Posted: Friday, July 13, 2012

Today, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea announced that Jeffrey Shorba will become the new Minnesota State Court Administrator October 10 upon the retirement of Sue K. Dosal.  Shorba has served as Deputy State Court Administrator since 2002 and acting Director of Human Resources since 2007.

“In his 10 years as our Deputy State Court Administrator, Jeff has shown himself to be a superb consensus builder and a skilled manager, two traits critically important to the success of the Judicial Branch’s top administrative officer,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “After a nationwide search and selection process, it was clear that Jeff was the best choice for the job.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Sue Dosal and so many others, the Judicial Branch is well-positioned to continue its tradition of excellence and high standards.  I believe that Jeff is the right person at this time to help lead the branch forward as we continue on our path of progress,” said Chief Justice Gildea. 

Shorba began his career in the Minnesota Judicial Branch as a law clerk for former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Peter Popovich.  He had experience as an attorney in private practice before joining the U.S. Justice Department working as an attorney with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  He returned to Minnesota to serve as Assistant Commissioner and Legal Counsel for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. He is a native of Chanhassen, MN.  He received his undergraduate degree from Carleton College and his law degree from Harvard Law School. 

The State Court Administrator has oversight over the State Court Administrator’s Office, which provides central administrative infrastructure services for the Branch through a number of divisions, including Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Court Services, Legal Counsel, Education and Organizational Development, Court Information, Intergovernmental Relations, and the Executive Office. The State Court Administrator’s office employs approximately 200 staff.

The State Court Administrator also oversees a number of advisory work groups and committees comprised of judges, administrators, and court staff that provide recommendations and advice for policy-making, business practice changes, and service delivery. 

The State Court Administrator advocates for the Judicial Branch with the legislative and executive branches, and interacts on behalf of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council with various constituencies, including the bar; state, local, and national justice system partners; and citizens groups. 

Sue Dosal has served the Branch and the citizens of the State of Minnesota as State Court Administrator since 1982.