From October 1994 until February 2007, Mary Pawlenty was a Minnesota District Court Judge in the First Judicial District. The First Judicial District includes the seven counties of Dakota, Carver, Goodhue, Scott, Le Sueur, McLeod and Sibley. Prior to becoming a judge, she was a partner with the law firm of Rider, Bennett, Egan and Arundel. Her work as a civil litigator included a wide variety of civil cases including personal injury matters, employment litigation, insurance coverage, product liability cases and contract disputes.