Wilhelmina Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilhelmina Wright
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Wright in 2018
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota | |
| Assumed office February 15, 2024 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota | |
| In office February 18, 2016 – February 15, 2024 |
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| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Michael J. Davis |
| Succeeded by | Laura Provinzino |
| Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court | |
| In office September 27, 2012 – February 18, 2016 |
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| Appointed by | Mark Dayton |
| Preceded by | Helen Meyer |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Chutich |
| Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals | |
| In office September 3, 2002 – September 26, 2012 |
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| Appointed by | Jesse Ventura |
| Preceded by | Sam Hanson |
| Succeeded by | John Smith |
| Judge of the Ramsey County District Court | |
| In office November 2000 – September 3, 2002 |
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| Appointed by | Jesse Ventura |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 13, 1964 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
Wilhelmina Marie Wright (born January 13, 1964) is an important American judge. She currently serves as a senior federal judge in Minnesota. She is the only person in Minnesota's history to have been a judge at three different levels: a local district court, an appeals court, and the state's highest court, the Minnesota Supreme Court.
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Early Life and School
Wilhelmina Wright was born on January 13, 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. When she was growing up, her mother had to work hard to make sure she got a fair education. This was because of challenges during the time when schools were starting to allow students of all races to learn together.
She later went to Yale University and studied literature. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986, graduating with honors. After that, she went to Harvard Law School and earned her law degree in 1989.
A Career in Law
Starting Her Legal Journey
After law school, Wilhelmina Wright worked as a law clerk for Judge Damon Keith. This means she helped the judge with legal research and writing. She did this from 1989 to 1991.
In 1991, she joined a law firm called Hogan & Hartson, LLP, in Washington, D.C.. There, she worked on cases about equal opportunities in public schools. In 1995, she became an Assistant Attorney for the United States Attorney's Office in Minnesota. In this role, she handled cases about illegal money activities and violence.
Teaching About Law
Wilhelmina Wright has also spent time teaching others about the law. She traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to train people on the "rule of law," which means that everyone, including the government, must follow the law. She also taught about how judges are chosen in Belgium and other parts of Switzerland.
Closer to home, she was a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She also taught about how judges are held accountable for their decisions in other parts of the United States.
Serving as a State Judge
In 2000, Governor Jesse Ventura chose Wright to be a judge for the Ramsey County District Court. This is a local court that handles many different types of cases.
Then, in 2002, Governor Ventura appointed her to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. She served on this court from September 3, 2002, until September 26, 2012.
On August 20, 2012, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Wright to the Minnesota Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court. She said she hoped to help the court "reflect the diversity of Minnesota." Her time on the Supreme Court began on September 27, 2012, and she served until 2016.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In 2015, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken suggested Wright for a position as a federal judge. On April 15, 2015, President Barack Obama officially nominated her. He said he was sure she would do a great job. She was chosen for a position that had become open when Judge Michael J. Davis retired.
The American Bar Association, a group of lawyers, rated her as "Unanimously Well Qualified" for this federal job. After a hearing, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved her nomination. This made her the first African American woman to be appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
On January 19, 2016, the Senate voted to confirm her nomination. She officially became a judge on February 18, 2016. In 2022, her name was even mentioned as a possible choice for the U.S. Supreme Court by President Joe Biden. On February 15, 2024, Judge Wright moved to a "senior status" role, which means she handles a reduced caseload.
Awards and Recognition
Wilhelmina Wright has received many awards throughout her career for her excellent work. Some of these include:
- The Myra Bradwell Award from Minnesota Women Lawyers in 2006.
- The Lena O. Smith Achievement Award from the Black Women Lawyers Network in 2004.
- The B. Warren Hart Award for Public Service in 2001.
- The Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Award in 2000.
- Awards from the United States Department of Justice in 1997 and 2000 for her public service.
- A Diversity and Inclusion Award from Minnesota Lawyer in 2019.
Personal Life
Wilhelmina Wright is married to Dan Schmechel, who works for a company called Ecolab. They have one daughter.
She is also involved in many legal groups, such as the American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Judges. She helps guide several important organizations, including the Yale University Council.
See also
