Gov. Walz Appoints 2 Women To MN Supreme Court

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz on Monday announced the appointments of Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy as associate justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Gaïtas will be replacing Justice Margaret H. Chutich and Hennesy will be replacing Justice G. Barry Anderson.

"I am honored to appoint Judge Gaïtas to the Minnesota Supreme Court," said Walz. "She is a remarkable jurist who has served at all levels of our judiciary. Her understanding of the complexities of our judicial system will make her an excellent addition to the Minnesota Supreme Court."

Gaïtas earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. She is currently a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Previously, Gaïtas served as a judge in the Fourth Judicial District, presiding over a felony caseload in the criminal division and as co-chair of the Domestic Violence Steering Committee, according to Walz's office.

Gaïtas is co-chair of the Tribal Court State Court Forum, a committee that promotes collaboration between tribal courts and state courts in Minnesota, and co-chair of the Court of Appeals’ Equal Justice Committee and law clerk recruiting committee.

Her community involvement includes presenting at legal education events, serving as a moot court judge, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Of Hennesy, Walz said she is "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."

Hennesy earned her B.A. from Central College and her J.D. from Drake Law School. She is currently the chief judge of the Seventh Judicial District and is chambered in St. Cloud.

Previously, she practiced law in both appellate and trial courts as an appellate public defender in Iowa, a criminal defense attorney in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, and a staff attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in St. Cloud, according to Walz's office.

Hennesy also serves as chair of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the General Rules of Practice.

Her community involvement includes speaking at the Minnesota Women Lawyers Association, volunteering for mock trial teams, and working with local schools to help students learn about the judiciary.