The Minnesota Judicial Branch is seeking applicants to serve as non-attorney members on the Commission on Judicial Selection for the Third and Seventh Judicial Districts. The commission, which consists of 49 members selected by the Governor and the Supreme Court from across ten judicial districts, is responsible for screening and interviewing candidates for judicial appointments and making recommendations to the Governor.
Applicants for the Third Judicial District must reside in one of the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, or Winona. For the Seventh Judicial District position, eligible applicants must live in Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, or Wadena County.
Serving on the commission does not require a legal background. According to the announcement: “You do not need to be a lawyer to serve! You just need to care about the administration of justice in our state. Join us in ensuring Minnesota’s bench remains fair, impartial, and accessible to all.”
Commission members are expected to participate actively but will not receive compensation or reimbursement for expenses. Appointments are for partial terms that will conclude at the end of the Governor’s term in January 2027.
Interested individuals should submit a letter outlining their background by Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 4:30 P.M. Resumes may also be included but are not required. Letters can be sent via email to Christa Rutherford-Block at mjcappellateclerkofcourt@courts.state.mn.us or mailed to 305 Minnesota Judicial Center in St. Paul; email submissions are preferred.
“Join us in ensuring Minnesota’s bench remains fair, impartial, and accessible to all,” states the announcement.