Public Notice Detail

ST. PAUL, MN (May 28, 2004) – Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice James H. Gilbert announced Friday he is resigning from the Court this summer.  He informed Governor Tim Pawlenty by letter today.  Justice Gilbert said he would complete the cases that are part of the court’s current term, which ends June 30, 2004. 

Justice Gilbert, 57, was appointed by Governor Arne Carlson and sworn in on January 29, 1998.  He was elected in November 2000 to serve a six-year term. 

A resident of Orono, Justice Gilbert said he plans to start a new law firm in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.  The James H. Gilbert Law Group, LLC, will focus on real estate, corporate and employment law.  In addition to offering traditional legal services, his firm will create a new approach by partnering with corporations, general counsel offices and other law firms to provide consulting, second opinions, editing, research, negotiations, referrals and coaching on trial and appellate strategy.  He also plans to provide problem-solving and public responses to crisis situations.  In addition, the firm will provide special master services to the state and federal courts along with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation services.

“I hope that my efforts have made Minnesota a better place to live and work,” said Justice Gilbert.  “The Minnesota Judiciary is one of the finest in the country.  We are a recognized leader in jurisprudence, administrative innovation and efficiency.  And, I am confident that this tradition of excellence, fair and impartial justice and leadership will continue.  I appreciate the honor of being able to serve the great state of Minnesota.”

“Justice Gilbert has contributed greatly to the justice system in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen A. Blatz.  “He is a strong voice for innovation, particularly in the management of cases involving drugs and alcohol, family law and complex litigation.   On a more personal note, I will miss him on the court.  He brought a perspective that greatly enriched the decision-making process.”

“Public service is important,” said Justice Gilbert, “but I have always believed that new people in the process are important and that I would not be one who would be here until the mandatory age of retirement.  I also decided that this is the right time for me to begin a new chapter in life, and I am excited about returning to the private sector to provide clients with legal services.” 

Justice Gilbert has been a strong proponent of alternative dispute resolution  as a way to resolve disputes more quickly and less acrimoniously, the use of drug courts for non-violent drug offenders and the promotion of treatment for those with alcohol and drug abuse.  He has served as a non-voting board member of Minnesota D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) since 1998.  And, he recently was instrumental in launching a new pilot project called “Early Case Management” for judges to facilitate the efficient, amicable, cost effective resolution of family court cases.

“I leave with a renewed commitment of service to others,” Justice Gilbert added.  “I plan to increase my volunteer and charitable activities to focus on our youth, with special emphasis on education, chemical health, adoption and mentoring.  I also will continue my public speaking on issues affecting the administration of justice, reform and continuing legal education.”

Justice Gilbert was a member and chair of the Minnesota Judicial Selection Commission from 1991-1997.  From 1996-1997, Gilbert was the CEO of Meshbesher and Spence law firm in Minneapolis.  His career in the private sector spanned 25 years.  Justice Gilbert practiced in commercial litigation, real estate law, bankruptcy, appellate work, family law and probate law.   

Justice Gilbert is admitted to practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin, U.S. Courts for the State of Arizona, the 8th and 10th districts of the U.S. Court of Appeals, the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.  Gilbert received his undergraduate degree in political science and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota. 

“I sincerely want to thank Governor Carlson for appointing me to the Minnesota Supreme Court, and also to thank the citizens of Minnesota for electing me in 2000.  This has been an incredible experience and we have accomplished much.  I appreciate having the opportunity of working with such gifted and dedicated colleagues on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Court judges throughout Minnesota.” 

About the Minnesota Judiciary

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is made up of 10 judicial districts with 274 district court judgeships, 16 Court of Appeals judges, and seven Supreme Court justices.  The Supreme Court oversees the administration of justice in the state, and Kathleen A. Blatz serves as the Chief Justice.  The Minnesota Judicial Branch is mandated by the Minnesota Constitution to resolve disputes promptly and without delay, and it handles approximately 2 million cases per year.