Diane B. Bratvold (’87) Named to Minnesota Court of Appeals

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has appointed Diane B. Bratvold (’87) to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, replacing Judge Margaret H. Chutich, whom Dayton has named to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Bratvold has served as a judge in the state’s 4th Judicial District since 2014. She previously was a shareholder with Minneapolis-based Briggs and Morgan, where her practice focused on civil appeals and advice to clients and trial counsel. Before that she spent 13 years as an attorney with Fetterly & Gordon, and 6 years as a partner and associate at Rider Bennett, both in Minneapolis. Bratvold is also an adjunct professor in appellate advocacy at the University of St. Thomas Law School and an officer in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

“Judge Diane Bratvold has garnered a reputation among her colleagues as one of the top appellate lawyers in the state,” said Dayton in announcing the appointment. “That experience, along with her service as a district court judge, has demonstrated her commitment to justice and public service.”

Bratvold sits on the boards of several Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, including The Advocates for Human Rights (where she also serves as treasurer), the Zion Lutheran Church Foundation in Anoka, and the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society. She volunteers as a mentor at the University of St. Thomas Law School, and is a former director of the Champlin Park Vocal Music Association.