Judge Aaron Zurek: Biography & Judicial Service | KnowJudges

# Aaron Zurek
District Court Judge (2026) · Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Court

## Current judicial service
Appointment announcement supports the court and chambers. The individual oath/first sitting date was not separately established; use year precision.
[Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Court](/kyj/court/mn/minnesota-fifth-judicial-district-court) — District Court Judge (2026)
Service sources and dates[Walz appoints Blackwelder and Zurek](https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-769129) · Checked October 17, 2026

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judicial law clerk to Hon. Krista J. Jass and Bruce F. Gross in the Fifth Judicial District
- Newly appointed District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District, replacing Hon. Gregory J. Anderson, and is recognized for his leadership as the district’s Chief Public Defender and his deep commitment to justice
- Governor Walz described Zurek as “a brilliant legal mind, an impactful leader who knows how to navigate the system to advance justice” and emphasized his integrity, compassion, and ability to ensure that “everyone who sets foot in his courtroom feels seen, heard, and treated with dignity”

### Education

- Hamline University School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- On September 23, 2026, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that Aaron Zurek was appointed to a District Court judgeship in the Fifth Judicial District, which covers 15 southwestern Minnesota counties including Blue Earth, Lyon, and Lincoln.
- overseeing public defense services across all 15 counties in the district.
- Zurek’s seat is chambered in Mankato, Blue Earth County.
- As a judge, he will now preside over cases in his chambered courtroom in Mankato, bringing a perspective shaped by both legal advocacy and systemic oversight.
- Before his judicial appointment, Aaron Zurek held the role of Chief Public Defender of Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District
- He has also represented indigent clients in misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony, probation violation, child protection, and delinquency matters.
- He succeeds the late Hon. Tricia B. Zimmer in one seat and Hon. Gregory J. Anderson in another.
- His appointment reflects the state’s recognition of his extensive legal experience, leadership in public defense, and commitment to equitable justice.

## Sources

Identity source checked October 6, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
01
### Office of Governor of Minnesota
Identity source · HTML · Source checked October 6, 2026
[View Office of Governor of Minnesota ↗](https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-769129)

[Public Records & Data Use](/public-records-data-use) · [Corrections policy](/corrections)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Remote Hearing Information](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-5920703a4c3a43b48164d80e) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://mncourts.gov/remote-hearings). Collected 2026-07-26.
- [Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-c45898f557aa190822c0bdd8) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/hennepin/going-to-court/security-weapons-screening). Collected 2026-07-26.