Court of Appeals Judge Elizabeth Bentley takes oath in formal ceremony

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Judge Elizabeth Bentley formally took the oath of office as the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ newest member Tuesday during an investiture ceremony at the O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University.

On her path to the Appellate Court, Bentley clerked for several notable figures including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, according to a Judicial Branch news release. After taking her oath, administered by Sotomayor, Bentley reflected on her experience and how it has shaped her work today.

“The words that we use matter and it’s critical to the integrity of our legal system that we explain decisions in a manner that treats individuals with dignity and respect and we never lose sight of the humanity in each decision,” said Bentley.

Bentley comes to the court from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she was a visiting assistant professor and the director of the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic. Gov. Tim Walz appointed her to the Court of Appeals effective Aug. 1.

“Judge Bentley carries herself with a sense of grace and humility. She has an incredible mastery of the law,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “She so clearly has a strong sense of fairness and justice and our court system will be enriched by her presence.”

In addition to her work at the University of Minnesota, Bentley also served as special counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as an associate attorney at Jones Day. She also clerked for Sotomayor, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Robert A. Katzmann, and U.S. District Court Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who also spoke at the event and has worked with Judge Bentley in the past, added “We are so proud of you. The judges here are lucky to have you and most importantly, Minnesota is lucky to have you.”

Judge Bentley holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a law degree from Harvard. She is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Minnesota Women Lawyers, and the Federal Bar Association.