Chief Judge Douglas L. Richards

Faribault County Courthouse
Phone: (507) 526-6273

Education:

1978 J.D., cum laude, William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul , Minnesota

1974 B.A. magna cum laude with distinction in Political Science, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota
Phi Beta Kappa 
Pi Gamma Mu, honorary social sciences, President
Washington Semester, American University, Washington, D.C.

Professional:

July 2005-present- Assistant Chief Judge, Fifth Judicial District

His current term expires in January 2015.

1995-present- District Court Judge, Fifth Judicial District 

1978-1995- Spencer, Johnson & Richards, Blue Earth, MN 

1978-1995- Blue Earth City Attorney (Asst. 1978-1982)

1978-1982; 1990-1995- Assistant Faribault County Attorney

Professional Highlights:

1999  Appointed Member Supreme Court Advisory Committee Amending Juvenile Protection Rules 

2000 Appointed Supreme Court State Funding Guardian Ad Litem Subcommittee

2000 Phase One Pilot County Judge Children's Justice Initiative and Fifth District Co-Lead Judge

MDJA Criminal Jury Instruction Guide Committte Member

Professional Associations:

Minnesota State Bar Association, 17th District Bar Association - Past President,  Faribault County Bar Association - Past President, Minnesota District Judges Association

Civic and Community Activities:

Blue Earth Chamber of Commerce, President 1982; United Way President 1980-81:  St. Lukes Lutheran Home Board of Directors 1984-93; Lakeview Healthcare Center Board of Directors 1982-84; Lions Club - Past President; First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees;Past District Chair Boy Scouts; Cub Scout Leader; Former  Community Youth tennis, basketball, baseball and softball coach; Past member Blue Earth Area Schools Curriculum Review Committee