Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Michael A. Fahey to a First Judicial District trial court bench vacancy in the city of Shakopee in Scott County. The opening occurred as a result of the disability retirement of the Honorable Michael A. Young on December 31, 2006.

Fahey is the Carver County Attorney, a position he has held since 1987. Previously, he was an associate attorney and partner with the Chaska law firm of Nicklaus, Monroe and Fahey from 1978 through 1986. Fahey earned his juris doctorate degree cum laude from St. Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri in 1978, and his bachelor of arts degree magna cum laude from St. John’s University in Collegeville in 1975.

“Over the course of the 20 years that Mike has been the Carver County Attorney, he has earned the reputation as a principled and fair prosecutor, and has demonstrated great leadership in county matters,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Mike’s background trying many of the types of cases the courts handle, as well as his personal demeanor will make him an immediate asset to the Scott County bench.”

Fahey is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, and a member and past president of the Eighth District Bar Association, currently serving on its Ethics Committee. He is also a member of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association Board of Directors, Minnesota Urban County Attorneys Association, and National District Attorneys Association. Fahey is also the director of the Boy Scouts of America career development program in the justice system for high schools in Carver County, a Governor-appointed member of the Minnesota State High School League, a member of the Bolder Options Mentor Program, Carver County Historical Society Board of Directors, Chaska Rotary Club, and a member of the board of directors and past president of the St. John’s University alumni lettermen’s club.

Fahey, 53, was born in Glencoe, and lives in Carver. He has two children, Nick, 22, and Maura, 20.