Accomplished attorney recognized for impact on Minnesota

This spring, after over 50 years as an attorney, David Stowman '66 will retire. He will also be honored with the MSUM Foundation's 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Stowman, his wife Judy and the eldest of their four children, Jeff, have built a law practice that spans Minnesota and neighboring states, conducted from an elegant fieldstone house on the southwest shore of Detroit Lakes. Jeff is a lawyer and Judy has been both an office manager and legal assistant. If you catch a glimpse of Stowman taking his boat back and forth, from his office to his home on the opposite shore, you might not assume that the suit-wearing boat driver is a civil trial specialist with a storied career in law.

BA in Psychology

Stowman started his career as a criminal defense attorney in North Dakota in the early 70s, and later established himself in Minnesota, specializing in personal injury and products liability cases. He quickly learned that developing personal relationships is key to making an impact.

"One of the most important skills you can have is being a good listener - listening to your clients, opposing consul, and judges," he says. "When I say listening, I mean really being engrossed in what they're saying and doing. You develop this through one-on-one interactions."

By 2005, Stowman became recognized as one of the state's top 25 lawyers (Law & Politics, 2001), served as the president of the Minnesota Bar Association (MSBA), an organization of over 15,000 members, and was elected to a position in the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association (ABA), where he participated in matters that affect the law profession on a national level. His firm also represented two next of kin in the nationally known George Floyd case.

"I've been admitted to practice in all Minnesota courts, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court," he says.

Originally from Rothsay, Minn., Stowman received his psychology degree with a minor in biology from MSU Moorhead. After graduation, he served in the Marine Corps during the Tet offensive in Vietnam in 1968-69.

"My time at MSUM was exceptional," he says. "I developed critical thinking and analytical skills. I strengthened my research and enhanced my public speaking and communication skills. Practicing time management and study habits were also helpful in preparing me for both law school and law practice."

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But Stowman is quick to add, "I also met my wife at MSU Moorhead." The Stowman's son, Jeff, both of their parents, and 11 of their siblings are all Dragons!

Stowman's impact is significant. The Minnesota Supreme Court appointed him to serve on the Minnesota State Board of Public Defense, which oversees the state's public defender system. He was also involved with the core development of Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM, 1976), which provides civil legal services to low-income families in 19 counties.

"Providing legal services for the poor is a thread that is weaved through the fabric of my professional career," he says. "Serving as chair of the Minnesota State Board of Public Defense and working with the founders of LSNM is direct pursuit of that goal. In various leadership positions, I advocated for those who are too poor to hire an attorney. It's part of our professional obligation."

Stowman was honored with the Minnesota Icon Award in 2022, which recognizes professionals of a lengthy and accomplished career, who have mentored the next generation by being active in their communities. In addition to his roles in the legal realm, Stowman has chaired the DFL committee in his county and led his local VFW post and church council.

Stowman is the type of person who does the things that intrigue and challenge him. Outside of his career, he has flown a plane, skied the Alps and run in the Boston Marathon. During retirement, instead of taking his boat to work, you might see him barefoot waterskiing behind it. And you can also assume that he'll stay involved in organizations and actions that guide those who come next in his field and that uplift the needy of Minnesota.