Judge Belois has an employment record which offers an ideal background for her judicial career. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1970, Judge Belois became the special-term law clerk for the Hennepin County District Court. In 1971, she joined the Minnesota law firm of Smith, Juster, and Feikema. In 1971, she was also appointed to the position of part-time Assistant Hennepin County Public Defender.

Two years later, William Kennedy appointed Judge Belois to head the Juvenile Division of the Public Defenders Office which was being formed. She held that position until 1976 when Judge Lindsay G. Arthur asked Judge Belois to join his team as a referee in Juvenile Court.

Judge Belois held the position in Juvenile Court until 1982 working for Judges Arthur and Allen Oleisky. In 1982, her responsibilities changed. She received an opportunity to gain experience in the Family Court, Mental Health and other special calendars.

In 1986, at the request of prior Chief Judge Patrick Fitzgerald, Judge Belois devoted many months to facilitating settlement conferences in a successful attempt to reduce the backlog of civil cases awaiting trial in the district court.

Her swearing-in ceremony on June 16,1987, was marked by a capacity crowd on the 24th floor of the Government Center. The clear impression given to the attendees from the assembled bench was that this was a long-awaited and well-deserved appointment. Her one-time mentor, Judge Arthur, administered the oath and Judge Eugene Minenko provided the robe. Former Chief Judge Robert Forsyth set the relaxed and congenial tone for the proceedings when he opened the session by inquiring of the audience, "Is Paddy here yet?" Written evidence to support the conclusion that Judge Belois’ selection is a popular one and based on her record of achievement emanated from such distinguished jurists as Doris Huspeni of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and James Rosenbaum of the United States District Court. Judge Huspeni said in a letter, "Please add me to that lengthening list of friends who are thoroughly delighted at the wisdom of the Governor . . . how richly you have deserved an appointment to the District Court Bench and how capably and conscientiously you will discharge your new duties! The state of Minnesota is lucky to have you!" Judge Rosenbaum in a similar voice noted, "When I saw the item in yesterday’s paper, I just yelled! How wonderful for you. I am just thrilled and Marilyn joins me in wishing you great success and pleasure on the bench. It’s kind of heartening that once in a while the good guys win."

One of Judge Belois’ judicial colleagues said that she will notice that she will henceforth be known as "Judge" and her informal name of "Paddy" will disappear. The judge’s track record suggests otherwise. She combines a strong belief in courtroom decorum and a tone of seriousness in judicial matters with a very informal, approachable personal style.

A long-time friend, Henry Feikema, a partner in the firm that hired her after law school, is personally and professionally enthusiastic about her appointment.

He should know! Henry first met the judge in 1949 as a tenant at her mother’s rooming house near the University of Minnesota campus while he was attending law school. Feikema said, "She has a great commitment to the law, to the system and perhaps most importantly to simply do what is right. In addition, she has wonderful human traits that show in how she treats other lawyers, people who appear before her, her friends and co-workers and the community."

Her history includes more than just the career steps noted above. She is a co-founder of Minnesota Women Lawyers.

As recently as 1970, she and other female students at the University of Minnesota Law School were the exception who were singled out to brief criminal sexual conduct cases to the amusement of faculty and classmates.

Subsequently, the law schools have moved to a virtual even split in the number of male and female students and Judge Belois is the eleventh female on the Hennepin County District Bench.

She is a member of the National Association of Women Judges and served as chairwoman of its 1985 annual meeting in Minneapolis. She was appointed by former Hennepin County Bar Association President John Gordonto to serve as chairwoman of the committee that planned the 1986 Minnesota State Bar Association Convention.

The judge is an active member of the Hennepin County, Minnesota State and American Bar Associations. At her swearing-in, Hennepin County Bar Association President Robert H. Rydland praised the contributions sitting judges have made to the Association. He noted Pat’s record of hard work, and her interest in Bar activities and voiced his confidence that she will continue that effort while wearing a black robe.

She also recently completed a term as President of the Parish Council of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Then pastor of the Church and now publisher of the Catholic Bulletin, Father Tom Comber lauds her as a generous financial supporter and, equally or more importantly, a leader in helping the church grow and contribute to its members and community.

It is difficult to conceive of any nominee to the bench being more excited to serve the system and the public than Pat.