Walz appoints Bies to 1st District judgeship

Gov. Tim Walz has announced the appointment of Ryan Bies as district court judge in Minnesota’s 1st Judicial District. Bies will replace Judge Vicki Vial Taylor and will be chambered in Hastings in Dakota County.

“Ryan Bies is an outstanding attorney whose entire legal career has been rooted in the courtrooms of the First Judicial District,”  Walz said in a news release. “With a broad practice background spanning family, criminal, and civil law, he brings the versatility and experience to hit the ground running on whatever case comes before him. He’ll be a great addition to an already dynamic Dakota County bench.”

Minnesota’s 1st Judicial District consists of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties.

Ryan Bies is a shareholder at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. in Apple Valley, where he serves both private and municipal clients. His practice consists of serving as a prosecutor for the city of Apple Valley, providing representation in civil matters to the cities of Apple Valley and Eagan, and representing private clients in the areas of estate planning and probate.

Bies’ community involvement includes serving on the board of the iColin Classic charity and volunteering with the Lakeville Soccer Club. He previously served on the board of the Burnsville Breakfast Rotary. Bies earned his B.A from Luther College and his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.