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MEET JUDGE
Maria MITCHELL
District Court Judge for Minnesota's Second Judicial District
ABOUT JUDGE MARIA MITCHELL
Judge Maria Mitchell was appointed to serve the people of Ramsey County and the State of Minnesota in 2022. She is currently assigned to adult criminal court cases.
Judge Mitchell is a fourth-generation resident of Ramsey County and proudly calls St. Paul her hometown. She has over 20 years' experience as a trial lawyer. You can often find her volunteering in the City of St. Paul and mentoring students interested in pursuing higher education and legal careers.
MEET THE Judge
Experienced Leader
Judge Maria Mitchell has held a number of leadership positions in the community.
Judge Mitchell has served as the chair of community boards and committees.
Judge Michell believes a good leader is also a good follower and has pitched in to aid others who work to serve the people of Minnesota.
Trial Experience
For more than two decades, she has practiced a trial attorney in various jurisdictions, specializing in criminal, family, and juvenile law. These legal fields constitute the bulk of cases that come before the district court.
Public Service
As a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Nassau, she represented parents and individuals in obtaining or defending orders of protection. Her exceptional legal skills were recognized by the Nassau County Women's Bar Association, who awarded her the Outstanding Lawyer of the Year. Some of her cases, which raised significant legal issues, were published in the New York Law Journal.
Prosecution
As an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney and Director of the Youth Justice and Wellness Division, she supervised attorneys handling cases in Juvenile Court. During her tenure, she implemented a new initiative created by the Ramsey County Attorney to mitigate the impact of the Justice System on children.
Professor
She is presently working as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas Law Schools. Her teaching experience includes Criminal Procedure, Writing & Representation, and serving as Trial School Faculty at St. Thomas Trial School for the State Board of Public Defense.
Defense Lawyer
Judge Mitchell has experience working as an attorney in treatment courts, serving as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney Additionally, she has worked as an Assistant Hennepin County Public Defender in the adult criminal division.
Mentored
and
Mentor
During her time as a Law Clerk at Hennepin County District Court, she had the privilege working under the guidance of the Honorable Tanya M. Bransford, who became an invaluable mentor to her. Throughout the years, she also had the opportunity to mentor law students from all three law schools.
national impact
With her expertise in criminal law, she has written articles on a range of topics including incarcerated care givers, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and legal tips. Her legal analysis has been showcased in the New York Times. Furthermore, she has been invited as a guest on the BBC World Service and Minnesota Public Radio to provide legal context and analysis on current events.
“Judge Mitchell is a beacon of integrity and professionalism. Her dedication to justice is truly commendable.”
Community Leaders