Le Center – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of M. Michael Baxter to a First Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in Le Sueur County. The vacancy occurred as a result of the death of the Honorable Jean A. Davies. The Minnesota Supreme Court transferred the chambers of Judge Davies’ position to the city of Le Center in Le Sueur County.

Baxter is an attorney and shareholder with the Baxter Engen, Ltd. law firm in Burnsville, a position he has held since 2003. He has also been an adjunct professor at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul since 1995. Previously, Baxter was a solo practitioner in Apple Valley from 2000 to 2003, an associate attorney with the Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi law firm in Minneapolis from 1991 to 2000, and an associate attorney with the Robbin & Thompson law firm in Wayzata in 1991. Baxter earned his juris doctorate degree magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1991. Prior to his career in law, Baxter was general sales manager with United Products Corporation from 1987 to 1989, and a sales representative and regional manager for Genstar Roofing Products Company from 1976 to 1987. Baxter earned his bachelor of arts degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1987.

“Mike has a rare combination of a diverse practice in law, experience in the business world, and a wide array of civic activities,” Governor Pawlenty said. “His professional background and demonstrated commitment to the community will be a great fit for this judgeship.”

Baxter is a member of the First Judicial District and Dakota County Bar Associations, is a volunteer attorney in family law matters with Legal Assistance of Dakota County, has served as a Ramsey County volunteer Guardian ad Litem, presented continuing legal education classes on the role of Guardian ad Litems, and served on a Hennepin County Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem attorney panel. His community activities include serving on the Rosemount City Council, the Regional Foreign Trade Zone Commission, the Dakota County Communications Center Executive Board, and chairing the Rosemount Port Authority. He has also chaired the St. Joseph’s Board of Education, Independent School District (ISD) #196 Budget Advisory Committee, Rosemount Downtown Development Commission, Rosemount St. Joseph’s Facility Task Force, and the Rosemount High School Senior Party Committee. He has also been a member of the Rosemount High School Site Council and the ISD 196 Levy Planning Task Force.

Baxter, 59, was born in Chilton, Wisconsin, and currently lives in Rosemount with his wife, Paula Barnes. They have three adult children, Michael, Matthew, and Erin.