FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Jack Dalrymple on Wednesday appointed longtime Fargo attorney Thomas Olson to a judgeship in the East Central Judicial District.
Olson will replace Lisa Fair McEvers, whom Dalrymple appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court last November.
Olson has spent his entire 32-year legal career in the Fargo area. He currently is employed by the Johnson, Ramstad & Mottinger.
“Thomas is a dedicated and highly qualified attorney who is well-respected by his peers,” Dalrymple said in a statement. “His many years of experience in civil litigation and mediation services will serve the people of the East Central Judicial District very well.”
The district serves Cass, Steele and Traill counties.
Olson graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1981 after receiving his undergraduate degree at Augsburg College. His community involvement includes serving as secretary of the North Dakota Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. He also is a past president of the Red River Soccer Association and a past council member of First Lutheran Church of Fargo. He and his wife, Sandra Leyland, have six children.
Olson will transition to the bench within the next month. He will face election in 2016 to serve the remainder of McEvers’ term, which ends in 2018, according to the state Supreme Court.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.