Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Magnuson Steps Down for Personal Reasons

MINNEAPOLIS - Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric J. Magnuson said Thursday he is stepping down from his post after two years on the bench.

In a letter to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Magnuson, 59, cited "reasons personal to me and my family." Magnuson said he's leaving effective June 30 and returning to private practice.

“It has been my privilege to serve as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court for the past two years,” Magnuson said in the letter to the governor. “I have found the position to be both challenging and rewarding. However, for reasons personal to me and my family, I have decided to step down and return to private practice.”

A court spokesman says Magnuson wouldn't give interviews Thursday.

“Leading Minnesota’s judicial system and heading our highest court is an extremely important and tough job," Pawlenty said. "Chief Justice Magnuson has served in this role over the past two years with great diligence, thoughtfulness, and fairness. Minnesota thanks him for his service.”

Pawlenty appointed Magnuson as Minnesota's 21st chief justice on Mar. 17, 2008, and took office June 2, 2008.

Prior to being named Chief Justice, Magnuson was an attorney practicing in state and federal appellate courts. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota.