach for their mission. And lastly, strengthening the VDP through strategic leadership development and cultivating lasting relationships with financial supporters.
Anders Folk brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the VDP, leveraging his storied career to advocate for justice, accountability, and support for those who have served. His leadership is a driving force for the organization’s continued success and growth.
Authored by Olivia Bradford, who was a VDP 2024 Summer Law Clerk, and who is a December 2024 graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.
