Outsider steps into state Supreme Court’s top job

03/17/2008

By PATRICIA LOPEZ,
Star Tribune
Last update: March 17, 2008



For the first time in decades, someone from outside the Minnesota Supreme Court will step into the court's top job. Described as a "lawyer's lawyer," Eric Magnuson, 57, was named the court's chief justice today by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

A well-known figure in legal circles, Magnuson is an attorney at Briggs and Morgan in Minneapolis. Before it disbanded, he had been a partner and 30-year attorney at the Rider Bennett firm, where Pawlenty once toiled as a young associate.

An expert in appellate law, Magnuson has written several texts on the subject. "He is one of the most respected appellate lawyers in the country," Pawlenty said, and the most distinguished in Minnesota. "I am pleased that he has set aside his private life for awhile to serve."

Tall, imposing, with a slightly graying goatee, Magnuson said he was at a "loss for words," and found the appointment "truly humbling."

His appointment marks the first time since the 1930s that someone other than a current or former Supreme Court associate justice has been named to the top post.

Justice Paul Anderson called Magnuson "a great appointment," and said that while naming an outsider to the chief spot is unusual, Magnuson was so familiar with the court's workings that the transition "should be very smooth."

Magnuson replaces departing Chief Justice Russell Anderson, who announced last week that he was stepping down in part to care for his ailing wife.

"He is an appellate lawyer's appellate lawyer," Justice Paul Anderson said. "I couldn't feel better about this outstanding appointment."

Magnuson has chaired Pawlenty's judicial selection board since he became governor, and so has had a hand in shaping the court by recommending Pawlenty's previous three appointments.

Charlie Weaver, a former chief of staff for Pawlenty who helped select Magnuson for the judicial selection commission, said that Magnuson is a longtime friend of both Pawlenty and his wife, Mary, who also was a Rider alum.

"He's brilliant," Weaver said. "Well respected by both clients and the people he opposes, which is always a good measure. He's a thoughtful, articulate advocate, very even-handed, with a great sense of humor. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He's a perfect leader for the court."

Magnuson was ranked by his peers as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in last year's annual Guide to Appellate Law in America."

Pawlenty also named Ronald Schutz to replace Magnuson as head of the judicial selection commission. Schutz is an intellectual property lawyer and partner at Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi.