Our "New to the Bench" series helps HCBA members get to know judges who were recently appointed to the Fourth Judicial District Bench. Judge Melissa Houghtaling was appointed to the bench in June of 2022 by Governor Tim Walz.
Why did you want to become a judge?
Using my law degree to serve the public is extremely important to me. After serving as a district court referee for five years, I wanted to expand my impact and diversify the types of cases I could hear, so a district court judge position was the next step. My passion for the law is founded in my observations of the ripple effects that interactions with the justice system can have on families and society and the extraordinary importance of an impartial judiciary. I want to be a judge who continues to understand the real-world effects of our decisions and be part rebuilding trust in our system.
What was your career path before becoming a judge?
I started my career in private practice focusing on the legal needs of LGTBQ families. During that time, I also served as a conciliation court referee for the 4th and the 2nd judicial districts, a hearing officer for the St. Paul Public Housing Agency, and I developed dispute resolution skills through mediation and parent consultant training. After about 10 years, I wanted to pursue a goal of public service, so I closed my practice and was lucky to be hired mid-career as a law clerk for the Minnesota State Tax Court. All of this prepared me for my next roles in public service as a Human Services Judge at the Department of Human Services and a fulltime district court referee in the Civil/Criminal Divisions in the 4th Judicial District.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our judicial system today?
Our judicial system is facing many of the same pressures as other sectors related to staffing, funding, and case volume. Most critically, we are seeing more cases needing coordinated services for mental health, addiction, and housing stability.
What’s one valuable piece of advice you have received?
When applying for the district court judge position, a colleague suggested I contact The Infinity Project to discuss the application process. What an incredible organization! Their advice, support, and help during the process was invaluable.
As for general advice? My go-to is from Kenny Rogers’ song, "The Gambler": “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” This advice works in the courtroom as much as it does in daily life.
My passion for the law is founded in my observations of the ripple effects that interactions with the justice system can have on families and society, and the extraordinary importance of an impartial judiciary. I want to be a judge who continues to understand the real-world effects of our decisions and be part rebuilding trust in our system.
What's been the most surprising thing to you since taking the bench?
I have not been surprised by much as I was a district court referee in my district for almost five years and got had an insider’s view before applying to be a judge, but generally I think people may be surprised at how friendly, helpful, and nice everyone is.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with my wife and two-year-old son. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and travelling.
What are some books, movies, television shows and/or music you enjoy?
I absolutely love music—in fact, had my life gone a different direction I would have been a band teacher. If I had to pick what is on consistent rotation in my household it would be Brandi Carlisle, Beyoncé, Lake Street Dive, The Chicks, and Dave Brubeck.
As for books, I enjoy dystopian fiction and one of my favorite authors is Hugh Howey. If you are looking for some good children’s books my favorites right now are Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and I Will Surprise My Friend by Mo Willems.