Q&A: Toddrick Barnette ’92, Incoming Chief Judge, Hennepin County District Court

Judge Toddrick S. Barnette ’92, who has served for 14 years on the Hennepin County District Court bench, was last month elected by his peers to serve as chief judge of the Hennepin County District Court. He will take over his new position on July 1, becoming the first chief judge of color in the court’s history. Before joining the bench, Barnette served as a senior attorney in the Office of the Hennepin County Attorney and, prior to that, a senior attorney in the Office of the Hennepin County Public Defender.

Before being a judge, you served as both a prosecutor and public defender. How has having served on both sides of the aisle informed your perspective as a judge? 

My experience helps me bring a balanced approach to the court system. This approach enables me to understand and respect the perspectives and arguments of attorneys before me. 

You have served on the bench for 14 years, including working on Drug Court and Domestic Violence Court, and serving as presiding judge on the criminal side of the court. What types of cases do you find to be the toughest and why?  

Many cases are tough, but any case where there’s a loss of life is especially difficult, because the victim’s family has lost their loved one, and the defendant’s family could potentially lose someone they love for a very long time. No matter the outcome, everyone involved is emotionally impacted. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of being on the Hennepin County District Court bench?

The most rewarding experience is when I am walking in the skyway or on the street and someone stops me—whether they’re a defendant, a victim, or an attorney—and they tell me about the positive experience they had in my courtroom.

You were recently elected chief judge by your peers. What was that experience like, and how will your responsibilities change?

I felt a tremendous amount of responsibility and support. I had mixed emotions about being the first person of color elected as a chief judge in Hennepin County. A part of me was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Another part of me was disappointed it took this long for someone of color to be the chief judge in Hennepin County because there have been so many other judges of color who were deserving of the honor.  But two weeks later, Judge [Leonardo] Castro was elected Chief Judge of the Second District in Ramsey County. I’m thrilled to have Judge Castro making history with me. He promoted me to a supervisory position when I was in the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office.

How have court operations been impact by COVID-19? What do you think the “new normal” will be for the courts going forward?

COVID-19 has affected every part of our operations. Our focus has been on keeping everyone as safe as possible when they are in the courthouse. Social distancing has meant limiting the number of people in the courtrooms and conducting more hearings using remote technology. Our “new normal” is still unknown, but it will require us to continue to be flexible and adapt.

What are some of your favorite classes or clinical experiences at Minnesota Law?

My favorite time was in the Prosecutor and Defense Clinic taught by Professor Steve Simon ’71. He was the very first person who told me I was going to be a judge. He saw potential in me at a time where I was not sure I even wanted to practice law.

What advice would you give to a law student or recent law school grad trying to break into the profession today?

Get involved with a bar association. There are so many lawyers out there who are willing to mentor recent graduates and law students. It is a good place to start networking.

What could the legal profession be doing to better foster diversity and inclusion?

We need to recognize the importance and value of hiring and retaining lawyers of color and lawyers from under-represented communities.

Do you have a favorite book or quote that has inspired you on your path or in your work?

There is a quote in my office by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “Humility won’t let you be arrogant.”

How do you like to spend your free time?

Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family at home. On a lighter note—no one will believe this—but I enjoy playing Panda Pop on my cellphone. It’s a mindless game that allows me to escape reality for a few minutes.

What are a few interesting items that one might see in your office?

Family mementos, including a plaque given to my grandmother from the Fort Stanton Civic Association, my mother’s birth certificate, and artwork by my uncle. There are also nameplates from retired judges and retired court staff who made an impression on me, and an autographed shoe from [professional women’s basketball player] Seimone Augustus.

Anything else you would like to share?

Especially during this unprecedented time it is important to find balance in your life.