Debra J. Hilstrom ’10

Debra J. Hilstrom first served in elected office and then pursued a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. Debra’s previous experience as a city planning commissioner, city councilmember, legislator and assistant county attorney provides a wealth of knowledge, not only of the law, but how the justice system works. Debra currently owns and operates her own law practice.

Experience

State Representative, 2000–18

Chair, House Judiciary Committee; Deputy Minority Leader, House DFL Caucus; Chair, House Public Safety Committee; hair, House Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Committee; Assistant Leader, House DFL Caucus; Assistant Anoka County Attorney

Debra was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2000, and has been re-elected every two years since then. She was the DFL-Lead for the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee for the 2015-16 legislative sessions and also serves on the Civil Law and Data Practices and Ways and Means committees. During her time at the legislature, Debra has also served on various committees including K-12 Finance, Taxes, Commerce, and Rules.

William Mitchell College of Law, Adjunct Professor

• Awards
• “Champion for Racial Justice” award for her leadership toward racial equity
• “Children’s Champion Award” from the Children’s Defense Fund for promoting the health and well being of Minnesota’s children
• Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association “Legislator of the Year”
• Conservation Minnesota “Perfect Score”
• Minnesota Association of Professional Employees “Legislator of the Year”
• Recognized by the Minnesota Courts for her leadership on improving the administration of justice and untiring efforts to ensure meaningful access to the judicial system for the citizens of Minnesota
• Certificate of Appreciation from the Center for Elder Justice and Policy for a law she passed that will protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation
• Public service award from MCAA, which recognized her efforts to enhance the quality of justice in Minnesota

Teaching

Legislative Process, Externship