Steele County’s Hormann shifts to the bench

Christy Hormann has always wanted to be a lawyer, but a judge? Not necessarily.
Eventually, though, “there’s been a shift for me, through the years,” she said last week, the day after being appointed by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to serve as a judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District, chambered in Albert Lea.
“More recently, I’ve thought about where I can continue to grow, and share my knowledge and my passion,” Hormann said.
She has served as chief deputy in the Steele County Attorney’s office for the past 16 years, something that shaped her “desire to progress as an attorney.
“I’ve been helping on one side of things,” she said, “but I’m seeing that there is more I can do for both sides. I’ve learned a lot of things that I can apply across the board; there’s a lot of impact that I could have, and the bench provides that opportunity.”
Her move to the courtroom will come in April, following the retirement of Judge Steven Schwab.
“I am proud to appoint Ms. Hormann to the Freeborn County bench,” Walz said in a news release. “Her work on the Third Judicial District Veteran’s Treatment Court, and her dedication to helping those suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues give me confidence that she will lead with compassion and strive for equitable outcomes for all those who appear before her.”
In her role with Steele County, Hormann has overseen civil commitments, guardianships or conservatorships and adult felony criminal cases. She also serves on the Third Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court and is on the advisory board of Steele County Community Corrections.
Her work on the veterans’ treatment court team has allowed her to build a relationship with Judge Ross Leuning, who is also chambered in Albert Lea.
“We’re very familiar with each other, and I’m lucky to be able to go there,” Hormann said.
The concept of treatment court – including local drug courts – “opens the door to addressing those issues,” she said. “My perspective is that you need to get to the root of the behavior, to find out why people are finding themselves in court. If you address the root of the problems, you can find out what’s driving the behavior.”
Within the community, Hormann serves on the board of directors for the Crisis Resource Center in Owatonna, and the Steele County Safety Camp. She’s also a member of the Promoting Peace Planning Committee and a mock trial judge with the Minnesota State High School League.
She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, and earned her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.
“Freeborn County is gaining a judge who is ready to hit the ground running on day one, and will serve her community with pride for years to come,” Flanagan said. “She will make an excellent addition to the Third Judicial District.”
The Third District includes Steele, Dodge, Freeborn, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona counties.