ST. PAUL -- Governor Mark Dayton has appointed a St. Cloud defense lawyer to fill a vacant judgeship in the 7th Judicial District.

Andrew Pearson has been named to fill the seat left vacant with the retirement of Judge Thomas Knapp.

Pearson will be chambered in St. Cloud.

Pearson currently works for the law firm of Bradshaw & Bryant. He is also a Public Defender for Stearns and Benton Counties.

Pearson has also served as an Assistant Public Defender in the 7th Judicial District and is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

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