Hennepin County Chief Judge James Swenson's legal experience and knowledge is very diverse. He was a trial lawyer for nearly 20 years before being appointed to the bench and tried cases in just about every subject area. He was a certified mediator and arbitrator and regularly taught both disciplines.

Judge James Swenson was appointed to the bench in 1995 by then-Governor Arne Carlson, and one year later he was elected by the people of Hennepin County to serve a new term. During his first fourteen months on the bench, he handled diverse criminal calendars and presided over civil trials. In 1997, he volunteered to serve in Family Court, and in 2002, he was re-elected once again by the people of Hennepin County. The normal Family Court rotation is 18 months, but Judge Swenson renewed his volunteer commitment time and time again, serving Hennepin County’s families and children for more than a decade, the last three years as Presiding Judge of Family Court.

It goes without saying that being a Family Court Judge is a tough, demanding position. Judge James Swenson went above and beyond the duties of his position by playing a significant role in developing many of the innovative services currently provided by the Hennepin County Family Court bench. He was part of the team that developed and implemented the early case management system that has significantly reduced the time it takes to obtain a marital dissolution and has won national acclaim. Judge Swenson’s leadership in implementing this innovation assisted in making what can be a highly contentious process more cost-effective and efficient for parties and court staff alike, and demonstrates his ability to be a highly effective steward of taxpayer dollars. With the knowledge of the growing movement toward pro se litigants in Family Court, Judge Swenson helped prepare many of the forms used by Hennepin County’s innovative pro-se service center. Because of his extensive knowledge and experience, he was regularly asked to lecture regarding family law topics. Many Family Court judges were assisted in their transition into Family Court by having access to Judge Swenson’s extensive outlines that catalogued the ongoing developments in family law. Many of his colleagues adopted a number of Judge Swenson's innovative techniques for shortening trial time. His commitment to improving the Family Court experience for all participants was recognized when the Hennepin County District Court chose to bestow on him the Anne V. Simonett Award as the district court employee of the year in 2005. This award was followed in 2006 by the Minnesota District Judges Association district judge of the year, and in 2007 by the Paul H. Chapman Award from the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2008 Judge Swenson returned to the Criminal/Civil Court bench. Because of the leadership skills he demonstrated during two terms as the Presiding Judge in Family Court, followed by two years as Assistant Chief, and with the 2008 budget cuts still fresh in their minds, Judge Swenson’s 61 colleagues on the Hennepin County District Court bench elected him to be their Chief Judge effective July 1, 2008. Judge James Swenson has the trust, respect and friendship of staff and colleagues alike.

Judge Swenson has been an active member of the community. He received the University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award after serving the 'U' in many capacities. He was a member of the faculty committee that oversees intercollegiate athletics, served on the Alumni Association national board of directors, painted the "Just One 'U'" limited edition print, and taught legal writing at the Law School. Judge Swenson was a board member of Volunteer Lawyers Network for over ten years and held all officer positions. He was a Big Brother for many years and served on the City of Minneapolis Board of Adjustments

Judge Swenson is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Minnesota and a cum laude graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. He is married to his wife of 35 years, Ann. They have two children and two grandchildren.