News Item
Governor Pawlenty Announces Appointments to Seventh, Third and Fourth Judicial District Judgeships
Posted: Thursday, May 13, 2010
Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of William J. Cashman and Mary B. Mahler to two trial court bench vacancies in the Seventh Judicial District in Stearns County, John T. Cajacob and Christine A. Long to two trial court bench vacancies in the Third Judicial District in Rice County, and Frank J. Magill, Jr. to a Fourth Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in Hennepin County.
Cashman is an attorney and shareholder with the St. Cloud law firm of Rajkowski Hansmeier Ltd. He has been an attorney with the firm since 1988. Previously, he was a law clerk and associate attorney with the Dunkley Bennett law firm in Minneapolis from 1987 to 1988, a law clerk with the McDonough, Geck and Cronan/Arthur Chapman law firm in Minneapolis from 1984 to 1987, and a law clerk with the Quinlivan, Sherwood, Spellacy and Tarvestad law firm in St. Cloud from 1983 to 1984. Cashman earned his juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1987 and his bachelor of science degree from St. John's University in Collegeville in 1982.
"Bill is respected by his peers for his intellect and legal skills," Governor Pawlenty said. "In addition, Bill has dealt with adversity and brings a compassion for others, all of which will serve him well as a district court judge."
Cashman is a member of the Minnesota, and South Dakota State Bar Associations, Stearns-Benton County Bar Association, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Minnesota Supreme Court Standing Committee on No-Fault, and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. He has also volunteered with the St. Cloud All City Marching Band, St. Cloud Technical High School, was a trustee with St. Augustines Parish, a member and past president of the St. Augustines School Board, and a legal adviser to the St. Cloud Technical College Foundation.
Cashman will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Paul E. Widick, whose retirement was effective on February 1, 2020. Cashman, 49, was born and lives in St. Cloud. He has two children, Patrick, 21, and Katlyn, 19.
Mahler is an attorney and shareholder with the Quinlivan and Hughes law firm in St. Cloud. She has been an attorney with the firm since 1998. Previously, she was a solo practitioner in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1995 to 1998, and an associate attorney with the Kirk-Hughes and Lozano law firm in Law Vegas from 1994 to 1995. Mahler earned her juris doctorate degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California in 1994, and her bachelor of arts degree with distinction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1991.
"Mary has practiced in civil, criminal, and family law," Governor Pawlenty said. "Her diverse professional background and knowledge of the complex cases that she will handle as a judge will be a great benefit to the bench."
Mahler is a member of the Minnesota State, Seventh District, and Stearns-Benton County Bar Associations; Minnesota Women Lawyers; and Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, where she co-chairs the Membership Committee. She judged the Minnesota State Bar Association Mock Trial Program is a volunteer for its "Wills for Heroes" program, holds an "AV" rating (the highest possible) by Martindale Hubbell, is a qualified no-fault arbitrator, certified as a civil trial specialist, and has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Law and Politics. Mahler's community activities include serving on the Freeport Chapter Lions Club, volunteering with the Melrose Junior Girl Scout Troop, and with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. She has also been a volunteer attorney coach with the Apollo High School Mock Trial Team and a director with New Beginnings - a residential facility to single mothers and infants.
Mahler will fill the vacancy created by of the retirement of the Honorable Elizabeth A. Hayden, whose retirement was effective on December 11, 2009. Mahler, 43, was born in Melrose, and lives in Freeport with her husband, Graeme, and their two children, Sydney 10, and Grayson, 8.
Cajacob is a solo practice attorney in Faribault, a position he has held since 1979. Previously, he was an attorney with Loren Barta in New Prague in 1978. Cajacob earned his juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1978 and his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974.
"As a general practitioner in Faribault, John handles a wide variety of cases in many areas of law that the courts see on a daily basis," Governor Pawlenty said. "His reputation for patience, being prepared, and knowledge of the law make him well-suited for this position."
Cajacob is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, where he served on the Family Law, Criminal Law, and Bankruptcy Sections; Fifth District Bar Association, where he served as president; and Rice County Bar Association; Faribault Rotary Club; "That Man is You" men's group at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; and was a member of the Noon Sertoma Club, where he served as president; Consolidated Catholic School Board, where he served as chair; and the Immaculate Conception Church Board of Trustees.
Cajacob will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Bernard E. Borene, whose retirement was effective on April 1, 2010. Cajacob, 60, was born in Graceville and lives in Faribault with his wife, Suzanne. They have three adult daughters, Brianna - a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy, Brittny, and Blisse.
Long is an assistant Steele County Attorney in Owatonna, a position she has held since 1991. She was also an associate attorney and partner in the Owatonna law firm of Ruth, Schreiner and Long from 1991 until 1999, when the Steele County Attorney's office became a full-time position. Long earned her juris doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1991, and her bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1988.
"Christine brings a wealth of experience in civil as well as criminal law," Governor Pawlenty said. "In addition to her legal skills and reputation for professionalism, she is an active member of the community and relates well to people."
Long is a member of the Minnesota, Fifth District, and Steele County Bar Associations, and is a past president of the Steele County Bar Association. She is a member of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association and serves on the Juvenile Law Committee, Steele County Children's Justice Initiative, Steele County Child Protection Team, Owatonna Business and Professional Women, and has been a speaker at numerous seminars on child protection issues. She is also a member of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, chairs the Steele County Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition Public Policy Committee, and is an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Long has also been a member and chair of Leadership Owatonna, member and chair of the Crossroads of Owatonna youth shelter Advisory Board, member and president of Wee Pals Childcare Center Board of Directors, assistant coach of the Owatonna High School Mock Trial team as well as a regional mock trial judge, member of the Steele County Food Shelf Board of Directors, Steele County Medical Reserve Corps Advisory Committee, Steele County United Way Allocations Committee, and a performer and member of the stage crew with the Little Theater of Owatonna.
Long fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable William A. Johnson, whose retirement was effective on January 8, 2010. Long, 44, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and lives in Owatonna with her husband Larry Keltto, and their two daughters, Anna, 12, and Clare, nine.
Magill is counsel to the United States Attorney with the U.S. Attorney's office for the District of Minnesota, a position he has held since August 2009. He was the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota from 2008 to August 2009, first assistant U.S. Attorney from 2007 to 2008, chief of its economic crimes section from 1998 to 2007, an assistant U.S. Attorney from 1990 to 1998, and a civil litigation associate attorney with the Dorsey and Whitney law firm in Minneapolis from 1985 to 1990. Magill earned his juris doctorate degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C. in 1985, and his bachelor of science degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University in 1981.
"Frank is one of the most respected attorneys in the state," Governor Pawlenty said. "His strong intellect, leadership in the U.S. Attorney's office, and first-rate trial skills will make him an immediate impact player on the Hennepin County bench."
Magill is a member of the Federal, Minnesota State, and Hennepin County Bar Associations, and was a member of the Twin Cities Security Partnership and the Civil Rights Advisory Group. He volunteers with the Georgetown University Alumni Admissions Program, participates in a variety of activities with Our Lady of Grace School and Men's Club, is a speaker at numerous continuing legal education seminars and community events, has been a guest instructor at Twin Cities law schools, and was a parent volunteer with the Cub Scouts and a judge at Webster Open School Student Court.
Magill fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable H. Peter Albrecht, whose retirement was effective on December 31, 2009. Magill, 50, was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and lives in St. Louis Park with his wife, Margaret Burns Magill, and their two children, Liza, 14 and Jack, 12.