Wilhelmina Wright

Wilhelmina Wright
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
Assumed office
February 18, 2016
Appointed by Barack Obama
Preceded by Michael Davis
Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
In office
September 27, 2012 – February 18, 2016
Appointed by Mark Dayton
Preceded by Helen Meyer
Succeeded by Margaret Chutich
Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals
In office
September 3, 2002 – September 26, 2012
Appointed by Jesse Ventura
Preceded by Sam Hanson
Succeeded by John Smith
Judge of the Ramsey County District Court
In office
Unknown – September 3, 2002
Appointed by Jesse Ventura
Personal details
Born (1964-01-13) January 13, 1964
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Spouse(s) Dan Schmechel
Children 1
Alma mater Yale University
Harvard University

Wilhelmina Marie "Mimi" Wright (born January 13, 1964) is a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. She was formerly an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Early life and education

Wright was born on January 13, 1964 in Norfolk, Virginia.[1] Growing up, her mother had to advocate for her to receive equal education due to ongoing resistance to integration.[2] She went on to study literature at Yale University, and got her law degree from Harvard Law School.[3][4]

Career

Wright served as a law clerk for Judge Damon Keith. She worked at the law firm of Hogan & Hartson, LLP, in Washington, D.C. before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota.[4]

Wright has earned numerous awards during her career, including the Myra Bradwell Award in 2006 from the Minnesota Women Lawyers, the Lena O. Smith Achievement Award from the Black Women Lawyers Network in 2004, the B. Warren Hart Award for Public Service from the Saint Paul Jaycees in 2001, and the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Award in 2000.[4]

Wright was appointed to the Ramsey County District Court (Minnesota) in 2000 and to the Minnesota Court of Appeals in 2002 by Governor Jesse Ventura, on which she served from September 3, 2002 to September 26, 2012.[4]

Wright was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court on August 20, 2012 by Governor Mark Dayton, with her term beginning on September 27, 2012.[3][4] She is the first African American woman to serve on the court.[5]

Federal judicial service

On April 15, 2015, President Barack Obama nominated Wright to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, to the seat vacated by Judge Michael J. Davis, who took senior status effective August 1, 2015. Her nomination was reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 17, 2015, by voice vote[6][7] On January 19, 2016 the Senate voted 58-36 in favor of confirmation. She received her federal judicial commission on February 18, 2016.

Personal life

Wright is married to Ecolab executive Dan Schmechel. They have one daughter.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Jones, Barbara L. (August 24, 2012). "Wright: Recognition of this moment is important". Minnesota Lawyer. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  2. 1 2 Ragsdale, Jim (August 20, 2012). "Dayton's historic choice: First black female Supreme Court judge". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  3. 1 2 Sepic, Matt (August 21, 2012). "Appeals Judge Wright is state's newest Supreme Court justice". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Judge Profile: Associate Justice Wilhelmina M. Wright". Minnesota Judicial Branch. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  5. ↑ Jones, Barbara L. (October 19, 2012). "Wright promises to use her head and her heart on high court". Minnesota Lawyer. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  6. ↑ Neely, Brett (April 15, 2015). "Obama nominates MN Justice Wright for federal bench". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
  7. ↑ Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Business Meeting on September 17, 2015
Legal offices
Preceded by
Sam Hanson		 Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals
2002–2012 		Succeeded by
John Smith
Preceded by
Helen Meyer		 Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
2012–2016 		Succeeded by
Margaret Chutich
Preceded by
Michael Davis		 Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
2016–present 		Incumbent
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