News & Notices
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.