Senior Judge Kurt D. Johnson
Senior Judge Kurt D. Johnson

Elected:

Elected in 2010 and 2016. Retired Aug. 2, 2022. Appointed and assigned to serve statewide as Senior Judge from Sept. 19, 2022, to June 30, 2025.


Education:

William Mitchell College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1983

Law Review, 1982-1983
Moot Court, 1982-1983

Saint Olaf College, Bachelor of Arts, 1979

History and Social Studies Education

Professional:

District Court Judge, Fifth Judicial District, chambers in Mankato, MN, June 20, 2002-Aug. 2, 2022

Gislason & Hunter, LLP, New Ulm, MN, 1983-2002

Professional Highlights and Accomplishments:

  • Drug Court Judge, Blue Earth County Drug Court, 2005-present
  • Chair, Fifth Judicial District Drug Court Committee
  • Fifth Judicial District Representative, Minnesota District Judges Association Board of Directors, 2017-present
  • Participant and presenter in multiple Continuing Legal and Judicial Education seminars and education programs for attorneys and Judges
  • Civil Trial Specialist, Certified by Civil Litigation Section, MN State Bar Assn., 1994
  • Qualified ADR Neutral, Mediation and Arbitration
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in Minnesota's Law & Politics Magazine as a "Super Lawyer", 2001 and 2002

Professional Associations and Societies:

Minnesota State Bar Association

Sixth District Bar Association

Minnesota District Judges Association

Civic and Community Activities:

Christ the King Lutheran Church

  • Church Council President
  • Choir

Executive Board member, New Ulm Eagles Athletic Booster Club

Former coach and member

  • New Ulm Basketball Association
  • New Ulm Junior Baseball Association
  • New Ulm Area Football Association

Mock Trial coach and Judge

Eagle Scout

Former Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor, Boy Scout Troop 25

Former volunteer attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

Former Director and President, New Ulm United Way

Former member and President, Lions Club of New Ulm and the New Ulm Library Board