Appointed By: Gov. Timothy J. Pawlenty
The Hon. Jay D. Carlson (Ret.) served as a judge for the 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota. Carlson was appointed to the bench by former Governor Tim Pawlenty on August 17, 2006, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Timothy J. Baland. He retired on April 4, 2022, and became a senior judge for the State of Minnesota.
The 7th Judicial District includes Becker County, Benton County, Clay County, Douglas County, Mille Lacs County, Morrison County, Otter Tail County, Stearns County, Todd County, and Wadena County.
Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in 1976. He then completed a J.D. at Hamline University School of Law in 1979. He is admitted to practice in North Dakota (1979) and Minnesota (1979).
After graduating from law school, Carlson entered into private practice in Detroit Lakes and Fargo (North Dakota). He worked in this capacity until his appointment to the bench, representing the townships of Lake Eunice, Audubon, and Burlington as well as the Cormorant Lakes Watershed District.
His memberships have included the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Becker County Bar Association, the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, the Big Cormorant Lake Association, and the Cormorant Lions Club.
Born in Topeka, Kansas, Carlson was raised in Duluth and Moorhead. He currently resides in Big Cormorant Lake, where he attends St. Mary’s of the Lake Church.
| Current Appointment 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota | 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota |
| Election/Appointment 2008 - Re-election 2014 - Re-election 2020 - Re-election | 2008 - Re-election 2014 - Re-election 2020 - Re-election |
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Education
J.D., Hamline University School of Law - 1979 Bachelor's degree, St. John's University - 1976 |
J.D., Hamline University School of Law - 1979 Bachelor's degree, St. John's University - 1976 |
| Current Court: | MN - 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota |
|---|
| Role | Employer | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Private Practice | None |
| Attorney | Ohnstad & Twichell | None |
| Attorney | Private Practice | None |
| Judge | 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota | Todd County, Minnesota |
Minnesota Judicial Branch: Senior Judge Jay D. Carlson
Ballotpedia: Jay Carlson (Minnesota)
Martindale: Judge Profile: Jay D Carlson
Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty: Governor Pawlenty Appoints Hansen and Carlson to Seventh Judicial District Judgeships
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