News Item
Erica H. MacDonald Appointed to First Judicial District Judgeship

Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Erica H. MacDonald to a First Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in the city of Hastings in Dakota County.  The vacancy occurred with the retirement of the Honorable Leslie M. Metzen on May 20, 2009.

MacDonald, of Mendota Heights, is an assistant United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis.  She has been an assistant U.S. Attorney since 2001, and previously was a judicial law clerk to Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Harriet Lansing from 2000 to 2001, an assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago, Illinois in 2000, an associate attorney with the Kirkland and Ellis law firm in Chicago in 1999, and a judicial law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge James H. Alesia in Chicago from 1997 to 1999.  She was also a buyer and a sales manager with May Department Stores in St. Louis, Missouri from 1989 to 1994. 

MacDonald earned her juris doctorate degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1997, and her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1989.

"Erica's combination of intellect, trial skills, management experience and compassion will serve her well as a judge," Governor Pawlenty said.  "In addition, her background in business prior to becoming a lawyer gives Erica an added perspective."

MacDonald has been an instructor and a presenter for numerous law enforcement and legal conferences, and is known for her expertise in human trafficking.  She has received numerous professional awards, including the St. Paul Police Chief's Award of Merit, the Department of Justice Certificate of Appreciation, and many performance awards for her work in the U.S. Attorney's office.  MacDonald is a member of Minnesota Women Lawyers, a parent volunteer and a member of St. Joseph's School of West St. Paul School Board, and has been a volunteer coach with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association.

MacDonald, 42, was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, grew up in Dallas, Texas and lives in Mendota Heights with her husband, Jim, and two sons, Kenny 10, and Mitchell, 7.