Minneapolis – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Joseph R. Klein to a Fourth Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in Hennepin County. The vacancy occurred with the death of the Honorable Steven A. Pihlaja on September 17, 2008.

Klein is an attorney with the Law Office of Andrew P. Sherwood in Roseville, where he serves as house counsel for Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. He has been an attorney with the firm since 2006. Previously, he was a contract attorney with Universal Underwriters Group in Edina from 2005 to 2006, an attorney with Zurich North American Insurance from 2004 to 2005, a quality assurance supervisor with Medical Evaluations, Inc. in Minneapolis from 2000 to 2003, and an attorney and shareholder with the Moss and Barnett law firm in Minneapolis from 1987 to 2000. Klein earned his juris doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1986, his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 1982, and his associate of arts degree from Rochester Community College in 1979.

“Joe has a sharp intellect,” Governor Pawlenty said. “His passion for public service and helping others, as reflected by his volunteer work in the community, will help him in his new job.”

Klein is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), its Civil Litigation Section, and has been a Certified Civil Trial Specialist. He is also a member of the Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, and has been a member of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association. His community activities have included serving as a volunteer judge for the University of Minnesota Law School Moot Court, a volunteer attorney coach for Edina Middle School’s mock trial program, a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, Girl Scout food drive to benefit Rushford flood victims in 2008, Urban Homeworks, Minnetonka Neighborhood Watch Disaster Preparedness program, as well as a volunteer coach for Hopkins youth football, basketball, baseball and girls’ softball. He is also an active member at Faith Presbyterian Church.

Klein, 49, was born in Alexandria, and lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Holly Pike, and their two children, Kristin, 18, and Tommy, 13.