Shakopee – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Jerome B. Abrams to a new First Judicial District trial court bench judgeship in Scott County.

This judgeship is one of seven district court judgeships created by the 2007 Legislature (2007 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 54, Article 1, Section 5) that take effect on January 1, 2008. The Minnesota Supreme Court certified the chambers of one position for the city of Shakopee in Scott County.

Abrams is an attorney and president of the Minneapolis law firm of Abrams and Smith. He has been an attorney with the firm since 1997. He was an attorney with the Austin and Abrams law firm in Minneapolis from 1988 through 1996, the Austin and Roth law firm in Minneapolis from 1982 to 1988, Schoenberger Legal Clinic in Richfield and Rochester from 1981 to 1982, and a law clerk with the Minneapolis Star Tribune Company in 1981. Abrams earned his juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul in 1981, and his bachelor of arts degree from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1977.

“Jerry is well-known among civil practitioners as one of the top lawyers in the field for his integrity, thoughtfulness, and ability to handle complex civil matters,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He will be an immediate impact player on the bench.”

Abrams is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, First District Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, and Defense Research Institute. He has earned the top rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbel, has been named a “Super Lawyer” by Minnesota Law and Politics every year since 2000, and is listed as a Leading American Attorney by the American Research Group. Abrams’ community activities include serving as a fundraiser with the United Jewish Fund and Council as well as the American Cancer Society. He has also been president of the Jewish Family Services of St. Paul, a Sibley Sting Soccer Coach, and a Leukemia Society fundraising volunteer.

Abrams, 51, was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and lives in Mendota Heights with his wife, Debra, and their three daughters.