Appointed/Elected:

Appointed on Oct. 2, 2006. Elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020. Current term expires in January 2027.

Education:

J.D., cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School, 1988
B.A., summa cum laude, Moorhead State University, 1984

Employment:

• Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota Law School, "Criminal Justice: Behind the Robe and Beyond," 2023 to present
• Adjunct Professor, Univerity of Minnesota Forensic Psychology Fellowship Program, 2016 to present
• Conciliation Judge, Hennepin County, 2005-2006
• Adjunct Professor, St. Thomas University School of Law, 2005-2006
• Attorney & Shareholder, Fredrikson and Byron in Minneapolis, 1995-2006
• Associate Attorney, Fredrikson and Byron in Minneapolis, 1988-1995

Professional Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association
• Minnesota District Judges Association

Additional Information:

• 2010 Hennepin County Bar Association Judicial Professionalism Award
• Founder of Volunteer Lawyers Network Summer Associate Program
• Co-founder of Minnesota Justice Foundation Partner Program
• 2003 Fredrikson & Byron Distinguished Service Award
• 2001 Minnesota Justice Foundation Outstanding Service Award

Assignment History

• Chief Judge of Commitment Appelate Panel: 2022 to present
• Criminal: March 2013 to present
• Presiding Judge of Probate/Mental Health Court: January 2010 to February 2013
• Assistant Chief Judge of the Family Court: February 2008 to December 2009
• Criminal: October 2006 to February 2008 

• The Judge Looks Bored: How to Keep the Judge Interested (Dec. 13, 2011)
• Adversarial Advocacy: Too Much Adversity Can Hurt You (April 7, 2011)
• Probate/Mental Health Court: Rapidly Changing and Always Interesting (Dec. 23, 2010)
• How We Can Help Ex-Cons Thrive Outside (Nov. 2010)
• Judging Without Lawyers: Now Knowing Makes for Nightmares (May/June 2009)
• Pro Bono Lawyers: A View from the Bench (Aug. 25, 2008)