Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 9, 2020
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 the Governor’s consideration to fill current vacancies in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. The three candidates are being recommended for both vacancies. These vacancies occurred upon the retirements of the Honorable Karen A. Asphaug and the Honorable Lawrence F. Clark. The position created by Judge Clark’s retirement will be chambered at Red Wing in Goodhue County. The position created by Judge Asphaug’s retirement 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. 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 through the MSBA, and an appointed member of the Scott County Extension Committee. He also provides pro-bono legal services for non-profits.

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 commitment to his community includes acting as a mentor and advisor at multiple local colleges, universities, and academies, serving as a Board Member of the Ramsey County Historical Society and several bar associations, and participating in the St. Joseph’s Church congregation in West St. Paul.

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 of the Eagan Foundation. The Foundation administers college scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Eagan, Minnesota. He is also chair of the Community Grants Committee of the Foundation and a volunteer attorney for Dakota County Legal Assistance.