Judge John P. Smith

Minnesota Judicial Center
Phone: (651) 297-7650

Appointed/Elected:

Appointment to the Minnesota Court of Appeals by Governor Mark Dayton announced on December 19, 2012.  Joined the Minnesota Court of Appeals on January 7, 2013 (via a private oath; formal investiture ceremony to follow).

Appointed to the district court bench in the Ninth Judicial District by Governor Arne Carlson in 1991.  Elected in 1992, 1998, 2004, and 2010. 

Education:

LL.M., Emory University Litigation, 1987
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1975
B.A., cum laude, Concordia College (Moorhead), 1971

Employment:

Attorney- Smith, Hunter and Valen, 1976-1991

Professional Memberships:

Minnesota District Judges Association
Minnesota State Bar Association (Certified Civil Trial Specialist)
Georgia State Bar Association
Cass-Hubbard County Bar Association
Fifteenth District Bar Association
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
Minnesota Small Business Development Advisory Board

Community Activities:

Nevis School Board, 1987-present
Former President- Rotary Club, 1985
Supervisor- Crow Wing Township, 1976-1978
Scout Master (Troop 56)- Boy Scouts of America
Former President- Fraternal Order of Eagles
Former President- Jaycees

Awards and Honors:

Northwest Initiative Fund Leader, Northwest Initiative Fund, 1990
Bush Mid-Career Fellowship, 1986