FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2024
Contact: Claire Lancaster
claire.lancaster@state.mn.us
651-219-2975
Governor Walz Appoints Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy to the Minnesota Supreme Court
[ST.
PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
today announced the appointments of Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy as
associate justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Gaïtas will be
replacing the Honorable Margaret H. Chutich and Hennesy will be
replacing the Honorable G. Barry Anderson.
“I am honored to appoint Judge Gaïtas to the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Governor Walz.
“She is a remarkable jurist who has served at all levels of our
judiciary. Her understanding of the complexities of our judicial system
will make her an excellent addition to the Minnesota Supreme Court.”
“Judge
Gaïtas will be an extraordinary justice who will bring a wealth of life
and legal experience to our state’s highest court,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “As a longtime appellate public defender, she will never lose sight of the people behind every decision of the justice system.”
“I
am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Minnesota
Supreme Court, and I thank Governor Walz and his team for their trust in
me,” said Judge Theodora Gaïtas of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. “As an associate justice, I will strive to apply the law fairly and justly for all Minnesotans.”
“As
Chief Justice, I am pleased to welcome both Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy
and Judge Theodora Gaïtas to the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Chief Justice Natalie Hudson of the Minnesota Supreme Court. “Both
are experienced, well-respected jurists who bring exceptional
intellectual gifts and a deep commitment to serving the people of
Minnesota. This is a great day for Minnesota.”
“I am delighted to learn that Judge Gaïtas has been selected for our Supreme Court,” said Cathryn Middlebrook of the Office of the Minnesota Appellate Public Defender. “I
have always been impressed by the complete person that Judge Gaïtas is.
Her experience, deep knowledge of the law, and her reasoned and
compassionate commitment to justice bring an essential perspective to
the court and to the State of Minnesota.”
“Judge Gaïtas is an outstanding choice to serve as a member of our Supreme Court,” said Chief Judge Susan Segal of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. “She
brings a depth of knowledge from her years in practice before joining
the bench and her service on both the district court and the Court of
Appeals. Judge Gaïtas has been a talented and valued colleague on the
Court of Appeals, and I know that she has the wisdom, judgment, and
commitment to equal justice and the rule of law that will make her an
extraordinary justice.”
About Theodora Gaïtas:
Theodora
Gaïtas is a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She previously
served as a judge in the Fourth Judicial District, where she presided
over a felony caseload in the criminal division and as co-chair of the
Domestic Violence Steering Committee. Gaïtas is co-chair of the Tribal
Court State Court Forum, a committee that promotes collaboration between
tribal courts and state courts in Minnesota, and co-chair of the Court
of Appeals’ Equal Justice Committee and law clerk recruiting committee.
Gaïtas’s community involvement includes presenting at legal education
events, serving as a moot court judge, and volunteering with Meals on
Wheels. She earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota and her
J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.
“It is my privilege to appoint Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy,” said Governor Walz.
“Not only is she a brilliant legal mind with extensive judicial
experience, but she is a leader who knows how to move the needle towards
justice.”
“I am thrilled with Chief Judge Hennesy’s appointment,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Her
greater Minnesota perspective, combined with her passion for service
and a deep connection to the people she serves, will make her an
exceptional justice on the Supreme Court. I look forward to seeing her
thrive in her new role.”
“I am profoundly honored to be selected to serve as an associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy of the Seventh Judicial District. “I
want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Governor and his team for
entrusting me with this immense responsibility. As a justice of this
Court, I will work collaboratively with my colleagues to interpret the
law faithfully, uphold the Constitution, and ensure that justice is
accessible to all Minnesotans.”
“I’m elated that Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy will be joining the Supreme Court,” said Justice Margaret Chutich of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
“She is fair, experienced, compassionate, and respectful of every
person who appears before her. It’s a great day for the court and for
Minnesota!”
“Humble, wise, kind, and talented is how I would describe Sarah,” said Justice Anne McKeig of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
“Her leadership experience, along with her district court street
smarts, will serve the court well. I am excited to have her join the
court.”
About Sarah Hennesy:
Sarah
Hennesy is the chief judge of the Seventh Judicial District and is
chambered in St. Cloud. She previously practiced law in both appellate
and trial courts as an appellate public defender in Iowa, as a criminal
defense attorney in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and as a staff
attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in St. Cloud. Hennesy also serves as
chair of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the General Rules of
Practice. Her community involvement includes speaking at Minnesota Women
Lawyers Association and other legal organization events, volunteering
as a judge and coach for mock trial teams and working with local schools
to help students learn about the judiciary. She earned her B.A. from
Central College and her J.D. from Drake Law School.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.
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