Dakota County Attorney JAMES BACKSTROM, is second in seniority among Minnesota County Attorneys, and is the county’s top civil and criminal elected official. Jim, who is also a popular Elvis impersonator in lighter times, heads an office of about 100 lawyers and staff, and discussed with Alan in a Zoom interview the many changes which have taken place, necessitated by the pandemic which is raging around the globe. Handling trials while sheltered-in-place, trying to reduce the jail population to prevent the spread of the disease, dealing with the Sheriff’s office, the Governor, local officials and police departments and still maintaining the ability to complete the necessary functions of the office, have all been a continuing challenge with many working from home. But he relates that all essential functions have continued under his leadership.
