News Item
Governor Dayton Hosts Second Judiciary Recruitment Summit

Posted: Friday, October 30, 2015

On Thursday afternoon, Governor Dayton hosted the state’s second Judiciary Recruitment Summit as part of Minnesota’s ongoing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in its courts. Joining Governor Dayton for the discussion were representatives from the state’s diverse bar associations, Chief Justice Lorie Gildea, and members of the Governor’s Commission on Judicial Selection.
 
“I encourage all qualified Minnesotans, who are interested in serving our state, to apply for open judgeships in Minnesota’s courts,” said Governor Dayton. “Our courts should reflect the rich diversity of the Minnesotans they serve.”
 
During the summit, Governor Dayton reiterated his commitment to diversity in Minnesota’s judicial branch. Since 2011, Governor Dayton has worked with the Commission on Judicial Selection and Chief Justice Gildea to foster outreach and discussion with Minnesota’s diverse bar associations and the communities they represent.
 
“Diversity on the bench can help enhance the public’s trust and confidence in their court system,” said Chief Justice Gildea. “It is important that we continue to seek ways to encourage qualified and talented attorneys from all backgrounds to explore careers in the judiciary or other public service.”
 
In his time in office, Governor Dayton has appointed 96 new judges to fill vacancies in Minnesota’s ten judicial districts, the Court of Appeals, and the Minnesota Supreme Court. Those appointments have increased the racial diversity of Minnesota’s judges by 70% (from 6% to 10.2%). In addition, the number of women serving as judges in Minnesota has grown significantly in recent years. In 2010, 31% of the state’s judges were women. Today, that figure has grown to 40%.
 
“The face of the Minnesota Judiciary has changed because of the collaboration with Governor Dayton, the Bench, Bar, and organizations representing the rich diversity of Minnesotans seeking appointment to serve justice for all,” said Lee Sheehy, Chair of the Commission on Judicial Selection.
 
The summit recognized the work of the Commission on Judicial Selection, Chief Justice Gildea, and Minnesota’s diverse bar associations to help ensure Minnesota’s courts reflect the people they serve. Through their combined efforts with Governor Dayton, Minnesota is working to increase diversity and outreach in the judicial branch. 
 
A photo of Governor Dayton at the Judiciary Recruitment Summit can be can be viewed here.
 
Information on current and upcoming vacancies on Minnesota’s courts, as well as more information on the Commission on Judicial Selection, Governor Dayton’s judicial appointments, and the application process, can be found on the Governor’s website.
 
Minnesotans wishing to be notified of vacancies on Minnesota’s courts or seeking application materials can contact Lidya Makonnen, Appointments Coordinator, at lidya.makonnen@state.mn.us