ST. PAUL, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates to Governor Mark Dayton for consideration to fill the upcoming vacancy on Minnesota's Supreme Court. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of The Honorable Paul H. Anderson at the end of May.
Judge Edward J. Cleary: Judge Cleary currently sits on the Minnesota Court of Appeals as judge for the Fourth Congressional District. He previously served as judge and Assistant Chief Judge for the Second Judicial District. From 1997-2002, Judge Cleary served as the Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, and prior to that, practiced law for 20 years, concentrating on criminal defense and civil litigation. He is a past president of the Ramsey County Bar Association and served on the Minnesota State Bar Association Governing Council. In addition, Judge Cleary served as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School from 2000-2012.
Judge Natalie E. Hudson: Judge Hudson currently sits on the Minnesota Court of Appeals as an at large judge. Prior to her appointment to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, she served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Minnesota in the Criminal Appeals and Health Licensing Divisions. Judge Hudson has also served as the City Attorney for the City of St. Paul, and was the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the Hamline University School of Law. She is a member of the American Bar Association's Judicial Division and is a member of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Advisory Board.
David L. Lillehaug: Former United States Attorney Lillehaug is an officer and shareholder with Fredrikson and Byron, P.A., and is active in pro bono work. His 30-year litigation practice focuses on public law and complex cases - civil, criminal, and administrative - with a particular emphasis on state and federal constitutional issues. As U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, he was the federal government's chief prosecutor and civil lawyer in the state and worked closely with all federal investigative agencies. He serves on three non-profit boards and on the Minnesota State Bar Association's Mock Trial Program Advisory Committee.
The announcement of Governor Dayton's appointment to the Supreme Court will be made after he completes the interview process.
