Walz appoints new chief judge on Minnesota Court of Appeals

Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that Jennifer L. Frisch, a jurist on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, will serve as chief judge when Susan Segal retires at the end of December.

Segal will reach the mandatory retirement deadline on Dec. 31. Frisch will take over her term Jan. 1, according to the governor’s office. Frisch will serve the remainder of Segal’s appointed term, which expires Oct. 31, 2025.

“Judge Frisch is a remarkable leader who has the wisdom and compassion to guide the Minnesota Court of Appeals through the challenges ahead,” Walz said in a statement. “She has a proven track record of leading through consensus, which is essential when guiding a court that is as diverse and talented as the Court of Appeals. She will be great in this position.”

Walz appointed Frisch to the Court of Appeals in 2020. Previously she was assistant chief judge in the 2nd Judicial District and senior associate general counsel at the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of Macalester College and the University of Minnesota Law School.

Also Tuesday, Walz appointed Rachel Bond to the Court of Appeals to fill the vacancy created by Segal’s retirement and Frisch’s elevation.

Bond is a managing attorney in the Office of the Minnesota Appellate Public Defender, where she supervises a team of attorneys and represents criminal defendants in appeals to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court. She has also worked in private practice.

Bond graduated from the University of Toronto and Boston University School of Law.

“I am honored to appoint Rachel Bond to the Minnesota Court of Appeals,” Walz said. “Her expertise and breadth of experience, especially in criminal appellate law, will be an asset to the court and to the people of Minnesota. Her dedication to ensuring fair and equitable justice will make her a tremendous addition to the Court of Appeals.”