Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the process he will use to fill two upcoming judicial vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The first opening – which is an at-large position – will occur with the resignation of the Honorable Christopher J. Dietzen, who was appointed by Governor Pawlenty to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Dietzen’s resignation is effective on Tuesday, February 19, 2008. The second opening will occur with the retirement of the Honorable R. A. “Jim” Randall on April 4, 2008. Judge Randall’s seat is an Eighth Congressional District position, and must be filled by an individual who has resided in the Eighth Congressional District for at least one year prior to appointment.

Licensed Minnesota attorneys who wish to apply for appointment should submit a letter of interest, résumé, and a list of six to 10 references (no letters of recommendation) via U.S. Mail to:

John Hultquist
Director of Judicial Appointments
Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55155

Materials may also be sent via e-mail to john.hultquist@state.mn.us or fax to 651-296-0056.

All candidates who wish to be considered must submit their materials so they are received by the Governor’s office no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2008.

Governor Pawlenty has designated a seven-member ad hoc screening committee to review résumés and make recommendations to him. The committee members are:

Eric Magnuson, chair, attorney with Briggs and Morgan in Minneapolis
Rene Diebold, attorney in private practice in Marshall
Karen Himle, University of Minnesota vice president for university relations
John Hultquist, Governor’s director of judicial appointments
Karen Janisch, general counsel to the Governor
Bob Schroeder, Governor’s deputy chief of staff
Ronald Schutz, attorney with Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi in Minneapolis

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has jurisdiction of appeals from all final decisions of trial courts other than conciliation courts except for appeals in election contests, convictions of murder in the first degree and appeals from the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals and the Tax Court, which are appealed directly to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals consists of 19judges; 11 judges who serve at-large, and eight judges who are initially appointed – one each – from the state’s eight congressional districts.