I was a solo practitioner or a member of a two person partnership for 23 years before I became a judge. A judge's office is organized much like a small law office. When I became a judge, I quickly discovered the similarities between managing a small law office and managing a judge’s chambers. I have two staff people; a court reporter and a law clerk reporting directly to me. I understand how to efficiently manage a small office. I draft most of my orders and am able to use my own computer skills to insure that my law clerk’s efforts are directed towards in depth legal research rather than repetitive routine tasks that can be easily handled through office automation. Judges in Hennepin County have an additional resource created by the availability of externs through the four metro area law schools.

I have made liberal use of externs. Ambitious, motivated law students are eager for the opportunity to work in a judge’s office for a semester. I have found that by providing direction, motivation and the opportunity to participate in the legal system I receive in return excellent researchers and writers who assist in my work at no cost to the taxpayer.

 

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Paid for by the Committee to Retain Judge Pihlaja
1230 Landmark Towers, 345 St Peter Street, St Paul, MN 55102
Martin Costello, treasurer