Former Law School Professor Confirmed to 8th Circuit Court

The U.S. Senate today confirmed Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. Stras was a professor at the Law School from 2004-2010, where he taught and wrote on federal courts and jurisdiction, constitutional law, criminal law, and law and politics. In addition, he was co-director of the Institute for Law and Politics at the University of Minnesota.

“We are incredibly proud that our former colleague Justice Stras—now Judge Stras—has been confirmed to serve on the 8th Circuit,” said Garry W. Jenkins, dean of the Law School and William S. Pattee Professor of Law. “His dedication to law and record of public service will be put to great use for the people of our region and the United States.”

In 2010, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty ’86 appointed Stras to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Stras received his B.A. in 1995 and his MBA in 1999 from the University of Kansas. He also received his J.D. in 1999 from the University of Kansas School of Law. Following law school, Stras clerked for Judge Melvin Brunetti (9th Circuit), Judge Michael Luttig (4th Circuit), and Justice Clarence Thomas (U.S. Supreme Court). Stras also practiced in the Washington, D.C., office of Sidley Austin Brown & Wood.