Appointed/Elected:

Appointed Aug. 28, 2011, by Governor Mark Dayton. Elected in 2012 and 2018. Term expires Jan. 2025.

Education: 

J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1991

B.S., Political Science, Macalester College, 1987

Employment:    

Private practice, focusing on criminal defense work at both the state and federal level.  As an attorney, she appeared in 31 Minnesota counties, as well as in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.  Much of her practice focused on immigration consequences for non-citizen clients.  She also appeared in Guardianship/Probate Court and in Civil Commitment Court in Ramsey County.    

Professional Memberships:

Member, Juris Divas 

Former member, Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice

Former member, Minnesota Public Defender DNA Institute

Former member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Former member, Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Former board member, Criminal Defense Services, St. Paul

Professional and Community Activites:

Board member, St. Thomas More Society

Former board member, La Clinica, St. Paul

Judge Perkkio has taught classes on immigration consequences for non-citizen clients at William Mitchell College of Law.  

Judge Perkkio is also an active member of her community, following the sports her children play (soccer and hockey) and volunteering her time in area schools and at her church.