FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2019
Contact: Teddy Tschann
teddy.tschann@state.mn.us
651-402-8841
Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends First Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
[ST. PAUL, MN] – The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the current vacancy in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. This vacancy occurred upon the retirement of the Honorable Thomas W. Pugh and will be chambered at Hastings in Dakota County.
Patrick Biren: Mr. Biren is currently the Managing Attorney and a Senior Partner at the law firm of Stich Angell. In his current role, Mr. Biren represents individuals and corporate entities in civil litigation where he participates in court hearings, trials and arbitrations. Previously, Mr. Biren worked as a partner at Brownson and Linnihan, PLLP, and as a law clerk for the Honorable Michael T. DeCourcy of the Ramsey County District Court. His community involvement includes serving as a conciliation court referee in Dakota County, a volunteer attorney for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Mock Trial judge through the MSBA, an appointed member of the Scott County Extension Committee, and he also provides pro-bono legal services for non-profits.
Dannia Edwards: Ms. Edwards is an Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial District. Ms. Edwards serves on the Faculty of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and as an Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Ms. Edwards has previous experience working in private law firms as well as in a major accounting firm. Her community involvement includes service as the State Legal Representative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, fulfilling multiple roles within the Mt. Olivet M.B. Church, being a Mentor for the Family Improvement Network Mentor Program, and participation in a variety of other organizations.
Martin Fallon: Mr. Fallon is currently a Partner at Mason, LLP. Within this role, Mr. Fallon represents a wide range of businesses in complex commercial litigation in federal and state courts and arbitration hearings. He previously worked as an Associate Attorney at Faegre & Benson, LLP and a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable David S. Doty of the United States District Court of Minnesota. Mr. Fallon’s community involvement includes participation in St. Joseph’s Church in West St. Paul; mentor and advisory roles within multiple local colleges, universities, and academies; Board Member of the Ramsey County Historical Society; and service in bar associations.
Minnesota’s First Judicial District consists of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, LeSueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties.