Stearns County Judge Sarah Hennesy Tapped by Governor for Minnesota Supreme Court

(KNSI) — A Stearns County judge has been appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Governor Tim Walz selected the chief judge of the Seventh Judicial District, Sarah Hennesy, to fill a vacancy on the state’s highest court following the retirement of the Honorable G. Barry Anderson.

In a statement, Judge Hennesy says she is “profoundly honored to be selected to serve as an associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. 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.”

According to her biography, Hennesy earned her B.A. from Central College and her J.D. from Drake Law School. 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. Hennesy is also active in the community, speaking at events for legal organizations, volunteering as a mock trial judge and coach, and working with local schools to educate students about the judiciary.

“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.”

Justice Anne McKeig of the Minnesota Supreme Court called Hennesy “Humble, wise, kind, and talented. Her leadership experience, along with her district court street smarts, will serve the court well. I am excited to have her join the court.”

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