Duncan to step down
After almost 14 years on the bench, Judge Karen Duncan, will be retiring from the Third Judicial District, effective Dec. 4.
In her retirement letter to Gov. Tim Walz, Duncan said she is proud “of what we have accomplished in Steele County over the past 13+ years.”
“Early in my tenure, we tried ‘next appearance’ scheduling from the courtroom,” she said. “This has proven to ease the administrative burdens associated with scheduling conflicts and has played a role in moving cases through the system more efficiently for court users.”
Duncan said they have made substantial “in-roads in reducing the ‘silo-ing’ of justice partner agencies, in part through intentional relationship-building and multidisciplinary educational opportunities, such as the annual Promoting Peace Conference.
“By operating with a common base of knowledge and best practice, we’ve been better able to serve the needs of the community,” she said. “By inviting community members to join in the conference, it is my hope that we have also broadened the community’s understanding of what we try to do in the court system and why, and why it matters.”
Duncan began her career as an assistant county attorney in Rice and Olmsted counties in Minnesota, as well Benton County in Iowa.
She opened her own law firm in Owatonna before becoming a Third Judicial District public defender, and later chief public defender for the district.
She was appointed to the bench by Gov. Mark Dayton, on March 1, 2013.
On the state level, Duncan said she assisted “where my skills could be useful, such as the Court Operations Advisory Work Group, Children’s Justice Initiative, and other committees.
“I’ve mentored new judges and taught various trainings as requested,” Duncan said. “Leaving my colleagues, and especially the top-notch court staff in Steele County, is the hardest thing about this decision. I will leave the work of striving for justice in their capable hands.”
Walz thanked Duncan for her 13 years of public service to the bench.
“Your character and willingness to serve the people of Minnesota have enabled justice to be administered impartially,” he wrote. “Throughout your career, you have served from a place of leadership and compassion. Your perspective has been invaluable during your time on the bench. You will be remembered for your dedication to service and to the community, and you will be missed by all those who had the privilege of working with you.”
As for what is next, Duncan said she is “blessed to have a buffet of options.
“Right now, though, I am just focusing on continuing to do my work to the best of my ability,” she said.