Nicole Frethem is an experienced leader and policy expert. She was involved in landmark appellate legal advocacy related to disability rights and schoolchildren. Prior to her law career, she worked in state and local government and in government-regulated facilities, primarily focused on education, child care, disability, and human services. Nicole served as the District 1 representative to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners from 2019 until 2025.
- Osseo Area Schools, Independent School Dist. No. 279 v. A. J.T. by and through A.T., 96 F.4th 1062 (8th Cir. 2024) (affirmed)
- A. J. T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School Dist. No. 279, 96 F.4th 1058 (8th Cir. 2024) (later vacated and remanded, 9-0, in favor of client in A. J. T., by and through her parents, A.T. & G.T., v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279, et al., 605 U.S. 335 (2025).)
Admissions
- Minnesota
Memberships
- Minnesota State Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Community volunteer, Dispute Resolution Center, ETHOS program, 2022-2024
- Board Member, Ramsey County Law Library, 2022-2025
- Member, Ramsey County Joint County-Courts Committee, 2022-2025
- Board Member, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties, 2020-2025
- Board Member, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, 2022-2025
- Board Member, Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Board, 2021-2025
- County Commissioner representative, Minnesota State Advisory Council Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health, 2021-2025
Education
- J.D., summar cum laude, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 2022
- CALI awards: Torts, Mediation, Theories of Justice, Restorative Justice)
- M.A.Ed., Early Childhood Education, 2009
- B.A., summa cum laude, Theatre Arts, Hamline University, 2005