Hi, I'm Ben.Rooted in Stillwater.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be running for Judge. I live in Stillwater with my wife Klancie, our two kids Lachlan and Arilyn, and our dog Teddy. I was raised in Stillwater and went to Stillwater Area High School.
It was law school that taught me why it is not only important to have laws that are applied equally, but also that people should feel trust in the institution of the judiciary. Without laws and trust in the judiciary, we are no different than other countries.
The path that brought me here.
A political science degree, a law degree and an MBA, a clerkship, and years in the courtroom, all pointing toward the bench.
Stillwater, Minnesota
I was raised in Stillwater and went to Stillwater Area High School.
University of Minnesota, Morris
I earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science. I played rugby in college, and one of my favorite courses to take was pottery, a hobby I have kept up with to this day.
An internship, the Boy Scouts, and a plan for law school
After college I went out to D.C. for an internship with a lobbying firm. I met my wife Klancie there, and we stayed while I worked on the executive staff of the Boy Scouts (I'm an Eagle Scout). From there I took a brief stint in banking so I could have "bankers hours" and study for the LSAT.
Hamline University School of Law
We moved back to Minnesota, where I earned my Juris Doctorate and my Masters in Business Administration. I loved learning about our democracy, and about the very real process of building our court system.
Clerk to the Honorable Judge B. William Ekstrum
I was lucky enough to clerk for Judge Ekstrum as his last clerk before retirement. He understood and was not afraid to make a decision, but he tried hard to let the parties work out their decisions so that they felt invested rather than forced into a position. I will do the same as a judge.
Washington County Attorney's Office
I worked primarily on adult felony criminal prosecution. I really enjoyed the white collar crime cases because they used my MBA skills and my lawyering skills, and we had a major impact on fraud.
Managing Attorney, Tubman
I represent victim survivors of domestic violence as they try to leave their abusers. I'm now in my seventh year at Tubman, promoted from staff attorney to Managing Attorney, and I am so thankful and proud of my team and all of Tubman for the services they provide to our communities.
It is easy for judges to get lost in the shuffle of cases. I will not do that. I will remember that each case, each number, is so much more. Behind each party are humans who need compassion, safety, understanding, and reasoning.
Out in the community.
When I'm not working.
You'll find me on the sidelines, on the water, or at the pottery wheel.
Family
Home in Stillwater with my wife Klancie, our kids Lachlan and Arilyn, and our dog Teddy.
Coaching
I coach little league soccer for my son. It's been immensely rewarding.
Community
I serve on a couple of community boards and am very passionate about charitable work.
On my own time
I'm into fly fishing, pottery, and open water distance swimming.
Always learning
I read about different perspectives and people I don't know about all the time. It helps me keep the civility in our community.
Eagle Scout
A commitment to service that started long before the courtroom and still guides me today.
I am humbled to be seeking judicial office in my home community, and I couldn't be happier to participate in our democratic process to continue to make our communities better. I would be honored to earn your vote.
