News Item

Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Thomas W. Pugh as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. Mr. Pugh will be replacing the Honorable Thomas B. Poch, who retired earlier this year.
 
About the appointment, Governor Dayton said, “Mr. Pugh has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and diverse legal experience, which will serve him well on the bench. His strong connection to the community and commitment to public service made him the ideal candidate for this appointment.”
 
Mr. Pugh is currently an attorney with Rogosheske, Sieben, Atkins & Pugh, Ltd. Mr. Pugh served as House Minority Leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives and is a former commissioner on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Pugh has a broad range of legal experience in civil, criminal, family law, regulatory and probate matters. He received a B.A., with honors, from Dartmouth College; and a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.
 
Additionally, Mr. Pugh has continued to provide service to his local community. He serves on the Luther Memorial church council. Mr. Pugh has been a volunteer attorney for Legal Assistance of Dakota County and was a recipient of the state bar association’s Pro Bono Publico Award. He has been active within the South St. Paul branch of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
 
Mr. Pugh resides with his family in South St. Paul. Minnesota’s First Judicial District covers Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, LeSueur, McLeod, Scott and Sibley Counties.