MNAPABA and its members are off to a busy start in the New Year.  Here's a selection of member and organizational highlights from the last few weeks:

A Call for Federal Court Diversity.  The Star Tribune's Editorial Board called for more diversity on the federal bench in Minnesota in an editorial published January 6.  U.S. District Court Chief Judge Michael Davis announced he will assume senior status this summer, a move that will open up a vacancy on the federal bench in Minnesota.  Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken established a seven-member panel of distinguished members of the Minnesota bar to review applications and have asked that applications be submitted no later than the end of business on Friday.  The senators will then recommend a candidate to President Obama for appointment.  Meanwhile, MNAPABA President Irene Kao was a co-signatory to a letter to the panel urging the the consideration of bringing women of color to the federal bench.

John Choi Sworn in for Second Term.  On Tuesday, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi took the oath of office for his second term as Ramsey County Attorney.  The Pioneer Press talked to Choi, a member of MNAPABA's Advisory Board, about his accomplishments in his first term and his goals for his second.  The article includes encouraging praise from stakeholders in Ramsey County including St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith.