ST. PAUL, MN - Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Judge Manuel J. Cervantes as judge on Minnesota's Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. Judge Cervantes will be replacing the Honorable Thomas L. Johnson, whose term recently expired.
"In his life and career, Judge Cervantes has demonstrated a strong commitment to justice," said Governor Dayton. "His exemplary service to the State of Minnesota and his direct service to the people of his community have prepared him well for this new position. I am confident that Judge Cervantes will be an outstanding addition to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals."
Judge Manuel J. Cervantes currently is an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings, where he provides hearing and mediation services to more than 100 state agencies and local units of government. Judge Cervantes has previously served as an Appellate Judge on the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, as the St. Paul City Attorney, as a Second Judicial District Court Referee, and as an Assistant Attorney General for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office. Judge Cervantes earned his B.A. from Macalester College and his J.D. from the Mondale School of Law.
Additionally, Judge Cervantes is a current member of the Humboldt Youth at Risk Task Force, mentors a Humboldt student, and coaches youth soccer. In 2011, Judge Cervantes was a recipient of a Certificate of Recognition from the Minnesota Supreme Court for his service as a member of the Racial Fairness Committee.
Judge Cervantes resides in Saint Paul with his wife, children, and granddaughters.
The Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals is an independent agency of Minnesota's executive branch. It reviews workers' compensation cases decided by compensation judges at the Office of Administrative Hearings and in some cases decided by the Workers' Compensation Division at the Department of Labor and Industry.
/governor/assets/Manuel_J_Cervantes.jpg_tcm1055-98169.jpgA headshot of Judge Manuel J. Cervantes is attached.
