ST.PAUL, Minn. – An Austin lawyer, Natalie Martinez, was appointed to a judgeship by Governor. Tim Walz, Martienz will be on the Third Judicial District bench, which includes Winona and 10 other southern Minnesota counties, Although chambered in Austin. Martinez can be assigned cases elsewhere when there are staffing and case load issues. Martinez has been a public defender in Freeborn County and a Mower County conciliation court referee. Her work has been primarily family law, criminal defense, and child protection. Martinez previously was an attorney with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services , for victims of domestic abuse
Judicial selection
Martinez was among three nominees from the state Commission on Judicial Selection, The Commission also recommended Jeremy Clinefelter of Owatonna and Stephanie Haedt of Austin. While the governor appoints judges, they must stand for election to stay in the bench.
Martinez. Holds degrees from St. Olaf College and Hamline law school.