News Item
Former Chief Justice Russell Anderson recognized by Governor Walz for Contributions to Judiciary and State

Posted: Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Russell A. Anderson was honored at an event at the Governor’s Residence in St. Paul on Monday October 28. Governor Tim Walz spoke about Anderson’s substantial contribution to judiciary and the state of Minnesota. Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea, the current Chief Justice also expressed her personal gratitude to Anderson, who is a close mentor. At the reception Governor Walz presented Anderson with a proclamation which declared Monday October 28, 2019 to be Russell Anderson Day. A copy of the proclamation is attached.
 
“Chief Justice Anderson has given so much to our State,” said Chief Justice Gildea. “His honor, humility, and humanity continue to serve as an inspiration and guiding light for me. I thank him for his steadfast service to the Minnesota Judicial Branch, and the people of Minnesota.”
 
Anderson served on the Minnesota Supreme Court from September 1998 to June of 2008. He served as Chief Justice from January 2006 until his retirement in 2008. Anderson earned his juris doctorate from the University of Minnesota and later earned his Master of Laws degree from George Washington University. He worked for in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C., in private practice in Bemidji, Minnesota, and as Beltrami County Attorney before joining the Ninth Judicial District Court bench where he served until his appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court. In total Anderson spent 25 years on the District Court bench and serving on the Minnesota Supreme Court.