The Honorable Dean C. Eyler was appointed to the Fourth District Bench in January 2024 by Governor Tim Walz.
Why did you want to become a judge?
Judges regularly make decisions that affect people’s lives, and play such an important role in upholding the rule of law and protecting equal justice under law. After 25 years in private practice, I was excited for the new challenge of doing that
work to hopefully contribute more to the community.
What was your career path before becoming a judge?
After law school, I clerked for Judge Donald P. Lay on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and then was an associate at Dorsey & Whitney for five years. For the last 20 years, I was in private practice at Lathrop GPM (formerly known as Gray Plant
Mooty) handling intellectual property and commercial litigation, and pro bono human rights work. I was also a high school debate coach, served on the board for the Minnesota Urban Debate League, and have served on several other nonprofit boards.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our judicial system today?
I think the most pressing issue is building the public’s confidence that the justice system treats everyone fairly and provides justice. The public’s trust in government institutions is declining, and maintaining trust in the judicial branch
of government is critical to our democracy.
What’s one valuable piece of advice you have received?
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
What has surprised you most since moving into this role?
I’m still surprised that people want me to officiate their wedding! But I have done one wedding, which was wonderful, and look forward to doing more in the future.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love downhill skiing in the mountains in the winter, and water skiing in the summer. I’m also a big sports fan (primarily basketball and football) and enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and close friends.
What are some books, movies, television shows or music you enjoy?
I love ideas and having books around, but sometimes struggle to make time to finish reading them. I mostly read history and biographies (favorites include Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement by John Lewis, John Adams by David
McCullough, Lest Innocent Blood be Shed by Philip Hallie, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho).
I’m trying to read more fiction and diverse authors (I loved Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, and just started Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman). For movies and TV, my favorites are mostly comedies—anything
with Bill Murray, Robin Williams, Will Ferrell, Stephen Colbert and others. My favorite bands are U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Switchfoot. I love listening to all kinds of music, including classic rock, 90s grunge, R&B, Yacht
Rock, and almost anything live.