Tony Spector is a Staff Attorney at Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS), where he has been a dedicated advocate since joining the team in 2024. In a short time, Tony has played a key role in successfully overturning three unjust peace officer terminations through grievance arbitration, underscoring his strong commitment to defending the rights of law enforcement personnel. Before joining LELS, Tony amassed extensive legal experience in both the private and public sectors. In private practice, he represented peace officers and public sector employees in a wide range of matters involving labor and employment law, criminal defense, and administrative proceedings. In the public sector, he served as a County Attorney in Greater Minnesota. He successfully prosecuted complex felony cases, including those involving criminal sexual conduct and child pornography. His litigation experience includes arguing before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Tony’s legal career is grounded in over a decade of firsthand law enforcement experience. Prior to practicing law, he served for thirteen years as a full-time licensed peace officer in the metro area. During that time, he was certified as a use-of-force instructor and testified as an expert witness in police use-of-force. Even after transitioning into law, Tony remained active in law enforcement, working part-time as a licensed peace officer for both a sheriff’s office and a metro-area police department.

In addition to his legal and law enforcement credentials, Tony has contributed to the development of future officers through his work for many years as adjunct faculty in a law enforcement skills program. He has instructed in the areas of legal issues, patrol operations, firearms, and defensive tactics/use-of-force.

Tony holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. from the University of Saint Thomas and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law (now known as Mitchell Hamline School of Law). His unique blend of legal expertise, practical law enforcement experience, and dedication to public service make him a strong advocate for the rights of peace officers and public employees.