Judge Meriel Lester

Appointed/Elected:

Appointed September 12, 2025.

Education:

J.D., cum laude, University of St. Thomas: School of Law, 2007

B.A., magna cum laude, Sociology, St. Cloud State University, 2004

Employment:

Assistant Chief, Domestic Violence Unit, Stearns County Attorney's Office, 2017-2025

Assistant Stearns County Attorney, Stearns County Attorney's Office, 2007-2017

Law Clerk, Stearns County Attorney's Office, 2005-2007

Professional Memberships:

Former member, Stearns - Benton Bar Association

Former Member, 7th Judicial District Family Violence Council

Professional Activites:

Former Member, Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team

Former Member, Stearns County Domestic Violence Partnership

Additional Information:

Original designated prosecutor of the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force, 2018-2025

Original lead prosecutor of Stearns County Domestic Violence Court, 2009-2018