Gov. Tim Pawlenty has appointed Karen A. Janisch and Thomas M. Sipkins to the Fourth Judicial District trial court bench. That’s Hennepin County.
They will fill the vacancies created last year when Judge Pamela Alexander and Judge E. Anne McKinsey left the bench.
Janisch, 42, of Minneapolis, has been general counsel to the governor since 2003, according to Pawlenty’s office. Previously, she was a partner and an associate attorney with the Rider Bennett, Egan and Arundel law firm in Minneapolis.
“Throughout her career as a litigator and in public service, Karen has mastered a wide range of legal issues and laws. She is a quick study and her keen intellect has been invaluable to the administration,” Pawlenty said. “She will be a great asset to the Hennepin County bench.”
Sipkins, 61, of Edina, is an attorney and partner with the Minneapolis law firm of Maslon, Edelman, Borman, and Brand, where he heads the firm’s Labor and Employment Group, and is a member of its Competitive Practices and Litigation groups. He has been an attorney with the Maslon firm since 2004.
“Tom has a wealth of experience as a civil litigator, as well as in the management of the law firms where he has worked, which will be of great benefit to the Hennepin County courts,” Pawlenty said. “I am heartened that he is willing to lend his talents to public service in this capacity.”
