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Judge Erik J. Askegaard

Appointed/Elected:

Appointed by Governor Tim Pawlenty on Jan. 4, 2010. Elected in 2012, 2018, and 2024. Term expires Jan. 2031.

Judicial Experience:

  • District Court Judge (2010 – present)
  • Lead Judge, Crow Wing County DWI Court (2017 – 2021)
  • Lead Judge, Crow Wing County Childrens  Justice Initiative (2014 – 2015,   2021-present)

Previous Legal Employment: 

  • Private Practice (1987 – 2009)
  • Law Clerk, North Dakota Supreme Court (1986-1987)

Published Articles: 

  • “The Occurrence Clause: Issues of Expectation, Intent and Conscious Control of Risks,” published in Minnesota Defense magazine, Spring 1992
  • “Professionalism in Settlement Negotiations,” published in Minnesota Defense magazine, Fall 1996
  • “Dealing with Unprofessional Conduct,” published in the Minnesota State Bar Association’s March 2003 manual, “Professionalism in Your Practice – A Discussion Guide for Your Firm"

Seminar Presentations:

  • “Using Accident Reconstruction Experts in Trial – Why? When? How?,” presented at the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) 22nd Annual Trial Technique Seminar, 1997
  • “Motions in Limine – Strategies for Limiting and Excluding Evidence,” presented at the MDLA 24th Annual Trial Technique Seminar, 1999
  • “No-Fault Indemnity & Subrogation,” presented at the Minnesota Institute for Legal Education (MILE) No-Fault Seminar 2000, Mar. 2000
  • “Professionalism: Zeal and the Junkyard Dog,” presented at the Minnesota CLE Ethics / Bias Seminar, 2001
  • “Dealing with the New Jury Instruction Guides in Auto Accident Cases,” presented at the MDLA Annual Mid-Winter Meeting Conference, 2002
  • “Settling From Both Sides of the Fence,” presented at the Minnesota Association for Justice (MNAJ)Annual Spring Seminar, Mar. 2008; and at the North Dakota Association for Justice (NDAJ) Annual Spring Seminar, May 2008
  • “Understanding Independent Medical Examinations from the Defense Perspective,” presented at the MNAJ Seminar, Sept. 25, 2008
  • “Evaluating and Investigating the Premises Liability Case – Avoiding the Pitfalls and Dangers of Taking the Wrong Case,” presented at the MNAJ Seminar, Sept. 18, 2009
  • “The ABC’s of Civil Judgments:  Boring, but Important”, presented at Dec. 2021 Annual Conference of Judges

Alternative Dispute Resolution Experience:

  • Qualified Neutral on Minnesota Statewide Neutrals Roster since 1997
  • Qualified Family Law Facilitative Neutral since 2006

Certifications:

  • Civil Trial Specialist, certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association (Aug. 2001 to present)
  • Civil Trial Specialist, certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (June 2002 to present)