7 October 2024
DULUTH — A longtime prosecutor now serving as the city’s chief legal counsel has been appointed to the local bench.
Duluth City Attorney Jessica Fralich was selected Monday by Gov. Tim Walz to fill a vacancy at the St. Louis County Courthouse. She’ll replace Judge David Johnson, who retired last week after an 18-year tenure with the 6th Judicial District.
“It is my honor to appoint Jessica Fralich to the St. Louis County bench,” Walz said in a statement. “Ms. Fralich’s diverse practice background will help her step in immediately and tackle the variety of challenges thrown her way.”
Fralich, 50, is less than a year into her term as city attorney, but she is a familiar face at the courthouse. She spent 14 years with the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, prosecuting numerous homicides and other high-profile cases, including a stint as the head of the Iron Range criminal division.
“It has been a privilege to serve the city of Duluth as city attorney,” Fralich said. “I have truly enjoyed the work and the people, and I will carry the lessons I have learned to the bench. I am honored to have received this appointment from Gov. Walz and I look forward to continuing my public service in this new role.”
Fralich has a deep background in domestic violence work, serving as a team member for Domestic Violence Restorative Circles, the Domestic Violence Response Team and the Range Coordinated Response Team. She has also worked with local agencies to provide training and implement best practices in domestic violence cases.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Hamline University School of Law, Fralich has experience handling family law, real property law and general civil litigation.
She is no stranger to the bench, having served a year and a half as a referee for the 6th District. That role allowed her to preside over certain civil and family law matters under the supervision of the district’s judges.
“Whether it is serving as Duluth’s city attorney or working as a judicial referee, her commitment to service and community is at the heart of what drives her,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said. “Her deep familiarity and understanding of the St. Louis County justice system will make her a great asset to this bench.”
Also considered for the seat were Chief Deputy Carlton County Attorney Jeff Boucher and Senior Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Aaron Welch.
The appointment will force yet another change in leadership at the Duluth City Attorney’s Office, as Fralich is the third person to depart from the top job since 2020.
She just assumed the role in January, having been picked by new Mayor Roger Reinert to oversee criminal prosecution, civil litigation and representation of all departments, the City Council and numerous other boards and commissions.
The council at the time approved a four-year contract that brought the city attorney’s term in line with that of the mayor, per Reinert’s request, while also agreeing to a $59,000 severance package with outgoing head Rebecca St. George, a holdover from Mayor Emily Larson’s administration.
Fralich’s brief tenure with the city included a comprehensive review of city ordinances to address downtown safety concerns, culminating in the implementation of new laws addressing public camping, graffiti and illegal burning and dumping.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Attorney Fralich,” Reinert said in a statement.” It was an honor to write her a letter of support, and also be a reference. The governor clearly saw what we have seen — a fair and impartial professional with a deep and diverse legal background. Our loss is the state of Minnesota’s gain.”
No immediate timeline was announced for the transition, but it typically takes about six weeks for a new judge to be sworn in. Reinert, meanwhile, said he would make it a “top priority” to fill “one of the most important leadership roles we have in the city.”
Another vacancy at the Duluth courthouse will soon be filled by voters of the 6th District, which includes all of St. Louis, Carlton, Lake and Cook counties. Gunnar Johnson and Shawn Reed will face off in the Nov. 5 election to replace Judge Dale Harris, who opted to step down at the end of his six-year term.
This story was updated at 4:53 p.m. Oct. 7 with comments from Frailch and Reinert. It was originally posted at 4:36 p.m. Oct. 7.
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