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BOARD/COMMISSION:  Board on Judicial Standards

(Judicial Board)


Address

1270 Northland Drive
Suite 160
Mendota Heights, MN
55120

Web Site

Supporting Entity/Enabling Legislation Supported by Board

ENABLING LEGISLATION
M.S. 490A.01, 490A.02
Enabled: 08-01-2019
Revisor of Statutes Link

Chair and Contact
CONTACT
Sara P. Boeshans
(651) 296-3999
CHAIR
Scott Sakaguchi
(651) 296-3999

TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Executive Assistant
mary.pat.maher@state.mn.us
(651) 296-3999
No
Executive Secretary
sara.boeshans@state.mn.us
(651) 296-3999
Yes
TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Chair
S.scott.sakaguchi@gmail.com
(651) 296-3999
Yes
Membership
Membership includes one judge of the Court of Appeals; three trial judges; two lawyers with 10 years experience in the state; and four public members. Senate confirmation is not required for the judicial members. No member may serve more than two full four-year terms or their equivalent.
Member Info

COMPENSATION

  • Per Diem: $55.00
  • Other Compensation: Board members may be reimbursed for mileage and/or childcare expenses

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

  • Requires Older Member - no
  • Requires Senate Approval - yes
  • Members file campaign finance and disclosure - no

Entity Powers and Duties, Activity Summary
The Board investigates allegations of misconduct by Minnesota judges and other judicial officers and recommends judicial discipline to the Supreme Court, including censure, suspension, retirement, or removal of judges. The Board also educates the judiciary and the public on the role of the Board on Judicial Standards and on the Code of Judicial Conduct.

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

In 2025, the Board received a total of 918 complaints, summarily dismissed 869 complaints, reviewed 40 complaints at board meetings, and authorized investigations of 16 complaints.  The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a formal complaint that was filed in 2024. The Supreme Court censured and suspended the judge for nine months, without pay, from office. In addition, the Board issued one formal complaint that resulted in a deferred disposition agreement, one public reprimand, two additional deferred disposition agreements, and twelve letters of caution.   The Executive Secretary issued nearly 120 informal advisory opinions to individual judges at their request.  The Board engaged in outreach and education for judges at bench meetings, seminars and conferences. 

Meeting Information
Meetings typically last: 4
Meeting Frequency: Meetings are held approximately every seven weeks, with occasional special meetings.

Meetings are held at:
Meetings are held in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.


Fiscal Information
Annual Staff Hours: 5408.00
Total Appropriations: $654,000.00
Appropriations Description: In 2026, the Board received $529,000 for its main operating budget and $125,000 for its major investigations and hearings.
Fiscal Year Expenses: $748,631.00

Expenses Description:

In 2026, the Board spent approximately $460,000 on its main operating budget and approximately $68,000 for its major investigations and hearings.

Open Positions (1)
POSITION SEAT AUTHORITY 21-DAY MIN GUARANTEE #SEATS ACTION
Public Member Public Member #3 Governor 3/30/2026 1 APPLY

NAME POSITION APPLICATION DATE
Tara Degn Attorney 12/4/2025
Aaron Hall Attorney 1/21/2026
Theresa Harris Attorney 12/5/2025
Karin Hughes Attorney 11/27/2025
Ms. Laurel O'Rourke Attorney 11/25/2025
Imam Abdirashid Afisheikh Public Member 5/18/2026
Dr Leonard Axelrod Leonard.Axelrod@metrostate.edu Public Member 3/9/2026
Debra Boe Public Member 11/21/2025
Michael Friedman Public Member 12/2/2025
Ivars Krievans Public Member 3/9/2026
Paul Lehman Public Member 11/12/2025
Trinity Leonard Public Member 4/7/2026
Patrick Mader Public Member 6/4/2026
Gavin Meany Public Member 4/6/2026
Rev Tyler Norman Public Member 4/13/2026
Leah Osborn Public Member 12/8/2025
Abiodun Pugh Public Member 12/17/2025
Jacob Quade Public Member 11/18/2025
Lynette Renner Public Member 3/9/2026
Dr. Matthew Stiehm Public Member 3/9/2026
Miss Averi Turner Public Member 11/23/2025

No pending appointments found.

POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
 No Direct Appointments were found.

Open Appointments (10)
POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Attorney #1
Governor
Filled
01/07/2030
Attorney #2
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Court of Appeals Judge
Governor
Filled
01/01/2029
Public Member #1
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Public Member #2
Governor
Filled
02/04/2030
Public Member #3
Governor
Posted
01/04/2027
Public Member #4
Governor
Filled
01/01/2029
Trial Judge #1
Governor
Filled
01/03/2028
Trial Judge #2
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Trial Judge #3
Governor
Filled
01/07/2030