Judge Karen A. Janisch: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota, Department Criminal

Appointed By: Gov. Timothy J. Pawlenty

Biography

Hon. Karen A. Janisch is a judge for the 4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota in Hennepin County. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Tim Pawlenty in 2009.

Janisch has held assignments in the Criminal, Family, and Civil and Criminal Divisions.

Prior to her appointment, she served as general counsel to the Minnesota Governor (2003 to 2009). Before that, she was a partner at Rider Bennett Egan & Arundel (1999 to 2003), where she began as an associate in 1993.

Janisch received a B.A. in government from the College of St. Benedict in 1987. She went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Minnesota Law School in 1992. Janisch was admitted to practice in Minnesota (1993) and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota (1994).

After graduating from law school, she began her legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Byron J. Johnson with the Idaho State Supreme Court (1992 to 1993).

Her memberships have included the Hennepin County Bar Association, the National Governor’s Association Legal Counsel, and the National Association of Extradition Officials. Janisch also sat as a member of the Minnesota Supreme Court Committee on Rules for the Board of Judicial Standards.

From a civic standpoint, she has been involved with the Minnesota Department of Health Pandemic Ethics Project and the Rider Bennett United Way Fund Campaign Drive.

Janisch was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She and her husband, Daniel Tschida, have two daughters.

Recent Cases by Hon. Karen A. Janisch

In the Matter of the Application of MOLLY KAITLIN BRUER for a Change of Name

On October 23, 2026 a change of name case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

5 Files

Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Change of Name

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

Sahra Ibrahim vs Aldi, Inc.

On October 23, 2026 a personal injury case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Personal Injury

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

Romel Seville vs Zouhair Issoulaimani

On October 21, 2026 a personal injury case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

6 Files

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Personal Injury

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

U.S. Bank National Association vs Christopher C Schram

On October 21, 2026 a consumer credit contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

5 Files

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Consumer Credit Contract

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Consumer Debt

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

U.S. Bank National Association vs Chantal Taylor, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

On October 20, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Company vs Jennifer M. Bemis

On October 19, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

CRF Small Business Loan Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company vs Reality Bites Media LLC, a Texas limited liability company, Lauren Michele Ragusin

On October 16, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Contract

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

WELLS FARGO BANK, NA vs JILLIAN ROSBY

On October 15, 2026 a consumer credit contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

6 Files

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Consumer Credit Contract

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Consumer Debt

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

OneMain Financial of Minnesota, LLC vs Chaunte K Diaz

On October 14, 2026 a consumer credit contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

9 Files

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Consumer Credit Contract

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Consumer Debt

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

Spring Oaks Capital, LLC vs Kristi Roen

On October 13, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

In the Matter of the Application of MERIA TAMMYETTE HEIDELBERG for a Change of Name

On October 13, 2026 a change of name case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Change of Name

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

Juan Rosas Pliego vs American Family Insurance Company

On October 13, 2026 a personal injury case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

5 Files

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Personal Injury

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Pontus Properties vs Scottsdale Insurance Company

On October 9, 2026 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

Filed

Oct 09, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Contract

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

Samuel Thomas Kleist and Alexa Lorraine Kleist vs Wells Fargo Bank, National Association., successor to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., as successor to Northern Lights Mortgage

On October 9, 2026 a quiet title case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Oct 09, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Quiet Title

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Quiet Title

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION vs Troy H Hanson

On October 7, 2026 a consumer credit contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

9 Files

Filed

Oct 07, 2026

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Consumer Credit Contract

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Consumer Debt

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 10, 2026

Christopher Rogers vs City of Eden Prairie

On October 5, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Oct 05, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 07, 2026

In the Matter of the Application of Halie Rachelle Kaufman for a Change of Name

On October 3, 2026 a change of name case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Oct 03, 2026

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Change of Name

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 06, 2026

In the Matter of the Application of Cynthia Jane Vachon on Behalf of a Minor for a Change of Name

On October 2, 2026 a change of name case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Oct 02, 2026

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Change of Name

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 06, 2026

Mark Eyberg vs McQuillan Homes Services LLC

On October 1, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 01, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2026

Premier Roofing by Rusty, LLC vs Cornerstone Collective LLC, Josh Schrock

On September 30, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 30, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 01, 2026

Lucas Miller vs Safeco Insurance Company of Indiana and Essentia Insurance Company

On September 28, 2026 a personal injury case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

5 Files

Filed

Sep 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Personal Injury

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 29, 2026

U.S. Bank National Association vs Chaw Thao, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

On September 26, 2026 a civil other/misc. case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Sep 26, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Other/Misc.

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 28, 2026

Mark Eati vs. State of Minnesota, Department of Human Services, Temporary Commissioner John Connolly in His Official Capacity, and Hennepin County Human Services,

On September 25, 2026 a welfare appeal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 25, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Welfare Appeal

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

Agency Action

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 28, 2026

Indu Eati vs. State of Minnesota, Department of Human Services, Temporary Commissioner John Connolly in His Official Capacity, and Hennepin County Human Services

On September 25, 2026 a welfare appeal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. Judge Karen A. Janisch presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Sep 25, 2026

Judge

Hon. Karen A. Janisch 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karen A. Janisch

Court

District

County

Hennepin County, MN

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Welfare Appeal

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

Agency Action

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 28, 2026

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About

Karen A. Janisch
Current Appointment 4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota, Department Criminal	4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota, Department Criminal
Election/Appointment 2010 - Re-elected 2016 - Re-elected 2022 - Re-elected	2010 - Re-elected 2016 - Re-elected 2022 - Re-elected
Education J.D., University of Minnesota Law School - 1992 B.A., College of St. Benedict - 1987	J.D., University of Minnesota Law School - 1992 B.A., College of St. Benedict - 1987

Documents related to Karen A. Janisch

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	MN - 4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota
Clerk phone:	+1 (612) 543-1321
Chambers:	+1 (612) 543-1320
Reporter:	+1 (612) 596-2870
Law Clerk:	+1 (612) 348-0705

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota	Hennepin County, Minnesota
General Counsel	Office of the Minnesota Governor	None
Partner	Rider Bennett Egan & Arundel	Hennepin County, Minnesota
Associate	Rider Bennett Egan & Arundel	Hennepin County, Minnesota
Law Clerk	Idaho State Supreme Court with the Hon. Byron J. Johnson	Ada County, Idaho