News & Notices
Dakota County Celebrates 15 Years of Pro Bono Referees in Conciliation Court
On Friday, January 30, judges and court administration staff in Dakota County gathered to celebrate a milestone: the 15th anniversary of the county’s pro bono referee program supporting conciliation court.
The appreciation event recognized the dedicated attorneys who volunteer their time to preside over conciliation court matters, helping ensure timely, fair, and accessible resolution of disputes for court users across the county.
Referee Program History and Impact
The referee program was first piloted in June 2011 with just 10 referees from a single law firm. Fifteen years later, the program has grown to include more than 45 referees representing many different law firms. This growth reflects the legal community’s ongoing commitment to public service and access to justice.
During the event, judges and staff shared recent data underscoring both the demand for conciliation court services and the effectiveness of the referee program:
- 5,366 conciliation court filings in 2025
- 4,458 hearings held
- Only about 1 percent of conciliation court decisions are appealed, a remarkably low appeal rate speaks to the quality, fairness, and care these pro bono referees bring to their work.
About the Anniversary Event
In addition to celebrating the program’s success, the event provided referees an opportunity to ask judges and court staff questions about courtroom management and court procedures. The day concluded with referees invited to take photos on the bench, robe and all.
Dakota County judges and court administration extend their sincere thanks to all pro bono referees who have contributed to the program over the past 15 years. Their service strengthens the conciliation court process and helps ensure the courts remain accessible, efficient, and trusted by the communities they serve.
Governor Walz Appoints Ryan Bies to Fill First Judicial District Vacancy
On November 7, 2025, Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Ryan Bies as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. Bies will replace the Honorable Vicki Vial Taylor and will be chambered in Hastings in Dakota County.
“Ryan Bies is an outstanding attorney whose entire legal career has been rooted in the courtrooms of the First Judicial District,” said Governor Walz. “With a broad practice background spanning family, criminal, and civil law, he brings the versatility and experience to hit the ground running on whatever case comes before him. He’ll be a great addition to an already dynamic Dakota County bench.”
Minnesota’s First Judicial District consists of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties.
Ryan Bies is a shareholder at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. in Apple Valley, where he serves both private and municipal clients. His practice consists of serving as a prosecutor for the city of Apple Valley, providing representation in civil matters to the cities of Apple Valley and Eagan, and representing private clients in the areas of estate planning and probate. Bies’s community involvement includes serving on the board of the iColin Classic charity and volunteering with the Lakeville Soccer Club. He previously served on the board of the Burnsville Breakfast Rotary. Bies earned his B.A from Luther College and his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.