Attorney

Duties

The county attorney is the chief prosecutor for crimes which occur within the county. The county attorney is also the legal adviser for the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners and county departments.

About the County Attorney

Don Ryan was elected Crow Wing County Attorney in 1994. Don is a lifelong Minnesotan, a fourth generation lawyer, and a first generation prosecutor. His great-grandfather opened his practice in 1903 in Brainerd and a Ryan has practiced in Brainerd ever since.

Schooling

Don graduated from Brainerd High School in 1979, Gustavus Adolphus College in 1983 with a B.A. in Political Science, and William Mitchell College of Law in 1988. While attending law school Don worked a variety of full-time jobs and attended classes at night. He moved back to Brainerd after law school and joined the family law firm of Ryan, Ryan, Ruttger, and Drake.

Community Involvement

Don feels that community service / involvement is the responsibility of all citizens and he has been very active in his community by serving on numerous committees, boards, and task forces of various non-profit entities and service clubs, as well as his church. He also promotes community involvement and participation by all members of the Crow Wing County Attorney's Office.