Former St. Cloud legal aid attorney now a Minn. Supreme Court judge

A former St. Cloud legal aid attorney is now on the Minnesota Supreme Court bench.

In a formal ceremony focused on justice for all Minnesotans, Sarah Hennesy took the oath of office as the Minnesota Supreme Court’s newest associate justice, according to a release.

The ceremony, held Thursday afternoon at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, included remarks by Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson.

“Justice Hennesy’s appointment is not only a testament to her capabilities, but also a reflection of our court's commitment to maintaining a judiciary that is fair, accessible, and representative of all Minnesotans,” Chief Justice Hudson said in a release. “Her dedication to ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual is treated with respect will strengthen the foundation of our court and enhance the quality of justice we deliver.”

Justice Sarah Hennessy’s parents held the Minnesota and U.S. Constitutions as she took the oath of office, and her husband, children, and mother-in-law robed her.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as an associate justice of the MN Supreme Court,” Justice Hennesy said during the ceremony. “Thank you Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for entrusting me with this immense responsibility.”

Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Hennesy to the Seventh Judicial District in February 2012, according to Ballotpedia.

Hennesy graduated from Drake Law School in 1994. A few years after graduation, she became a civil legal aid attorney with Saint Cloud Area Legal Services, according to Ballotpedia.

During her remarks, Justice Hennesy focused on the importance of providing justice to all Minnesotans. She noted that she originally had planned to be a minister but went to law school to “think her way out of the darkness.” But, while the law has been a light in the dark for her, she noted that is not the case for all Minnesotans.

“In the 30 years that I have worked as an attorney and as a judge, I have seen the legal system at its best and worst,” she said. “I have seen veterans in treatment court in tears thanking the judge for saving them [and] I’ve seen how hard our judges, court employees, justice partners, and attorneys work each and every day to uphold the rights of Minnesotans.”

Justice Hennesy joined the court on May 13, replacing Justice G. Barry Anderson, who retired. The Court held a private swearing-in ceremony on that day. Her current term ends on Jan. 6, 2026, according to Ballotpedia.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice sworn in