Michael K. Browne

Judge Michael K. Browne serves as a Fourth Judicial District Court Judge in Hennepin County and an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law since 2007. He holds a JD from Hamline University School of Law (1999) and a BA from the University of Minnesota Duluth (1995). His career spans judicial appointments, civil rights advocacy, and legal practice, with a focus on police accountability, criminal law, and institutional reform.

He has served in leadership roles including Director of the Minneapolis Office of Police Conduct Review and Legal Affairs Manager at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. His judicial philosophy emphasizes fairness, rule of law fidelity, and accessible proceedings. Professional development includes certifications from Harvard’s Kennedy School and the University of Madrid’s Human Rights Institute, alongside Bosch Foundation fellowships in Germany (2002–2003).

Awards include Hamline’s Distinguished Alumni Award and recognition from the Minneapolis Commission of Civil Rights. He teaches Mentor Externship courses and has led judicial committees in budget, technology, and ethics. Community involvement includes school governance, chess coaching, and Toastmasters International leadership.