Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that applications are being accepted for two judicial positions on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. The positions are due to the expiration of the terms of two judges on January 5, 2009. Qualified candidates must have been licensed to practice law in Minnesota for at least five years, and have knowledge of and experience with workers’ compensation laws.

The Secretary of State’s office published these positions today, Monday, March 2, 2009. Attorneys who are interested in applying must complete an Open Appointments Application Form. Application forms may be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s office from their website, www.sos.state.mn.us, www.sos.state.mn.us or by calling 651-297-5845. Applicants are asked to attach a current résumé to their application. The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of applicants, is Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the Governor’s office.

The nine at-large members of the Commission on Judicial Selection will review applications, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to the Governor for these positions.

The Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals has statewide appellate jurisdiction over all workers’ compensation appeals. The court consists of five judges appointed by the Governor. Judges serve six-years terms on a full-time basis and are compensated $127,213 annually.