March 18, 2008

Magnuson's Appointment Attracts Local Coverage, National Media Take Interest

Appellate attorney Eric J. Magnuson has been named the next chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The announcement was made public Monday, March 17, at the state capitol.

"It is not an exaggeration to say [Eric Magnuson] is the most, or one of the most, respected appellate lawyers in the country," Pawlenty is quoted as saying at the press conference. "I think most people in Minnesota recognize him as the most distinguished appellate lawyer in our state."

Media stories about Magnuson's appointment have been published all over the state and picked up by national media, including the industry blog, "How Appealing." The Associated Press also wrote about the news.

Twin Cities daily newspapers were among the first to cover the story. To read the Star Tribune's story, click here. The Pioneer Press also wrote about the appointment and Magnuson's extensive experience in "Gov. Pawlenty Appoints Lawyer to Lead Supreme Court."

Magnuson will remain a shareholder of Briggs and Morgan until June 1, 2008. As a member of the firm’s litigation section, he practices almost exclusively in state and federal appellate courts, and assists with matters on appeal. He is a writer and editor of the state’s most widely recognized appellate treatises, and speaks regularly on related topics. He is also the founding president of the 8th Circuit Bar Association, a fellow and past president of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and co-reporter to the Minnesota Supreme Court Appellate Rules Committee. In addition, Magnuson served several years as chair of the governor’s Commission on Judicial Selection.