Michael Walters named Olmsted County Attorney
He will begin his new role following a swearing-in ceremony on April 21, 2025.
Olmsted County Managing Attorney Michael Walters is continuing his career with Olmsted County as the next county attorney. He will begin his new role following a swearing-in ceremony on April 21, 2025. Walters fills the role vacated by Mark Ostrem's retirement at the end of March 2025. He will fulfill the remainder of Ostrem’s term until January 5, 2027. An election for the next term of Olmsted County Attorney will occur in November 2026, with the term beginning January 6, 2027.
As county attorney, Walters will oversee the office responsible for the prosecution of all felony crimes committed by adults in Olmsted County as well as lesser crimes in the townships. The County Attorney’s Office also prosecutes all juveniles who commit crimes, regardless of the seriousness of the offense. They also provide support and assistance to victims of crimes. The County Attorney’s Office also serves as the legal advisor for the county board and departments and represents the county in all civil litigation in which the county has no insurance coverage.
Walters currently manages the County Attorney's Office's adult and child protection division, overseeing juvenile delinquency, child protection, guardianship, and civil commitment files. Before joining the management team, he was a criminal prosecutor, focusing primarily on prosecuting violent felonies. Walters previously spent several years in private practice and as a public defender.
Walters serves on the Minnesota County Attorney Association Ethics Committee and several boards and committees in the local legal community. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor degree, both from the University of Minnesota.
“Michael is an excellent successor for this role to lead the vital work of the County Attorney’s Office. He will serve the residents of Olmsted County well and help ensure a safe community,” shared Olmsted County Board Chair Mark Thein. “We are also grateful to the other talented candidates who showed interest in serving Olmsted County.”
Walters shares, “Representing and serving the people of Olmsted County is one of the great privileges of my life. I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust that has been placed in me. It will be my mission to repay that trust, today and every day of my career hereafter.”