FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2020
Contact: Teddy Tschann
teddy.tschann@state.mn.us
651-402-8841
Governor Walz Appoints Patrick Biren, David Lutz to Fill First Judicial District Vacancies
[ST. PAUL, MN] –Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Patrick Biren and David Lutz as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.
Mr. Biren’s appointment fills a vacancy that occurred upon the retirement of the Honorable Lawrence F. Clark and will be chambered at Red Wing in Goodhue County.
“I am honored to appoint Patrick Biren as a District Court Judge in the First Judicial District,” said Governor Walz. “Patrick demonstrates both a mastery of the law in his practice and a commitment to his community that speaks highly of his willingness to go the extra mile for his clients and his neighbors. He will serve the people of Goodhue County well.”
Mr. Lutz’s appointment fills a vacancy that occurred upon the retirement of the Honorable Karen A. Asphaug and will be chambered at Hastings in Dakota County.
“It is my honor to appoint David Lutz as a District Court Judge in the First Judicial District,” said Governor Walz. “David brings a wealth of legal experience to the bench, and his work to provide college scholarships for graduating seniors and legal assistance for those who can’t afford shows his clear commitment to the people of Dakota County. I look forward to his tenure on the bench.”
Minnesota’s First Judicial District consists of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, LeSueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties.
About Patrick Biren
Mr. Biren is 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. He contributes to his community by serving as a conciliation court referee in Dakota County, a volunteer attorney for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, a mock trial judge, and an appointed member of the Scott County Extension Committee. He also provides pro-bono legal services for non-profits.
Mr. Biren received his B.A. from St. John’s University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law.
About David Lutz
Mr. Lutz is currently a partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP. Within this role, Mr. Lutz works in various areas, including complex civil litigation. He has defended companies in product liability litigation, mass tort cases, warranty litigation, environmental litigation, commercial litigation, and more. He also chairs Bowman and Brooke’s Asbestos Practice Group. Mr. Lutz’s community involvement includes service as Vice Chair and Chair of the Community Grants Committee of the Eagan Foundation, which administers college scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Eagan, Minnesota. He is also a volunteer attorney for Dakota County Legal Assistance.
Mr. Lutz received his B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from the University of Michigan.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit our website:
https://mn.gov/governor/administration/judicialappointments/