All Rise

BY JEFF PAPAS | EDITOR, HAMLINE MAGAZINE

Melilssa Houghtaling

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has appointed Melissa Houghtaling JD '07 as district judge in the state’s 4th Judicial District, which encompasses Hennepin County. Houghtaling previously served in the 4th District as a district court referee in the Civil and Criminal Divisions, presiding over housing, harassment and petty misdemeanor cases.

“Ms. Houghtaling’s previous service as a judicial officer, combined with her lifelong dedication to equity and justice initiatives to help improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans, will serve her well as a district court judge,” noted Walz at the time of her appointment in June 2022.

Houghtaling earned a BA in sociology, women’s studies and religion at Hamline in 2002 and holds a JD degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She comes from a military family, but chose a law career over military service because she was unwilling to closet herself during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Instead, she focused on a life of public service.

“Although my work as a judge often involves making hard decisions that negatively impact someone’s life, I hope that when people leave my courtroom, they feel that their voices have been heard and that they have a better understanding of the complexities of the law and why I made the decision I did,” Houghtaling said.

Houghtaling’s legal career includes service as a human services judge at the Minnesota Department of Human Services and clerkships with three judges at the Minnesota Tax Court. She has been a shareholder and attorney at Heltzer & Houghtaling, PA; a chair of the St. Paul's Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission; and a chair of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association.

Houghtaling has taught at Hamline, Mitchell Hamline School of Law and Inver Hills Community College. She has volunteered as a mock trial judge for the Minnesota bar's High School Mock Trial Program and has served on the 4th Judicial District Equal Justice Committee.

“I’m extremely humbled by my appointment as 4th District judge,” Houghtaling said. “I know that people are appearing before me on their absolute worst days. ey have faith that I will do what’s right based on the law. I’m grateful for that trust and the opportunity I’ve been given to serve the public.”