Kurt Johnson

appointed judge

NU attorney fills

Mankato vacancy

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

ST. PAUL -- Kurt Johnson was named to a Fifth Judicial District judicial vacancy in Mankato on Monday by Gov. Jesse Ventura.

"Kurt comes across as a gentle and kind man," Ventura said. "These are qualities that will make people appear before him feel more at ease in what is often an intimidating moment in their lives."

Johnson, 44, currently practices family law with Gislason and Hunter in New Ulm, a job he's held for the 19 years.

When he takes the bench, he will replace Blue Earth County District Judge James Mason, who formally retired on May 4.

Johnson is unsure when he'll move into his new job because there is business to take care of in New Ulm. Johnson isn't under any deadline pressure from the state to take the bench because Mason has already retired.

"It's a great honor," Johnson said of his appointment. "I'm looking forward to serving the Fifth District."

Ventura also named David Higgs and William Leary, to seats in the Second District in Ramsey County and Stephen Halsey to the Tenth District bench vacancy in Wright County. The appointees are currently practicing attorneys in various parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Johnson was selected from four finalists after the governor's judicial selection committee held interviews for the vacancy in Mankato on April 5. The opening was Johnson's first attempt at a judgeship.

When asked what his priorities as a judge will be, Johnson said he's interested in family law and anticipates diversity in cases.

"We'll see everything across the board," he said.

A second priority is to "make sure everybody gets heard," Johnson said.

Johnson began working at Gislason and Hunter in the summer as a law clerk and then joined the firm as an attorney.

Johnson graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield in 1979 and earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1983. He has practiced family law, mediation and alternative dispute resolution. He was born in New Ulm, but grew up "down the road" in Springfield, he said.

He also served as a volunteer attorney for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and as a judge for William Mitchell's trial advocacy classes. He coaches youth soccer and basketball and is involved with Boy Scouts, United Way of New Ulm, the Lions Club and serves on the District 88's long-range planning task force.