Judge Jennifer D. Peterson

Appointed/Elected:

Appointed by Governor Tim Walz on October 14, 2024. Current term expires in January 2027. 
 

Education:

  • J. D., William Mitchell College of Law, 2001
  • University of Wisconsin-River Falls, B.S. in Sociology with Criminal Justice Emphasis, minor in Political Science, 1994

Employment:

  • Tenth District Public Defender- Sherburne, Chisago, Anoka, Washington counties
  • Court-Appointed Counsel on Civil Commitments, Anoka County
  • Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility
  • Associate Attorney, White & Associates
  • Assistant County Attorney, Isanti County

Past and Current Professional Associations:

  • Tenth Judicial District Equal Justice Committee
  • Tenth District Wellness Committee
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • National Organization of Bar Counsel
  • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Alliance (IDEA)
  • Anoka County Law Day Committee Member
  • Sexual Violence Justice Resource Team

Professional and Community Activities:

  • Facilitator of Continuing Legal Educations on attorney ethics
  • Community outreach in schools related to the criminal justice process
  • Mentor to Little Sister as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters program
  • Volunteer at Twin Cities Rise 

Additional Information:

  • Fluent in conversational Spanish
  • 2024 recipient of the Michael R. Johnson award given to the person who best demonstrates a dedication to public defense through zealous and compassionate advocacy of client’s constitutional rights.