Judge candidate: Tim Little

• Tim Little

Tim Little

Talk about it

1 I am a Duluth native and a graduate of Duluth Central High School, 1987; University of Minnesota Duluth, 1991; University of North Dakota School of Law, 1994. My parents were both school teachers, and my father was also a Presbyterian minister. I have a general practice and handle primarily family, employment, contract, and general civil litigation cases. I started as a criminal prosecutor and have since handled many different types of cases.

2 I am running for this position because it is a great opportunity for me to combine my legal experience with my passion for public service. Over the last 15 years I have practiced in many different areas of the law including criminal, family, employment, personal injury, civil litigation, and other areas. I also served four years as an at large representative on the Duluth City Council where I respectfully listened to constituents voice their concerns, weighed the information and cast my vote based on all the facts presented. As a result I have gained the support from many people with vastly different backgrounds.

3 My parents have been my greatest inspiration, and my 14-year-old daughter is also a great inspiration for me.

4 As lawyers, especially in a relatively small community, we deal with ethical dilemmas on a daily basis and have very clear rules to follow with regard to such issues. I, like all of the candidates, when faced with a difficult ethical dilemma will refer to a specific rule, request the advice of another attorney and/or call the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board for an opinion on the issue.

5 I recently had a discussion about this with a friend. I try to take the approach that I can’t control how other people choose to handle a situation. These situations have occurred many times during my 15 years of practice and on my term on the Duluth City Council and I believe I have a reputation of treating people respectfully and with civility despite how they may treat me.

6 I’ve handled high profile cases, but it is not possible to determine how I might rule from the bench based on any of my previous cases. Each case is unique with different legal issues, facts, parties, and circumstances.

7 My greatest accomplishment is having represented many people throughout my career. The most satisfying aspect for me is a former client sending a thank you card, thanking me in person, referring someone to me, or simply becoming a friend.

8 I worked as a prosecutor in the Mower County Attorney’s Office in Austin. I have, from time to time, represented defendants in criminal matters as well. My practice for approximately 10 years has been primarily in the area of civil litigation and is currently civil litigation and family law.

9 I think judges should be independent, non-partisan (which includes political parties, special interest groups or causes) and apply the law to the facts of each case.

10 The sentencing guidelines set out the criteria to be used.

11 The maximum bail amounts are set out in the criminal statutes. Each case is viewed independently to determine what is going to be most effective to ensure the individual attends the required court hearings.

12 Budget constraints are obstacles within the government and private business. I would continue to work as effectively and efficiently as possible despite the budgetary issues.

13 As with anything there is always room for improvement. I believe the budget issues are compounded by the ever increasing need for court services especially in the criminal and family areas.

14 The courthouses of Grand Marais and Two Harbors are vital to the residents of Cook and Lake counties. Consolidation or closures of these courthouses would significantly affect access to the courts and should be avoided.

15 I believe it is beneficial for judges to do what they can to foster public understanding of the courts but not obligated. This can be accomplished through community and civic involvement.

16 Good question. I would listen to every different style of music, very little talk radio, and often nothing but the wind. I have my windows open whenever possible.

17 I enjoy the people and the sense of community that is always very apparent. It is difficult to mention Lake County or the North Shore without mentioning Lake Superior.

18 One of my favorite pastimes is watching my daughter, Anna, dance on the Duluth East Danceline. I look forward to playing ping pong in the Udesen’s garage next door. Larry, Zach and myself manage to whittle away several hours each Sunday night with a little neighborhood competition.

Tags: two harbors, election 2010, judge election, news