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Minnesota will soon have a new top judge on its highest court. Gov. Tim Walz 

 that Supreme Court Associate Justice Theodora Gaïtas will be taking over after Chief Justice Natalie Hudson retires 

Gaïtas was appointed to the court by Walz in 2024, and she is a notable choice for a couple of reasons: She will be the first former public defender to lead the court and she is the only Minnesota Supreme Court Justice to have served at all three levels of the judicial branch.

Gaïtas said one of the issues she want’s to prioritize is accessibility in courtrooms across the state.

“A significant problem in Minnesota is that there just aren't enough lawyers to represent all of the people who need representation, particularly in rural areas, and I would really like to lead on that issue,” she said.

Listen to the full interview by clicking the player above.

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There will be a new lead at the top of Minnesota’s Supreme Court. Supreme Court Associate Justice Theodora Gaïtas will be taking over after Chief Justice Natalie Hudson retires at the end of September. 

Minnesota's incoming Chief Justice Theodora Gaïtas wants to make courts more accessible

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