Gunnar Johnson, a UMD graduate, has dedicated his 30-year legal career to public service. He began serving as a Law Clerk for the United States Department of Justice for the Environmental Crimes Section and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. As an Assistant Minnesota Attorney General, Gunnar was legal counsel to the Iron Range Resources and its Board. Experienced in municipal law, Gunnar has served as the City Attorney for the cities of Duluth and Hermantown. As City Attorney for Duluth, he was a chief legal officer for the City, the Spirit Mountain Authority, the Duluth Transit Authority, and the steam plant. His varied legal experiences include estate planning, real estate law, municipal law, business law, environmental law, employment law, human resources, and civil litigation. Gunnar has extensive additional public service experience in various capacities, including:

• Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota Volunteer Attorney;

• UMD Student Legal Services Attorney;

• Hermantown Chamber of Commerce Board;

• Iditarod Hope Project;

• Past President of the Minnesota City Attorney’s Association (2019-2020);

• St. Louis County and Gnesen Township Planning Commissions;

• MSBA High School Mock Trial Coach and Judge;

• John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Board Member, Race Marshal, and Judge;

• Kobuk 440 Race Judge;

• International Federation of Sleddog Sports, Legal Commission Member, and Chair

• Special Olympics Dog Sled Race Judge.

Gunnar earned his JD at American University, Washington D.C., and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Currently, in private practice with the Overom Law Office, two fabulous daughters call Gunnar their father.