Central ND News

Governor Kelly Armstrong has appointed Steven Lautt, a Minot attorney, to fill an open judgeship in the North Central Judicial District. This district includes Burke, Mountrail, and Ward counties. Lautt's appointment will take effect on August 4.

Lautt has been practicing law at Pringle & Herigstad in Minot since 2012. His experience covers a wide range of civil cases including collections, foreclosures, and complex matters involving construction and oil and gas industries. He also serves as general counsel for regional agriculture and telecommunications cooperatives and a statewide nonprofit organization.

A native of Minot, Lautt graduated with a bachelor's degree from Tabor College in Kansas and earned his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. He has held leadership roles such as president of the Ward County Bar Association and is currently the president of the North Dakota Association for Justice. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center based in Minot. Before attending law school, Lautt worked as a committee staffer for U.S. Senator Gordon Smith.

The vacancy in the North Central Judicial District was created by Judge Douglas Mattson's retirement on June 1. Mattson had served as a district court judge since 2002. Lautt was one of three finalists considered for this judgeship position chambered in Minot.