Saint Paul, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that two judgeship vacancies are occurring in Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court. These vacancies were created upon the retirements of The Honorable Michael J. Kraker and The Honorable John R. Hawkinson. Judge Kraker's seat will be chambered at Mahnomen in Mahnomen County and Judge Hawkinson's seat will be chambered at Grand Rapids in Itasca County. Both seats will be chambered within the Ninth Judicial District.

The Commission is searching for fair, experienced and civic-minded individuals to serve on the bench, and offer their talents and services to Minnesota's judicial system. The following qualities will be considered for judicial office: integrity, maturity, health (if job related), judicial temperament, legal knowledge, ability, experience, and community service. The application process is now open for these vacancies.

An individual wishing to apply may request an application by contacting Andrew Olson, Appointments Coordinator, via e-mail at andrew.c.olson@state.mn.us. A cover letter and resume should also be submitted with the application. Application materials are due by close of business, Friday, January 18, 2013. Interviews are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the Aitkin County Courthouse in Aitkin.

For inquiries concerning the application process, please contact Andrew Olson at andrew.c.olson@state.mn.us or at (651) 201-3413.

Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District consists of Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties.