About Judge Galler
Judge Galler and his wife Sue have been married for over 35 years. They live in Lake Elmo, Minnesota and have two grown children.
The Gallers are active members in Salem Lutheran Church & School in Stillwater, Minnesota where Greg has served in a number of positions including Church Council President, Committee Chair, Usher, and Vestryman.
Greg grew up in a family of six. He has three brothers who, along with his parents, all live in the Twin Cities area. His father worked for a national retailer and the family transferred around the midwest living in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois before settling in Minnesota.
Judge Galler's hobbies include coaching, being active in his church, hunting, fishing, reading, writing, and woodworking.
Background & Interests
Education
J.D., University of Minnesota - College of Law, December, 1987. Graduated cum laude.
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Elected to Student Conduct Board.
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Chosen to be a Student Director of L.A.M.P. (Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners).
Master's Degree, Western Illinois University, 1986. Graduated with High Honors.
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Awarded the Marcy G. Bodine Award: "Outstanding Graduate Student in American Government & Politics."
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Elected to Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Bachelor's Degree, Western Illinois University, 1983. Graduated with Honors. Majored in Political Science & Pre-Law Honors.
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Elected to Honor Society of Phi Eta Sigma
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R.O.T.C. Commander's Award -Basic Course (Awarded to Outstanding Cadet in the first two years of the R.O.T.C. program).
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Selected for inclusion in "Who's Who in American University Students."
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Nominee, State of Illinois, for the Harry S Truman Scholarship.
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Elected to Honor Society of Pi Sigma Alpha.
The Practice of Law
Before taking the bench, Judge Galler's legal experience was in the general practice of law at a private law firm in Stillwater, Minnesota. As an attorney, he achieved the highest rating possible, "AV," for legal ability and ethics from the Martindale-Hubbell rating service. He was also recognized as a "Rising Star" by Minnesota's Journal of Law & Politics.
As a lawyer, he was admitted to practice in the State of Minnesota, the Federal District Court of Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
In criminal cases he successfully handled cases as both a prosecutor and, in other cases, as defense counsel. In civil cases he successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in areas of law including: municipal law, estate planning, family law, real estate, probate, administrative law, zoning, and a myriad of other practice areas. He appeared at countless court appearances including many jury trials, both civil & criminal.
On the Bench
The private practice of law taught Judge Galler the importance of being responsive to the needs of his clients. Clients, like constituents, demand and deserve results delivered efficiently and professionally.
A good attorney, like a good judge, knows that the effects of a case can extend far beyond the courtroom. A judge needs to be knowledgeable in the law without losing sight of the people that he or she serves. A judge must think logically, yet compassionately, when dealing with people who appear in court.
Judge Galler remains committed to working to maintain the dignity of all people who deal with the legal system.
