Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Fue Lee (DFL)

Back to profile

RELEASE: Rep. Fue Lee Praises Appointment of Sophia Vuelo to 2nd District Court

Thursday, November 30, 2017

SAINT PAUL, MN – State Rep. Fue Lee is praising the selection of Sophia Y. Vuelo to the 2nd District Court by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. She is the first Hmong-American to be appointed a judge in the state of Minnesota.

State Rep. Fue Lee (DFL – Minneapolis) issued the following statement praising Judge Vuelo’s credentials and thanking Governor Dayton for upholding Minnesota’s many diverse communities with her appointment to the court:

“I take great pride in Governor Dayton’s appointment of Sophia Vuelo to the Second Judicial District. Ms. Vuelo has a broad and extensive legal background, having practiced for 19 years in a variety of capacities. In addition to her private practice, housed in St. Paul, she has served as a prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office as well as an Assistant Public Defender in the Second Judicial District Office. Her experience has prepared her with the ability to treat all parties who would come before her with respect, dignity and fairness.

“This is a monumental occasion for the State of Minnesota, the judicial branch, and the Hmong-American community in Minnesota and around the country. Ms. Vuelo’s appointment builds on Governor Dayton's legacy of appointing highly qualified women and people of color to the bench. Her appointment also ensures that the Minnesotans of every racial, socioeconomic, and geographic background will continue to have trust in our legal system, when they see themselves and our diverse communities reflected on the bench in courtrooms throughout Minnesota. In all, Sophia's appointment shows that the American dream is accessible and attainable for ALL Americans.”

Sophia Vuelo has been a solo practitioner at Vuelo Law, where she manages a high volume caseload in juvenile protection, family, and criminal matters. Previously, she was a Managing Attorney at Catholic Charities, Special Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Assistant Public Defender in the Second Judicial District, and an Assistant Rochester City Attorney. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Collaborative Community Law Initiative, an active volunteer at Weaver Elementary School in Maplewood, and the former Vice-President of the Hmong American Bar Association.

A headshot of Ms. Vuelo is attached.

Rep. Lee encourages constituents to contact him with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Lee can be reached by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn .

###