Paul Thissen, '92: Appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court
Paul Thissen, former state House speaker, to join Minnesota Supreme Court
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton elevated former House Speaker Paul Thissen to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday, giving the highest court in the state a five-member progressive majority that’s likely to endure long after the governor leaves office.
Dayton appointed Thissen to fill an open seat on the court, selecting an attorney who has been a DFL state representative since 2003. Thissen will replace Judge David Stras, who was appointed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals by President Donald Trump.
Thissen’s appointment means the seven-member state high court will include five Dayton appointees. In addition to his political service, Thissen, 51, is currently senior counsel for the Health Law Group at the Ballard Spahr law firm.
“He combined a brilliant legal mind, the highest integrity, and a special understanding of Minnesota from his 16 years of service in the Minnesota House of Representatives and his extensive travel throughout our state,” Dayton said Tuesday, explaining why Thissen stood out among the nominees.
Read more at Minneapolis Star Tribune