Robert Friday, director of advocacy for Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM), has been appointed state district judge by Governor Mark Dayton. Friday, the newest judge on the Iron Range, is a staunch advocate for low-income families and youth. The 6th District includes St. Louis, Carlton, Cook and Lake counties, and Friday will be at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia.

As director of advocacy at LASNEM, Friday manages the legal work of the program, provides legal education in the community, and works with the Volunteer Attorney Program in Duluth.

Commenting on his legal services work, Friday noted, "There is no other area of law that impacts a community more than family law. Other than minor criminal charges, the most likely reason someone is going to interact with the court system is family issues. Our children are our future, and we need to protect the best interests of our kids."

LASNEM executive director Dori Streit said, "Bob has been my partner in vision for legal services for many years. He'll continue to be a huge ally, but we will all miss working with him." Read more in the Duluth News Tribune.