Judicial candidate: Lindy Yokanovich

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Lindy Yokanovich

Age: 46

Family: Married; four children ages 11-15.

Hometown: Stillwater.

Education: University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law; University of California.

Work experience: Founder and executive director of Cancer Legal Line; adjunct professor of Law, William Mitchell College of Law; Private Litigation Practice, Law Offices of Lindy Yokanovich, McGlynn McLorg & McDowell.

1. What makes you the best candidate?

I have devoted my 20-year career to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession as a litigator, law professor and founder and executive director of Cancer Legal Line. I have the litigation experience, proven leadership and independence from political partisanship and special interest influence to do the job of judge efficiently and effectively. My dedication to making the legal system more accessible to people in need led me to found Cancer Legal Line, for which the judges of the 10th judicial district named me their choice as 2009 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.

2. How would you as a judge suggest the court system respond to limited or reduced state funding?

I would utilize the proven and tested skills I have used in creating, founding and leading Cancer Legal Line to find efficient and effective ways to increase access to justice for all Minnesotans. We need to listen to what is working, understand why, then find ways to creatively and effectively replicate these proven methods of service delivery to avoid duplication. I have spent the last six years building multi-disciplinary relationships and coalitions to create access to legal help for Minnesotans with cancer where none existed before and look forward to bringing this unique skill set to the bench.

3. Do you believe judicial candidates should be allowed to discuss political views and be involved in non-judicial politics?

I believe that there are more important things to consider when electing a judge than political views. With shrinking budgets and increasing need for access to our courts, what practical experience does each candidate bring to the table in addition to their legal experience? What objective actions have they taken demonstrating their leadership, independence and dedication to law? Actions speak louder than words. Everyone agrees personal political views should not influence a judge’s decisions, so let’s talk about the actions they have taken during their lives that demonstrate the qualities we all want in a judge: leadership, fairness, respect, effectiveness.