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Ronald Abrams
Originally published in
the May
2007 issue.
Author: Sarah J. Gorajski
“Be flexible.
Use your law degree to explore all aspects of the law, rather
than to allow yourself to be pigeonholed.” Judge Ronald Abrams’
advice to new lawyers has served his own career well. Abrams
knew from a young age that he wanted to go to law school and
become a judge, but he had to trust the path that would take him
there.
Judge Abrams
was born in Minneapolis and moved to St. Louis Park when he was
5-years old. Growing up, he was interested in sports and was
involved in the Boy Scouts until the ninth grade. He attended
the University of Minnesota, where he combined work from the
economics, political science, and history departments to
complete an interdepartmental studies degree.
After
undergraduate studies, Abrams attended Harvard Law School. One
of his favorite classes was civil procedure with Prof. Arthur
Miller. Abrams and his classmates were so inspired by the
professor that many of them took Professor Miller’s copyrights
class even though few of them were passionate about the topic.
During both
undergraduate studies and law school, Judge Abrams became
involved in politics and interned with former U.S. Rep. Bill
Frenzel for four summers. Bill Frenzel became Abrams’ life-long
political mentor, a person with whom Abrams would consult about
every major career decision, including when he decided to run
for office years later.
After law
school, Abrams returned to Minnesota to work at Briggs and
Morgan, P.A., from 1977 to 1980. Abrams enjoyed his time on the
East Coast, but he always knew that he wanted to return to
Minnesota. “Minnesota’s home,” Abrams explained. After working
at Briggs and Morgan for three years, Abrams became an attorney
and area manager with Group W. Cable Television in Minneapolis
from 1977 to 1980, and a Minnesota House of Representatives
Committee Administrator from 1985 to 1986.
In 1988, the
Minnesota House District 45A seat opened. Despite his earlier
political involvement, Abrams never thought he would run for
office. But as he explained, it “was one of those opportunities
that presented itself, and I happened to be literally in the
right place at the right time.” Abrams was elected and served
in the House until 2006.
During his
tenure in the House, Abrams was Speaker Pro Tempore from 1999 to
2006, and he chaired the House Tax Committee from 1999 through
2004. He was instrumental in shaping Minnesota’s tax policies,
and as his career progressed, he became increasingly interested
in higher education. Abrams said, “I am still convinced that
higher education and work force development, as well as basic
research, is essential for Minnesota to be able to thrive as a
state.”
As a
representative, Abrams was also involved in the effort that led
to the construction of the new Guthrie Theater building, an
endeavor that Abrams described as “really satisfying.” Abrams
is currently a member of the Tyrone Guthrie Theater Board of
Directors, and he now has a view of the dark blue building from
his chambers window.
After over 18
years as a Representative, Judge Abrams left the Legislature in
2006 to become a Hennepin County District Court judge. Gov.
Pawlenty announced Abrams appointment on April 28, 2006, a day
that Abrams will never forget. “It’s not difficult to remember
when you’re announced the day after your birthday,” Abrams
recounted with a chuckle.
Abrams believes
that his time in the Legislature helped prepare him for his role
as a judge. As the chair of a major committee, Abrams learned
the patience needed to “understand the diversity of opinions.”
He explained, “It is very important for that individual who is
in the courtroom or before the committee to be heard in a
meaningful manner by somebody who is interested in hearing what
they have to say.” Abrams also brings a unique perspective to
the bench because many of his cases involve issues that the
Legislature debated while he was a legislator, particularly in
the area of DWIs and domestic abuse.
When asked
about the differences between being a judge and a legislator,
Abrams responded, “It’s entirely different. As a legislator,
you are making the laws that will affect the lives of 5.2
million Minnesotans.” In contrast, as a judge, “You are dealing
with legal issues one at a time and affecting people’s lives,
particularly in the criminal area, one at a time.”
The best advice
Judge Abrams has received since joining the bench is to “Take
your time. Thoroughly think things through.” Abrams explained
that since he is dealing with individuals’ legal rights, “It is
more important to re-read something, to re-think something, and
make sure you got it right.” Although Abrams meets his
deadlines, he believes that it is “always better to make sure to
get [the ruling] right than to get [the order] out fast.”
One of Abrams’
favorite aspects of his new job is the variety of cases that he
hears. “I thought it would be intellectually challenging and
important work and it has met those expectations, if not
exceeded them,” Abrams said. He also admires all the people he
has met including the attorneys, court administrators, deputies,
and probation officers.
Judge Abrams
believes one of the biggest challenges facing the legal
profession is access to the legal system. Abrams worries that
many people cannot afford the legal services they need to
understand the complex issues that affect their rights. In
addition, Abrams has observed that more languages are being
spoken in the courtrooms, and he is “concerned that people
understand what is happening.” Judge Abrams’ advice for the
lawyers in his courtroom: “Understand why you are there, and
respect each other and the process.”
On Jan. 3,
2007, Judge Abrams experienced “a career highlight” when he
swore in the 134 members of the Minnesota House of
Representatives. Abrams explained, “There is no more important
day in the life of a legislator than the day that you are sworn
in. You have your family and friends there, and particularly
for the first time, you do not know what to expect. Imagine a
7-year old walking into Disney World for the first time—that is
the kind of awe that a freshman legislator has.”
Judge Abrams is
married to Dr. Joanne Rogin-Abrams, a neurologist at the
Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. They have two children,
Benjamin, 21, and Alexander, 18. Judge Abrams enjoys golfing,
traveling, and cooking Chinese and Indian food. He and his wife
plan to visit London this spring where their son Benjamin is
studying. China is on their list of “probable destinations” for
this fall.
When asked how
his wife feels about his becoming a judge, Abrams responded,
“She has never been happier about a career choice.” Apparently
the feeling is mutual as Abrams indicated that he is “grateful
for the opportunity to serve” as a judge. |
