ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Sharon G. Benson as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. Ms. Benson is replacing the Honorable Mark F. Hansen and will be chambered at Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County.
“Through her work for Minnesota veterans, children, and as a public defender, Ms. Sharon Benson has proven her dedication to justice for the people of Minnesota,” said Governor Dayton. “Her work in both the public and private sectors has prepared her well to serve as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.”
Ms. Benson is a sole practitioner with Benson Law Office, LLC. She is an MSBA Certified Criminal Law Specialist and a part-time Seventh Judicial District public defender. Previously, she worked as a legal services attorney and as the managing attorney at Central Minnesota Legal Services. Ms. Benson earned her B.A. and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota.
Ms. Benson is a pro bono advocate for veterans in the Stearns County Veterans Protocol, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Central Minnesota Housing Partners, Great River Education Arts Theatre, and the MSBA Bar Foundation. She has also served on the Minnesota Supreme Court Juvenile Delinquency Rules Committee and the Child Protection Rules Committee.
Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District consists of Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena Counties.
