News & Notices
Governor Walz Appoints Zachary Lyngaas to Fill First Judicial District Vacancy
May 27, 2026
Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Zachary Lyngaas as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. Lyngaas will replace the Honorable Caroline H. Lennon and will be chambered in Shakopee in Scott County.
“In every role he holds, Zachary Lyngaas works to uphold the rule of law and serve the people of this state with distinction,” said Governor Walz. “As a public defender, he fought for fair outcomes for all his clients. As a prosecutor, he responsibly pursued cases and prioritized justice and fairness. As a member of our armed forces, he defended our nation at home and abroad. This balanced perspective and commitment to service makes him a great judge in Scott County.”
Minnesota’s First Judicial District consists of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties.
Zachary Lyngaas is an assistant public defender in the First District Public Defender’s Office, where he represents adult and juvenile clients. He previously worked as an assistant county attorney in the McLeod County Attorney’s Office and as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Shereen M. Askalani in the Fourth Judicial District. Lyngaas is a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He currently serves as First Sergeant for A Troop, 1-94 Cavalry. Lyngaas’s volunteer activities include mentoring law students as part of the University of St. Thomas School of Law Mentor Externship Program and coaching youth t-ball and baseball. He earned his B.S. from South Dakota State University 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.
Governor Walz Appoints Ryan Bies to Fill First Judicial District Vacancy
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.