Thomas Pugh was a District Court Judge chambered in Dakota County, Minnesota, serving all seven counties in the First Judicial District, from 2011 through 2019. He was assigned to criminal, civil, and family law matters. He presided over numerous jury and court trials involving criminal charges, family law, employment claims, personal injury, business disputes, probate matters, and real estate law. Chief Justice Gildea appointed him to serve on the Judicial Council, which governs the judicial branch, from 2012 to 2018. He is currently a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral and is included on the Civil Adjudicative/Evaluative Roster.

After graduation from the University of Minnesota Law School, Thomas Pugh began the practice of law in South St. Paul with the firm of Thuet, Collins & Lynch. He handled a wide variety of legal matters: civil and criminal litigation, family law, real estate, banking, education, and probate. He represented several local banks, a school district, and the Housing and Redevelopment authority.

In 1988, Pugh was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. During his eight-term tenure, he was the author of numerous bills, many of which related to the judicial system. He chaired committees on Civil Law and Data Practices. He was selected to co-chair a committee to investigate a significant abuse of the Legislature’s long-distance telephone service. He was appointed to serve on many conference committees, including every major crime bill in the 1990’s. In 1998, he was elected House minority leader.

In 2004, Pugh was appointed to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. He was the lead Commissioner on regulation of the telecommunication industry. He played a significant role in the expansion of the use of renewable energy by Minnesota utility companies.

Education Summary:

1967 South Saint Paul, MN High School

1971 Dartmouth College, A.B., cum laude

Major: Government with distinction

1976 University of Minnesota, J.D., cum laude

Employment History:

1976-2007 Thuet, Collins & Lynch (ultimately known as Thuet, Pugh, Rogosheske & Atkins, Ltd.)

1991-2004 Managing partner

1989-2004 Minnesota House of Representatives

1998-2002 Minority Leader

2004-2011 Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

2011-2019 Judge, First Judicial District

Community Activity (past and present):

• Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Minnesota Bar Association, Wakota (now Doug Woog) Arena board, Luther Memorial church council and president, Oak Hill cemetery board, Southview Country Club board member and president, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, youth hockey coach.