Gov. Tim Pawlenty's search for a new Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice took him outside the court and focused on an Inver Grove Heights attorney.

The governor on Monday (March 17) appointed Eric Magnuson, 57, attorney and shareholder at the Briggs and Morgan Law Firm in Minneapolis, to replace retiring Chief Justice Russell Anderson on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Eric Magnuson, an Inver Grove Heights attorney, chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's search for a new Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice took him outside the court and focused on an Inver Grove Heights attorney.

The governor on Monday (March 17) appointed Eric Magnuson, 57, attorney and shareholder at the Briggs and Morgan Law Firm in Minneapolis, to replace retiring Chief Justice Russell Anderson on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty announces appointment of Eric Magnuson as new Minnesota Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

"It's truly humbling," said Magnuson, who Pawlenty opined was one of the most respected appellate court attorneys in the country. "He has argued hundreds of cases to the state federal appellate courts covering a wide range of issues over the course of his 30-year career," said Pawlenty.

Pawlenty predicted Magnuson, who has served as chair of the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection for the past five years, will have an easy transition onto the court.

Praise for appointment

Anderson praised the appointment. "He (Magnuson) is a great lawyer," said Anderson, a public servant Pawlenty styled one of the most memorable in the state.

The retiring chief justice received a round of applause during the appointment ceremony at the Capitol.

Anderson's retirement will be effective on June 1.

During a Capitol ceremony on Monday (March 17) retiring Minnesota Chief Justice Russell Anderson was applauded for his 25 years of service as a judge. First Lady Mary Pawlenty, right, numbered among the well wishers.

In taking questions,, Magnuson indicated his approach to potential budget cuts to the court system was take-it-as-it-comes. "You do what you with what you have," said Magnuson. "It is what it is," he said.

A native of Illinois, Magnuson lives in Inver Grove Heights with his wife Katie.

The couple has four adult children and a granddaughter.

Magnuson has co-authored legal works published by West Publishing.

Additionally on Monday, Pawlenty appointed Ronald Schutz of Medina chairman of the Commission on Judicial Selection, replacing Magnuson.

He also appointed John McDonald, of Mendota Heights, to the commission.

The Minnesota Supreme Court, among its duties, hears appeals from the Court of Appeals, Tax Court, reviews first-degree murder convictions.

The court consists of a total of seven justices - one chief justice, six associate justices.

(Photos by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)