Judicial Endorsements
The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) proudly endorses qualified judicial candidates for appointment who support its mission and are committed to the principles of equal treatment of all litigants, the fair administration of justice, and the rule of law, and who have been involved in, supportive of, and responsive to issues of the Black community's needs and concerns.
Qualified judicial candidates may formally apply for MABL endorsement using the process outlined below. All endorsement requests must be completed by submitting a MABL Judicial Endorsement Application.
The Process
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STEP ONE: The Request
An attorney seeking an endorsement from MABL must do so in a writing addressed to the President of MABL at least one month before the endorsement is due. The request may be submitted via the form below or emailed to MABLendorsement@gmail.com.
The request must include:
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A completed MABL Judicial Endorsement Application.
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A completed judicial application for the position that you are seeking and all accompanying material.
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Date by which the endorsement should be submitted for consideration.
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Name, title, and address of the person to whom the endorsement should be submitted.
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STEP TWO: The Evaluation
MABL's Judicial Endorsement Committee will review each candidate's qualifications. Please note the state Judicial Selection Commission generally prefers applicants with at least 10 years of legal experience. Therefore, it is this Committee's general practice to endorse qualified candidates who have practiced for a minimum of 10 years. The Committee chair will arrange an interview with the candidate before the entire Committee.
The Committee also considers the following criteria:
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Active participation in MABL activities
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Legal experience (including trial experience)
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Affinity bar activities
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Judicial temperament
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Integrity
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Public service activities
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Community/volunteer activities
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively with communities of color
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Demonstrated commitment to mentoring other lawyers
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Scholarship, CLE presentations, presentations to community organizations
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STEP THREE: The Decision
The Committee will recommend that the MABL Board either endorse the candidate or decline to do so. MABL's President will inform the candidate of the MABL Board's decision in writing. If the MABL Board authorizes endorsement, the President or his/her designee shall draft the letter. The President or his/her designee will submit the letter to the designated recipient and will provide the candidate with a copy of it.
