Lorie Skjerven Gildea

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Biography

Lorie Skjerven Gildea served as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court for 13 years. She was the second woman to hold the position and the third longest-serving Chief Justice in Minnesota history. In her capacity as Chief Justice, Lorie presided over one of the most transformative eras in the history of the Minnesota judiciary, and she helped move Minnesota’s courts into the digital age. She also led Minnesota’s courts through the unprecedented challenges created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before joining the Supreme Court, Lorie served as a judge in the Fourth Judicial District, Hennepin County, a prosecutor in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, and as associate general counsel for the University of Minnesota.

Since returning to private practice, Lorie represents clients in diverse areas of law, including civil litigation, appellate work, and internal investigations. Her clientele ranges from individuals and businesses to government entities.

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce, “Minnesota ICON,” 2025
•Recipient, Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, 'Advocate Award,' 2024

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Areas of Practice (2)

  • Litigation
  • Appeals & Legal Issues

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of Minnesota – Morris, B.A., with distinction, 1983
Law School Attended:
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., magna cum laude; Order of the Coif, 1986
Year of First Admission:
1986
Admission:
Minnesota; Minnesota; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; 1987, District of Columbia
Memberships:

Professional & Community Involvement

•Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2003-Present
•Member, Assembly, 2000-2023
•Member, Governing Council, Civil Litigation Section, 2000-2006
•Member, Federal Bar Association
•Member, National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Warren E. Burger Society, 2024
•Member, Defense Research Institute, 2024
•Member, Hennepin County Bar Association, 1993-2021
•Member, Board of Directors, 2000-2004
•Chair, Finance and Planning Committee, 2002-2003
•Co-Chair, The Hennepin Lawyer Committee, 2001-2002
•Member, Conference of Chief Justices, 2010-2023
•Board of Directors, 2013-2015 and 2019-2021
•Member, Supreme Court of the United States Judicial Conference Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction, 2018-2023
•Member, Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, 2001-2004
•Board of Directors, YWCA of Minneapolis, 2000-2003
•Advisory Board, MINNCOR Industries, 2000-2002

Birth Information:
Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, October 6, 1961
Reported Cases:
Experience: Government Experience: Minnesota Supreme Court, 2006-2023; Chief Justice, 2010-2023; Associate Justice, 2006-2010; Judge, Fourth Judicial District, Hennepin County, 2005-2006; Prosecutor, Hennepin County Attorney's Office, 2004-2005; Previous Experience: Associate General Counsel, University of Minnesota, 1993-2004
ISLN:
907100964

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