Breaking the Ice: Leadership appeals to new MSBA president

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Sam Edmunds seeks leadership roles in every group he’s part of, from student body president to, this year, presidency of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA).

Edmunds joined MSBA in his first year as a lawyer and has since led various sections and committees. He served on Board of Governors for more than a decade before his presidency.

“I want to give back, contribute to the cause and advance the goals of the profession,” Edmunds said. “The president of the bar is in the best position to do that of any lawyer in the state.”

Edmunds began his career as a prosecutor with a private firm, representing cities in criminal cases. He then switched to criminal defense, joining friend Kevin Sieben in forming Eagan-based Sieben Edmunds Miller in 2013.

“Most people facing criminal charges are not bad people,” Edmunds said. “They’re somebody who made a mistake. I like trying to help people through those challenges.”

Name: Samuel Edmunds

Title: Partner, Sieben Edmunds Miller; president, Minnesota State Bar Association

Education: B.S., business administration, Metropolitan State University; M.A., public administration, Minnesota State University, Mankato; J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Q: Best way to start a conversation with you?

A: Ask me about my kids. I have five, from 15 years old down to 4 years old. They’re the most important thing, my wife and kids, in my life.

Q: Why law school?

A: At the end of college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. The other motivation was to get into politics. I was in student government, student body president. We went to St Paul to the Legislature or even to D.C. to lobby. Many of the most successful politicians were lawyers, so I figured, might as well do that.

Q: What are you reading?

A: I love legal thrillers and police procedurals, like John Grisham or Michael Connelly. My wife was reading the Sarah Maas — totally out of my element — fantasy-drama series. I like reading things that she is reading so we can share some of those experiences.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: Unpreparedness. My pet peeve is when I’m unprepared. I hate going into important meetings, court appearances or calls without being prepared. I like it when everybody else is prepared too. You can get a lot more done.

Q: Best part of your work?

A: The people. My partners at the firm are two of my best friends. The other attorneys and staff are great. And my clients. I like representing individuals instead of advocating for the interests of the state and the government.

Q: Most challenging?

A: Sometimes I have clients with high-stakes cases, so it’s challenging when their hopes and dreams for the rest of their life kind of ride on how I’m able to work out their case.

Q: Favorite activity away from work?

A: Scuba diving, except that with kids, I haven’t gotten out as much. I’m a (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified Advanced Open Water Diver. I’ve gone scuba diving around the world. Golf’s a little easier to get away from the office in small chunks of time.

Q: Where would you take someone visiting your hometown?

A: The Twins ballpark. I grew up in Bloomington, but hometown is more the Minneapolis area generally. We have one of the best ballparks in the country. I love taking people there.

Q: Legal figure you admire?

A: Amy Klobuchar. She’s been so inspirational as our U.S. senator. She’s a great representative and advocate for us in Minnesota.

Q: Misconception about your work?

A: Watch “Law & Order” and within 45 minutes a crime happens, it’s investigated, goes to trial. It seems like that happens in a few days or a week. These things can take many months and years. Clients can get frustrated — “Why is it two months until my next court date?” I try to educate people about how it really works.

Q: Favorite book, movie or TV show about lawyers?

A: “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Michael Connelly wrote the Harry Bosch novels. Then he introduced Harry’s half-brother, Mickey Haller, in the “Lincoln Lawyer” series, which is probably the best of the bunch.