Alumni Spotlight: Elsa Bullard

 

Name: Elsa Bullard
Title: United States Magistrate Judge, District of Minnesota
Firm Background: Summer Associate, 2010; Associate, 2012-20; Partner, 2020-25

What have you been doing since departing the firm?

I left Faegre Drinker this past June to become a Federal Magistrate Judge for the District of Minnesota. I've spent the past five months learning criminal law and all the areas of civil law that were not a part of my practice at the firm. It has been an invigorating few months. To make it more interesting, my family also moved homes after 17 years in the same house!

What is the most challenging and/or most rewarding part of your work?

I am grateful to be back in public service. I started my career as an Army officer, and I am pleased to be able to again serve my community every day. It is rewarding for me to wake up each day and work to strengthen our system of justice. I am enjoying the immense variety. I get to learn new areas of law and meet many practitioners. The magistrate judge role is also challenging, especially the criminal cases. Coming from a predominately civil background, it is weighty and foreign to make decisions on issues of criminal law. And magistrate judges move at a fast pace. I've got a large caseload that requires active case management.

What is your fondest memory/best experience/what do you miss about Faegre Drinker?

Of course, the people. I miss the collaboration with smart colleagues and clients. I was actively working with around 30 different firm lawyers when I left, and now I primarily interact with my three chambers staff members (who are fantastic). I miss the large group of varied personalities and perspectives. Some of my favorite memories are of client entertainment events that I helped plan. I truly enjoyed getting to know clients in fun atmospheres and making some forever memories. I also have fond memories of working hard on winning summary judgment motions, trial in New Orleans, successfully arguing for class certification, taking over 35 Zoom depositions at the start of the pandemic, and mentoring dozens of associates.

What would you change about the legal industry if you could?

I wish every person with a valid legal claim could more easily connect with competent counsel. It is very difficult to proceed in court without a lawyer, and that barrier prevents access to justice for some. We have phenomenal legal aid groups and generous pro bono attorneys, but there is still unmet need.

What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?

After hearing her speak recently, I'm reading Michele Norris's Our Hidden Conversations. She grew up blocks from where we lived for years, and it hits close to home even with stories from across the country. I'm watching a lot of NBA games, and I've been deep in Taylor Swift's new album.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being active. I trail run with my cousin once a week. I enjoy biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. I walk as many places as possible, including out for good food (I enjoy the Minneapolis restaurant scene a little too much). We are big Timberwolves fans, although my family roots on all the Minnesota teams. And we take in shows at the Guthrie theater and other Twin Cities arts venues.

What’s next for you personally or professionally?

I hope that this is my last job and that I can do it for a long time.