Govenor Pawlenty Appoints Karen Janisch '87 to Fourth Judicial District Judgeship

04/29/2009

Minneapolis – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Karen A. Janisch and Thomas M. Sipkins to two Fourth Judicial District trial court bench vacancies in Hennepin County. The vacancies occurred with the retirement of the Honorable Pamela G. Alexander on June 6, 2008, and the retirement of the Honorable E. Anne McKinsey on October 3, 2008. 

Janisch is general counsel to the Governor, a position she has held since 2003. Previously, she was a partner (1999 to 2003) and an associate attorney (1993 through 1998) with the Rider Bennett, Egan and Arundel law firm in Minneapolis, and a judicial law clerk to Idaho State Supreme Court Justice Byron J. Johnson from 1992 to 1993. Janisch earned her juris doctorate degree magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1992, and her bachelor of arts degree in government cum laude from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph in 1987.

“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,” Governor Pawlenty said. “She will be a great asset to the Hennepin County bench.”

Janisch is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and Hennepin County Bar Association, National Governor’s Association Legal Counsel, and National Association of Extradition Officials. She was also a member of the Minnesota Supreme Court Committee on Rules for the Board on Judicial Standards, Minnesota Department of Health Pandemic Ethics Project, and the Rider Bennett United Way Fund Campaign Drive.

Janisch, 43, was born in Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, Daniel Tschida and their two daughters, Audrey, 6, and Elizabeth, 3.

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