Who Is Hennepin County Judge Sarah West?
Hennepin County Judge Sarah West is a respected judicial figure in Minnesota, serving on the Hennepin County District Court—one of the state’s largest and most diverse trial courts. Covering Minneapolis and its suburbs, the court handles a vast array of cases, from family law disputes to criminal proceedings, and West’s tenure has been defined by her unwavering commitment to equitable, compassionate justice. As a judge assigned to the family law division, she has become a trusted voice for vulnerable communities, ensuring that every individual who enters her courtroom is heard and treated with dignity.
A Background Rooted in Advocacy
Before joining the bench, Hennepin County Judge Sarah West built a career centered on public service and advocacy. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, where she specialized in family law, she began her professional journey at the Minnesota Legal Aid Society. For 15 years, she represented low-income clients in domestic violence cases, child custody battles, and adoption proceedings—gaining firsthand insight into the barriers many Minnesotans face when accessing the justice system, such as financial constraints and language gaps. This experience shaped her mission to make the courts more accessible to all.
In 2021, West was appointed to the Hennepin County District Court by Governor Tim Walz, filling a vacancy left by a retiring judge. Her appointment was widely celebrated by legal advocates and community leaders, who cited her deep expertise in family law and her track record of putting people first. She later won re-election in 2022, a testament to her popularity and the trust she has earned from Hennepin County residents.
Judicial Philosophy: Fairness, Empathy, and Rule of Law
Hennepin County Judge Sarah West’s judicial philosophy is grounded in three core values: fairness, empathy, and adherence to the rule of law. She believes that the courtroom should be a space where every voice is heard, regardless of background or circumstance. “Family law cases are not just about legal rules—they’re about real people navigating life-altering changes,” West once said in a local legal forum. “I strive to balance strict adherence to the law with a deep understanding of the human stories behind each dispute.”
This approach is evident in her handling of complex custody cases. For example, when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, West often encourages mediation and collaborative law to avoid adversarial litigation, which can harm children. She also works closely with social workers and mental health professionals to ensure decisions prioritize the child’s well-being, not just legal technicalities.
Key Initiatives and Impactful Work
Hennepin County Judge Sarah West has led several initiatives to improve the judicial system in Hennepin County. One of her most notable projects is the Family Law Access Program, launched in 2022. This program provides free legal resources to self-represented litigants, including workshops on filling out forms, understanding court procedures, and navigating mediation. Since its launch, the program has helped hundreds of residents who cannot afford an attorney access the justice they need.
West is also a champion of trauma-informed practices in the courtroom. Recognizing that many family law litigants have experienced trauma (such as domestic violence or neglect), she has trained judges and staff on how to interact with survivors sensitively. This includes using plain language, avoiding re-traumatizing questions, and connecting litigants to community support services like counseling and housing assistance.
Beyond the bench, West chairs the Family Law Section of the Hennepin County Bar Association and speaks regularly at local schools and community centers about the importance of the judicial system. She also mentors law students from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in public service.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Hennepin County’s judicial system faces significant challenges, including case backlogs and racial disparities. Hennepin County Judge Sarah West has taken concrete steps to address these issues. To reduce backlogs, she implemented a streamlined case management system for her family law docket, prioritizing urgent cases (like domestic violence protection orders) and using virtual hearings to speed up proceedings. This has cut wait times for hearings from months to weeks for many clients.
West is also a vocal advocate for reducing racial disparities in the justice system. She has worked with the Hennepin County Equity Office to develop implicit bias training for judges and pushed for policies that expand diversion programs for non-violent offenders. These programs provide alternatives to incarceration, helping to break cycles of poverty and recidivism in marginalized communities.
Community Recognition and Legacy
Hennepin County Judge Sarah West’s work has earned her widespread recognition. In 2023, she received the Hennepin County Bar Association’s “Family Law Advocate of the Year” award for her contributions to the field. Peers describe her as a “thoughtful, dedicated judge who puts people first,” while clients praise her for her fairness and empathy.
Looking ahead, West plans to expand the Family Law Access Program to reach more underserved neighborhoods and continue advocating for systemic change. Her goal is to ensure that every person in Hennepin County—regardless of their background—has equal access to justice.
Hennepin County Judge Sarah West’s tenure on the bench has been marked by her commitment to making the judicial system more inclusive and compassionate. Her work has touched thousands of lives, and her legacy will continue to shape Hennepin County’s legal landscape for years to come. As she continues to serve, she remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law while centering the needs of the community she serves.