Governor Walz also appoints Rachel Bond to Minnesota Court of Appeals

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced the designation of the Honorable Jennifer L. Frisch as chief judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Frisch will serve the remainder of Chief Judge Segal’s term, which will expire on October 31, 2025. Governor Walz also announced the appointment of Rachel Bond to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Bond will fill the vacancy that will occur upon the retirement of Chief Judge Segal. This seat is designated for a resident of the Fifth Congressional District.

“Judge Frisch is a remarkable leader who has the wisdom and compassion to guide the Minnesota Court of Appeals through the challenges ahead,” said Governor Walz. “She has a proven track record of leading through consensus, which is essential when guiding a court that is as diverse and talented as the Court of Appeals. She will be great in this position.”

“Judge Frisch is an excellent choice to be the next chief judge for the Court of Appeals—a court that has the final say in about 95% of all appeals and operates with a heavy caseload and tight deadlines,” said Chief Judge Susan Segal of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.? “I know Judge Frisch will apply her talents to help the court navigate any and all challenges that the future may bring.”

“By background, aptitude, and attitude, Judge Frisch has all of the tools to be an effective chief judge,” said Justice David Lillehaug, retired Minnesota Supreme Court justice. “Most importantly, all of her decisions – whether substantive or administrative – will reflect her deep commitment to the rule of law.”

“Mazel tov to Judge Frisch on her appointment as chief judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” said Charlie Nauen, chair of the Judicial Endorsement Committee of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Jewish Federations. “Judge Frisch will bring vast experience as a trial and appellate judge to this leadership position.”

About Jennifer L. Frisch:
Judge Jennifer Frisch was appointed by Governor Walz in 2020 as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She previously served as assistant chief judge in the Second Judicial District and as senior associate general counsel at the University of Minnesota. Frisch is an at-large member of the Minnesota Judicial Council and chair of the Council’s Court Operations Policy and Strategy Committee. She previously served on the Governor’s Council for Justice Reinvestment in Minnesota. Frisch’s community involvement includes serving on the Board of the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society, presiding as a moot court judge, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. She earned her B.A. from Macalester College and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

“I am honored to appoint Rachel Bond to the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” ?said Governor Walz. ?“Her expertise and breadth of experience, especially in criminal appellate law, will be an asset to the court and to the people of Minnesota. Her dedication to ensuring fair and equitable justice will make her a tremendous addition to the Court of Appeals.”

“The Governor has made another excellent appointment with Rachel Bond,” said Chief Judge Susan Segal of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. ?“She has argued many cases before our court and is a highly respected appellate lawyer with experience not only in criminal, but also civil law.?I know that she will be open and fair minded in her consideration of all cases and will always adhere to the law, without bias or prejudgment.”

“I’m thrilled that Rachel Bond has been chosen to serve on the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” said Justice Margaret Chutich, retired Minnesota Supreme Court justice. “She is a stellar advocate with broad experience, deep knowledge of the law, and common sense. Rachel will ensure that all who appear before the court are treated fairly and with respect.”

“Rachel Bond is an outstanding appointment to the Court of Appeals,” said Cathryn Middlebrook, chief appellate public defender at the Office of the Minnesota Appellate Public Defender. “As a longtime appellate public defender, Rachel is committed to fairness and equal justice.?She is a remarkable attorney whose intellect, compassion, and deep knowledge of the law will make her an excellent appellate judge.”

About Rachel Bond
Rachel Bond is a managing attorney in the Office of the Minnesota Appellate Public Defender, where she supervises a team of attorneys and represents criminal defendants in appeals to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court. She was previously at Faegre & Benson LLP and Shearman & Sterling LLP, as well as a law clerk to the Honorable Boyce F. Martin Jr. on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Bond’s community involvement includes serving as a member of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee for the Minnesota Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure and an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline. She also serves on the board of the Great North Innocence Project and as a judge for the William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition. Bond earned her B.A. from the University of Toronto and her J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.