The Human Resources Division (HRD) is a partner with the 4th Judicial District leadership in creating an innovative and proactive organization where employees and employer are valued and the public is well served. HRD handles matters related to personnel policy, benefits, wellness, safety, workers' compensation, classification, compensation, labor relations, employee relations, staffing, and recruitment and selection.
 

Mission Statement

Serve as a trusted partner for all employees to ensure fair practices, to provide opportunities for development, and to obtain efficient resources for achieving optimal performance.
 

Vision Statement

HRD is a trusted, approachable partner in creating and retaining a knowledgeable, diverse and an engaged workforce.
 

Guiding Principles

• Respond to all customers’ needs and questions with thoughtful and accurate information in a timely and confidential manner.
• To maintain direct communication with all customers while being open, clear, and respectful.
• Work cooperatively to create a fun, respectful, and positive environment.
• Design and offer meaningful learning opportunities to further develop and enhance employee and organizational needs.
• Practice Integrity and ethics to promote trust in the workplace.

What's great about working for the Fourth Judicial District

When asked the question “What’s great about working for the Fourth Judicial District Court?” employees had these things to say:

Great People
“I'd give three reasons: 1) the people, 2) the people and 3) the people. I have been here for 23 years and I have uniformly liked my colleagues and my supervisors.” - Bill

“There are many great things about working for the Fourth Judicial District. There are two main reasons I come to work everyday: the people and the leadership. The Fourth District is made up of talented people who are dedicated, diverse, caring and knowledgeable. As an employee, I feel that my contributions are valued and that I am provided with the tools I need to succeed every day.” - Jamie

Great Benefits
The State of Minnesota is the largest employer in the state. Benefits-eligible court employees enjoy a compensation package similar to that of other State employees, which may include health coverage, dental coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance and other pre-tax benefits. Learn about State employee benefits at the MN Dept. of Management & Budget website.

The Fourth Judicial District Court offers employee discounts to many things that are specific to Minnesota or the Metro Area, including Metro Transit passes and tickets to Twins games, Valley Fair and the Science Museum.

Great Opportunities for Employee Development
“Continuous learning isn’t just talked about, it’s an expectation! Because of that, the 4th District Court provides me opportunities to continue developing my existing skills and broaden my perspectives with training that provides insight into other cultures. They allow me to choose what I want to learn or improve upon, and they grant me the time to expand my mind within my regular work hours.  All at no cost to me!” -Sheldyn

The Fourth Judicial District Court offers many professional development opportunities, including frequent on and off-site training sessions. These sessions cover a wide range of topics from interviewing skills, diversity, stress management, and leadership, to financial and retirement planning. Employees can also participate in a tuition reimbursement program to further their professional growth.

The Fourth Judicial District also offers programs such as the "Emerging Leaders Network." This program matches employees with mentors who then meet on a regular basis to help build leadership skills and other skills necessary to develop employees into future court leaders.

Additionally, the organization-wide performance appraisal system encourages employees to set their own development goals and offers resources to help accomplish them.

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Quick Links:

• About the Courts
• Careers (MN State Courts)
• Court Holidays
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Discounts (SEI)
• MN Dept. of Labor & Industry
• MN Dept. of Management & Budget

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Go to Hennepin County District Court News & Notices.

The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for internal and external communications activities of Hennepin County District Court. Communications efforts include: media relations, including high profile cases and cameras in the courtroom responding to public inquiries; website information; coordinating Community Outreach Initiatives, "Meet Your Court" cable television program and monitoring the Minnesota Legislature.

Please contact the Public Affairs staff with your communications requests.

• Procedures for Viewing / Obtaining Filed Exhibits
• Request for Public Data Online Form
• To request data about a court other than the Hennepin County District Court, please visit the Data Request Help Topic.

Send an email via our contact form

Bonney Bowman, Communications Manager
Phone: (612) 540-5219

Matt Lehman, Communications Specialist
Phone: (612) 348-5022

Mike Valleau, Legislative Liaison
Phone: (612) 596-7478

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Cameras in the Courtroom

Cameras in Minnesota Courts: Rules & Instructions

For more information about camera use Hennepin County Court locations, please read the Memorandum of Understanding Governing the Usage of Cameras and Recording Devices in Fourth District Court Facilities (pdf).

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Court History Museum

With the help of Fourth District judges and court staff, Hennepin County District Court now offers a Court History Museum depicting major historical events that have occurred in the county. From groundbreaking cases to courageous judges, this museum allows the public to view some of the most interesting and impactful history in Hennepin County. The banners and other court related artifacts are available to view in person on the skyway level of the Government Center.

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Community Outreach Initiatives

Engaging and educating the community — all community members are invited to learn about the judges, court initiatives and news of the Fourth Judicial District. Explore the different ways schools, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations and concerned citizens can learn more about the judiciary.

Speakers Bureau
Judges and court staff speak at schools, legal associations and other community organizations to help educate about the judiciary and court processes.

Community Events
To help educate and ensure access to court services, the Fourth District participates in several community events that reach out to families and children, communities of color and lower-income individuals.

Mock Trial Tournaments
Students throughout the state experience a mock trial in Hennepin County Government Center courtrooms.

Observe Court — Free & Open to the Public
Most court proceedings are open to the public on a first come, first served basis during regular business hours. High school students meet the recommended minimum age appropriate for observing court. Please refer to Rule 2.01(a) of the General Rules of Practice for questions about acceptable courtroom behavior. For more information, contact Public Affairs.

"Meet Your Court" Cable Television Program
"Meet Your Court" was a weekly public affairs program on cable television presented by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. 

Judicial Ride-Alongs
Community members get an inside look into the courts and being a judge with this unique opportunity to "shadow" a judge.

For assistance with Speakers Bureau, Community Events, Court Tours and Judicial Ride-Alongs contact Bonney Bowman at (612) 540-5219.