Michelle Winkis Lawson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Minnesota · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michelle Winkis Lawson
Biography
Professional career
- Experienced Minnesota trial court judge with a background in public defense and civil litigation, serving the 7th Judicial District since 2012 and currently seeking re‐election in 2026
- Past Employment: Associate attorney, Vogel Law Firm
- Past Employment: Interim Clay County Attorney
- Past Employment: Chief Assistant Clay County Attorney
Education
Additional information
- Elected in 2014 and 2020.
- 14, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton.
- Past Employment: Facilitator, University of Mary
- Appointed/Elected: Appointed Nov.
- Current term expires Jan.
- 7th Judicial District Court of Minnesota, which covers Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena counties.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Remote appearances
Statewide
Minnesota Judicial Branch remote-hearing guidance says recording or broadcasting a remote proceeding is not authorized except as provided by court rules.
No recording or broadcasting of any remote proceeding is authorized other than as provided by court rules.Remote Hearing Information ↗
Recording and broadcasting
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.
According to Rule 4 of the MN Rules of General Practice for the District Courts, no pictures or voice recordingsSecurity & Weapons Screening - Going to Court ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Remote Hearing Information
Minnesota Seventh Judicial District Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court
Minnesota Seventh Judicial District Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 3, 2026.
Minnesota Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Minnesota Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Remote Hearing Information
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Remote Hearing Information ↗Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court ↗