Saint Paul, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates to Governor Mark Dayton for consideration to fill the current vacancy occurring in Minnesota's Second Judicial District. This vacancy was created upon the retirement of the Honorable Dale B. Lindman. This district court judgeship will be chambered at Saint Paul in Ramsey County in the Second Judicial District.

Joy Bartscher-Ms. Bartscher is an associate attorney at Rogosheske, Sieben and Atkins, P.L.C. where she handles criminal defense, personal injury, family and other general practice matters. With her bilingual background, Ms. Bartscher also conducts a high number of pro bono services and has received recognition for these services. Previously, Ms. Bartscher served as Executive Director of the Neighborhood Justice Center. She is a past president and board member of the Riverview Economic Development Association and was a member of the Supreme Court Interpreter Advisory Committee.

Shawn Bartsh- Ms. Bartsh maintains a solo law practice in Saint Paul where she handles civil matters while also serving as a conciliation court referee for Ramsey County. She also serves as an arbitrator and mediator in contested matters and as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Previously, Ms. Bartsh was an adjunct professor with William Mitchell College of Law and practiced with Karon, Jepsen and Daly. She is a past President of the Ramsey County Bar Association and remains active with both the Highland Business Association and Highland District Council.

Thomas Plunkett- Mr. Plunkett maintains his own private law practice at Plunkett Law Office where he focuses in criminal defense matters. He previously worked as an attorney with Dudley and Smith P.A. and was the Chief Law Clerk at the Ramsey County Public Defender's Office. Mr. Plunkett served as a military pilot and JAG officer for the Army Reserve and Minnesota Army National Guard from 1988-2006. He regularly volunteers with the Center for Victims of Torture and serves as the Vice President of the Ramsey County Bar Association.

The Second Judicial District consists of Ramsey County.

An announcement of the appointment will be made following an interview process over the next few weeks.