---
title: "Michael L. Kirk | KnowJudges"
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---

# Michael L. Kirk

Minnesota Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Minnesota Court of Appeals
- State: Minnesota
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Court of Appeals of Minnesota, 2012-present
- Veteran Minnesota judge who served on the Minnesota Court of Appeals from 2012 to 2018, after a long career in the Seventh Judicial District and as county attorney
- Court of Appeals Judge: Appointed June 27, 2012 by Governor Mark Dayton to the Seventh Congressional District seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, replacing Judge Roger M. Klaphake
- Leadership Roles: Assistant Chief Judge, Seventh Judicial District (2000–2005) Chief Judge, Seventh Judicial District (2005–2009)
- District Court Judge: Appointed December 1, 1989 by Governor Rudy Perpich to the Seventh Judicial District in Minnesota

### Education

- University of Minnesota Law School in — J.D. (1975)

### Additional information

- Minnesota State Law Library logo Minnesota State Law Library printed logo Michael L. Kirk Court of Appeals Appointed June 27, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton.
- Kirk also served on the Minnesota Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Minnesota Judicial Council

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing recording

Scope: statewide

Minnesota Judicial Branch remote-hearing guidance says recording or broadcasting a remote proceeding is not authorized except as provided by court rules.

Evidence excerpt: No recording or broadcasting of any remote proceeding is authorized other than as provided by court rules.

[Remote Hearing Information](https://mncourts.gov/remote-hearings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### camera audio recording devices

Scope: statewide

Minnesota court guidance cites Rule 4 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice and says pictures or voice recordings are not allowed except the official court record.

Evidence excerpt: According to Rule 4 of the MN Rules of General Practice for the District Courts, no pictures or voice recordings

[Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court](https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/hennepin/going-to-court/security-weapons-screening)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7630/michael-l-kirk/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7630/michael-l-kirk/)
- [Minnesota Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7630/michael-l-kirk/)
- [Remote Hearing Information](https://mncourts.gov/remote-hearings)
- [Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court](https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/hennepin/going-to-court/security-weapons-screening)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7630/michael-l-kirk/)
- [Michael L. Kirk / Minnesota State Law Library](https://mn.gov/law-library/research-links/judge-bios/michael-kirk.jsp)
- [Michael Kirk - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Kirk)

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