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Used with permission from
The Hennepin Lawyer,
membership publication of the
Hennepin County Bar Association
612-752-6000 thl@hcba.org
new To THe benCH
Judge Joseph Klein
Drawn to the bench by intramural sport activi-
an increasing desire to ties. He also served as
do more in service to a resident advisor and
others, Joe Klein em- later a senior resident
braces his new position advisor at Frontier Hall.
as Hennepin County Interestingly, his daughter
District Court judge with started at the university
excitement and passion. last fall and, following in
Public service has always her father’s footsteps, is
been a significant part living in Frontier Hall.
of Klein’s life. As Gov.
Tim Pawlenty noted in After receiving his
his announcement ap- bachelor of arts degree
pointing Klein as judge in 1982, and still be-
on July 14, 2009, “Joe ing driven by a desire to
has a sharp intellect. His become a lawyer, Klein
passion for public service attended law school at the
and helping others, as University of Minnesota
reflected by his volunteer and received his JD in
work in the community, 1986. During law school,
will help him in his new he worked two jobs while
job.” Judge Klein has attending classes and
long been guided and continued to be involved
inspired by Sir Winston
Education in various intramural
Churchill’s notion that 1986 J.D., University of Minnesota Law School sports, referred to as “Law
you make a living by 1982 B.A., University of Minnesota League” sports. He was
what you get, but you 1979 A.A., Rochester Community College also involved in a num-
January 2010 • The Hennepin Lawyer • www.hcba.org
Employment
make a life by what you ber of church activities
give. Klein carries this at the Newman Center
sentiment with him as he 2006-2009 Attorney, Law Office of Andrew P. Sherwood Catholic Church, includ-
takes on this new role. 2005-2006 Contract Attorney, Universal Underwriter’s Group ing singing in the choir
2004-2005 Attorney, Zurich North American Insurance and serving as a lector at
Klein’s journey began 2000-2003 Quality Assurance Supervisor, Medical Evaluations, Inc., Sunday services.
back in high school when 1987-2000 Attorney and Shareholder, Moss & Barnett
he expressed an interest Kline began his practice of
in becoming a lawyer. law in 1987 at the law firm
This interest was encour- of Moss and Barnett in
camp counselor, and he was active in several
aged and supported by his family. After Minneapolis. He later became a shareholder
intramural sports.
high school, Klein attended Rochester in the firm. As he reflects on his experience,
Community College (RCC) where he earned he treasures the fact that he learned the
After graduating from RCC in 1979, Klein
his associate of arts degree. While a student practice of law from “a good bunch of folks.”
attended the University of Minnesota
at RCC, he was a member of the student According to Klein, there are several positive
where he majored in political science.
senate, chairman of the Lecture and Seminar personal qualities you can have as a lawyer,
While there, Klein was involved in several
Committee, a choir section leader, freshman but the foundation is integrity. He practiced
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with a number of people who showed him Moot Court, a volunteer attorney coach for us to see the value in every moment, to
integrity. As a young attorney he had an Edina Middle School’s mock trial program, challenge ourselves to be better than
opportunity to try cases early on in his a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, as well as a we are, and to recognize that everybody
career and “simply loved it.” He describes volunteer coach for Hopkins youth football, crosses our path for a reason, be it to give
basketball, baseball, and girls’ us something or for us to give that person
softball. Klein is a member something. He stresses the importance of
[T]here are several positive and active participant at
Faith Presbyterian Church.
reading, reflection, and carrying quotes
from those who have come before us as we
personal qualities you can have journey forward.
Klein and his wife, Holly
as a lawyer, but the foundation Pike, and their two teenage Joseph Klein truly brings with him a passion
is integrity.
children often volunteer for public service, a commitment to justice,
together. Klein delights in and an increasing desire to do more. His
standing back and seeing appreciation for the law, the courtroom,
his children engage in serv- the legal process, and—above all—the human
being in the courtroom as one of the most ing others and then observing the impact person communicates his commitment to
professionally fulfilling experiences, both the service experience has on them. Holly his new position as judge with the Hennepin
then and now. works at Hennepin County Medical Center County District Court.
as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She
Klein left Moss and Barnett in 2000 interacts with a variety of people, as will the
to be a quality assurance supervisor at judge in his new role. Klein is excited and
Medical Evaluations, Inc., also located in challenged by the opportunity to be a judge
Minneapolis. Medical Evaluations provides because his new position combines two
independent medical examinations for things he has found personally rewarding
personal injury cases. There Klein was able throughout his life: public service and the
to view a case through the lens of those pro- practice of law in the courtroom setting.
viding litigation support. He was as a liaison
between doctors and lawyers as he managed Understanding the significance of his role
the quality assurance department. This as a judge, Klein sees himself as “on the
experience provided Klein with a unique front line,” meaning that he will oftentimes
perspective and appreciation for the many be the face of the law to those who appear
aspects involved in litigation. Additionally, before him. Klein acknowledges that a judge
he again observed the importance of integ- is sometimes the first and only person indi-
rity and professional reputation throughout viduals see and equate with justice. To him,
the litigation process. being a good judge is about allowing people
the chance to be heard and ensuring that
Ready for a new challenge, Klein returned they understand the process. Additionally,
to the practice of law as an attorney with finding a balance between treating everyone
Zurich North American Insurance from with respect and moving things along in
January 2010 • The Hennepin Lawyer • www.hcba.org
2004 to 2005. He then pursued a posi- the courtroom is something Klein sees as a
tion as a contract attorney with Universal challenge, but accepts as a goal.
Underwriter’s Group in Edina from 2005
to 2006. From 2006 to his present appoint- For fun, Klein and his son both practice Tae
ment as Hennepin County District Court Kwon Do. They have been taking classes
Judge, Klein worked as an attorney with together for about six years, and each has
the Law Office of Andrew P. Sherwood, a second-degree black belt. Klein watched
in Roseville, where he served as house his son for a year or two and then, at the
counsel for Progressive Group of Insurance urging of his son, decided to participate in
Companies. the class himself. After having a coaching
relationship with his son for several years,
Rebecca Vandenberg
In addition to a wealth of civil experience Klein appreciates this special activity because
Contributing Author
Klein brings to his new role, a commitment to “there’s something neat about being a student
public service and a sincere reverence for the right along with him.” Ms. Vandenberg has served as Family
work judges do. Klein’s community involve- Court Referee David Piper’s law clerk
ments include serving as a volunteer judge Judge Klein recommends doing something since December 2008.
for the University of Minnesota Law School outside of oneself every day. He encourages
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