Law School News

Seventh Judicial District Court Judge Michael L. Kirk (’75) has been appointed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals to fill a vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Roger M. Klaphake (’66). In his June 27, 2012, announcement, Gov. Mark Dayton said that Kirk's "passion for justice and his years of experience will make him an excellent appellate judge in the Seventh Congressional District."

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents, with recommendation of the University Alumni Association, the all-University Honors Committee, and University President Eric Kaler, has selected James L. Chosy (’89) to receive the 2012 Alumni Service Award. The award recognizes individuals whose volunteer activities have imparted major benefits to a University or alumni group.

The Law School is fast approaching the end of its fiscal year on June 30, 2012, and the 2012 deadline for contributions to the Partners in Excellence Annual Fund. The goals for this year's campaign are to raise $1 million for the first time in the history of the Law School, and to reach 20% annual giving participation. Increasing alumni participation to broaden our base of supporters and building unrestricted funding to better handle our changing funding model are key priorities for the Law School this year and going forward as part of the GENERATIONS campaign.

James L. Hetland Jr. (’50), a former Law School professor, inaugural chair of the Metropolitan Council, and long-time bank executive, died May 23, 2012, in Minneapolis. He was 86.

Melvin R. Mooty (’51), a named partner at Gray, Plant, Moody, Mooty & Bennett, passed away on May 30, 2012, at age 84 at a Minnetonka, Minn., care facility of complications from Parkinson's disease. He is "widely recognized as one of the best real estate lawyers in Minnesota," says a tribute on the firm's site.

Patrick Diamond (’86) of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office has been appointed to the bench of Minnesota's Second Judicial District Court (Ramsey County), Gov. Mark Dayton's office announced June 1, 2012. Diamond and an additional appointee, Public Defender Leonardo Castro, will fill vacancies created by the appointment of Judge Edward J. Cleary (’77) to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the retirement of Judge Steven D. Wheeler.

Kathleen Sanberg (’82), a judge on the Minnesota Tax Court, was selected by Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) to receive its 2012 Myra Bradwell Award. It goes to an MWL member who exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession and the courage, perseverance, and leadership on women's issues of the award's namesake.

The University of Minnesota Law School has received a $3.5 million gift from the Robina Foundation to support a new Public Interest Scholars Program. The program is intended to create a seamless path from admission to full-time employment for students interested in public service careers.

Kathleen D. Sheehy (’84) has been appointed to the bench of Minnesota's Fourth Judicial District Court (Hennepin County), Gov. Mark Dayton's office announced May 30, 2012. Sheehy and additional appointees Martha Holton Dimick and Edward Wahl replace retiring Judges Cara Lee Neville, Beryl A. Nord (’73), and George F. McGunnigle.