Judge Elizabeth Bentley
Justice. Fairness. Kindness.
Judge Bentley brings considerable knowledge, a deep understanding of the law, and a passion for justice to her role on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. As a former U.S. Supreme Court law clerk, appellate advocate, and law professor, she has an unflinching commitment to the law and public service.
A judge for every member of our community.
Throughout my career, I have maintained a deep commitment to public service, fueled by a passion for access to justice and curiosity in the law.
As a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, I adhere to the principle that every person who comes before the court should be treated with dignity and respect and receive careful consideration of their case under the law. I approach cases with the analytical rigor they deserve, and my experiences working as a civil rights attorney and in legal aid organizations help me to never lose sight of the individuals on the other end of our decisions.
I ask for your vote in November 2026, so that I may continue to work every day to ensure our judicial system is impartial, rigorous, and worthy of your trust.
A career built on principle
Elizabeth Bentley has served as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals since August 2024. Prior to her judicial appointment, she was a visiting assistant professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she founded and directed the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic. Her research and scholarship focused on issues of state constitutional law and interpretation.
Judge Bentley's other professional experience includes serving as special counsel to Senator Amy Klobuchar and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Before that, she represented clients in federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, in the appellate practice groups at two global law firms.
Judge Bentley served as a law clerk to Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Supreme Court during the 2017-2018 term. She previously clerked for Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and Judge Jed S. Rakoff on the Southern District of New York. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and her a B.A. from Northwestern University.
Stand with Judge Bentley.
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