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Paul C. Thissen

Justice

Appointment

Appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Mark Dayton on May 14, 2018. Current term expires Jan. 2021.
 

Education

  • J.D., with honors, University of Chicago Law School, 1992
  • A.B., magna cum laude, Harvard University, 1989
 

Past Employment

  • Minnesota State Representative, 2003-2018
  • Speaker of the Minnesota House, 2013-2014
  • Democratic House Leader, 2011-2016
  • Chair of the Health and Human Service Committee, 2007-2010
  • Ballard Spahr Law Firm (formerly Lindquist & Vennum), 2010-2018
  • Briggs and Morgan Law Firm, 1993-2010
  • Minnesota State Public Defenders Office, Appellate Division, 1998-1999
  • Federal Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Clerking for the Honorable Judge James Loken, 1992-1993
 

Professional Memberships

  • Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)
  • Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA)
  • Executive Board Member, New Lawyers Division of the HCBA and MSBA
  • Coach, MSBA Mock Trial Competition 
 

Professional and Community Activities 

  • Healthy and Happy Kids, Member of the Board, 2015-present
  • Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Trustee, 2011-2018
  • Minnesota AIDS Project Policy Board, 2006
  • Minnesota Justice Foundation, Member of the Board, 2000-2002
  • Women of Nations Shelter, 1998-2000
  • Access for Persons with Disabilities, Founder and Member of the Board, 1995-1997
 

Additional Information

  • Top 100 Influential Minnesotans in Health Care; 2016, 2013, 2009
  • Women's Economic Security Champion, 2015
  • Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Legislator of the Year, 2014
  • Standing Ovation Award, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, 2014
  • Minnesota High Tech Association Public Service Award, 2014
  • Legislator of the Year, Politics in Minnesota, 2012
  • ARRM Cares Leadership Award, 2009
  • Minnesota Nurses Association, Public Official Award, 2008
  • Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Best Brains in the Twin Cities, 2008
  • ARC Minnesota, Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • "Forty Under 40" Top Twin Cities Professionals, Twin Cities Business Journal, 2006
  • Civic Leadership Award from Citizen's League, 2005
Photograph of  Paul C. Thissen
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