You're A First: Viet-Hanh Winchell

From the PIPress

When Viet-Hanh Winchell is sworn in as a judge at the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater on Monday, she will be making history. Winchell, 41, is believed to be the state’s first Vietnamese-American state court judge. It’s fitting that Winchell will assume her new role this month, which is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

In announcing Winchell’s appointment, Gov. Tim Walz said that she is a “talented litigator whose broad life experiences and commitment to building connections in her community will make her a wonderful addition to the … district.”

[...] Judge Doug Meslow, who has known Winchell for 10 years and will swear her in on Monday morning.

“We are excited that Viet-Hanh is bringing her wisdom and compassion to the bench,” Meslow said. “She’s a well-known and well-respected attorney in Washington County who has represented clients effectively in civil, criminal, juvenile and family cases.”