Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed his general counsel, Karen Janisch, and long-time civil litigator Thomas Sipkins to the Hennepin County bench on Wednesday.

"I know both of them. They are not only outstanding lawyers, but they are good-hearted people," Pawlenty said at a news conference at the Hennepin County District Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis.

Janisch, 43, has served as Pawlenty's general counsel since 2003. She was also a partner and attorney at the Rider Bennett, Egan and Arundel law firm, where Pawlenty also worked.

Pawlenty called her "one of the brightest and most skilled lawyers I've ever met."

In her comments, Janisch praised the quality of the county bench as well as her family and colleagues. "I promise in this job to do my best to work hard and not disappoint any of you," she said.

Janisch lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Daniel Tschida, and their two daughters.

The governor called Sipkins "extraordinary as a litigator but also fair-minded." He noted that it is somewhat unusual to have a judicial candidate with Sipkins' extensive civil experience.

Sipkins, 61, is a partner and leads the labor and employment group at Maslon Edelman Borman and Brand.

Sipkins said he's "incredibly excited" to start the job and called it "sobering" to be appointed after several applications. He said he was excited that "an older codger like me" would get a shot at being a judge. "I really look forward to this opportunity. I hope that it's the last, best chapter of my life," Sipkins said.

He and his wife, Jessica, live in Edina. They have two adult daughters.

The judges fill openings left by the retirements of Judges Pamela Alexander and Anne McKinsey. The governor is reviewing applications for the seat held by Judge Steven Pihlaja, who died last year.

District court judges earn $129,124 annually.

Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747