ATTORNEY PROFILE

BIOGRAPHY:

Sly received his B.A. degree from the University of New Mexico and his law degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law.

During law school, Sly clerked as a legal intern with the United States Air Force Judge Advocate Generals Corp. (JAG). During the JAG internship, Sly advocated for justice for many military men and women who were affected by heinous crimes. While interning with the JAG Sly also assisted in the prosecution of criminal cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

After law school, Sly worked at various firms, where he handled immigration, criminal, product liability, and family law cases. Sly was exposed to various hardships that many immigrants faced and knew that often times resilient effort was vital for visa applicants.

Sly’s passion for family law is dear to him as he witnessed many struggles his family encountered from the affects of a divorce. This influenced Sly to strive to make an impact for families who are uncertain of their parental rights.

Sly has one objective, and that is to represent his clients with exemplary skills that create a possibility for justice no matter how challenging a case may be. 

Today, Sly dedicates his spare time to going on vacations with his wife and being involved in his children’s extracurricular activities. Sly loves fishing and volunteering at his children's school events.

EDUCATION:

·  University of North Dakota School of Law, J.D. (2018)

·  University of New Mexico, Africana Studies (2014)

BAR ADMISSION:

• Minnesota Licensed Attorney, License No. 0402320
• North Dakota Licensed Attorney, License No. 09358

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Awarded Top 40 Under 40 National Black Lawyers - Family and Immigration Lawyer (2025)

Sly Onyia was recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers by The National Black Lawyers. This prestigious award highlights the nation’s top black attorneys under 40, chosen for their proven trial success, outstanding reputation, and commitment to clients. 

The National Black Lawyers is a professional organization that celebrates legal excellence and promotes its members as subject-matter experts, facilitates the exchange of timely information to enable its members to maintain their status as leaders, and represents a strong national network of top African American attorneys.

Membership is by invitation only and the recognition is exclusively reserved for the top 40 under 40 African American lawyers in each state, recognized for their outstanding legal skills and professional contributions.

INNOCENSE AND JUSTICE PROJECT

In 2014, Sly was committed to serving on the innocence and justice project at the University of New Mexico School of Law, where he volunteered with other law students, and professors in fighting for wrongfully convicted inmates and convicts. Sly's dedication led to the exoneration of a handful of wrongfully convicted individuals who were underserved and had their rights revoked through the justice system.

MEMBERSHIPS:

MINNESOTA DEFENSE LAWYER ASSOCIATION

HENNEPIN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK LAWYERS