Meet Shawn Reed

Candidate for District Court Judge - Sixth Judicial District

Shawn grew up in Esko, Minnesota.  He still has family in the area and on the Iron Range.  He knew from a young age that he wanted to become a lawyer.  After attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth he attended Willliam Mitchell College of Law.  He graduated in 1997 with honors.  While at law school, Shawn worked in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties as a prosecuting attorney.

After school, Shawn returned to the Duluth area to practice law.  When he first returned, he was provided with valuable advice.  That advice was, “remember that you are working in a smaller legal community.  Treat everyone with respect and dignity.”  Shawn continues to live by that advice every day.

Shawn is married to his wife Julie.  They are lucky to have their son and daughter-in-law nearby.  Even more so now that they are the proud grandparents, “Nana” and “Pop Pop,” to their granddaughter Nora.  Nora is already well known in the Sixth Judicial District having appeared in District Court multiple times with “Pop Pop.”  Nora says “vote for my Pop Pop.”

Experience

He has been licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota since 1997.  He is admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. 

Shawn has been a partner with the law firms of Maki & Overom, Limited from 1997 through 2018; Dryer, Reed, Peterson & Bray from 2018 through 2020; and Bray & Reed, Ltd. 2020 through the current date. 

Shawn is a trial attorney.  His practice has him in court nearly every single day.  His trial practice includes, but is not limited to:

• Criminal law – prosecution and criminal defense;
• General family law; 
• High conflict custody cases;
• Harassment / Orders for Protection;
• Employment law;
• Construction law;
• Contracts;
• Appellate law; 
• Landlord/Tenant; and, 
• Civil law.

Shawn has acted as an Administrative Hearing Officer in municipal and housing matters.  He is also a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice – District Courts for Family Law Facilitative/Hybrid.  

Shawn was named as one of three finalists for consideration by Governor Mark Dayton for the District Court – Sixth Judicial District.

Shawn also serves his community.

Shawn currently serves on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Governance Board and was a past president.  He also serves on the Paul Staudenmaier Boys and Girls Club of Duluth Foundation and was a past president.  He formerly served on the Esko Educational Foundation, Inc. and was past president; and, formerly served on the board of the Floy, Gilman Scheidler Scholarship Foundation.  

Shawn’s Ballotpedia page.  Shawn Reed (Minnesota 6th District Court Position 6, Minnesota, candidate 2024) - Ballotpedia Shawn Reed Ballotpedia page

Shawn’s law office page.  Bray & Reed Ltd.  Bray & Reed, Ltd.