As a Judge

Judge Jacob Kraus works hard every single day to ensure that all individuals receive justice, strives to have our neighbors appearing in court feel that the process is fair, and uses his experience to provide greater access to the judicial system.

Judge Kraus was appointed to the Ramsey County bench by Governor Tim Walz on April 25, 2022. He is currently assigned to the Juvenile Division, where he handles cases regarding juveniles committing unlawful acts, public safety, and the services designed to help kids (juvenile delinquency), and child safety (child protection). Judge Kraus previously served in the Criminal Division, where he presided over every type of criminal case — from misdemeanor cases, all the way up to felony murder and manslaughter cases.

Judge Kraus was selected by the Chief Judge to be a Co-Chair of Ramsey County District Court’s Equal Justice Committee, which promotes equal access to the court, works to eliminate bias from court operations, and strives to inspire a high level of trust and public confidence in the court. He was also selected to help lead the District Court’s efforts to recruit and retain court reporters. Judge Kraus volunteered to work in the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and enjoyed talking to people about the work that the courts do (and eating some chocolate-chip cookies).

As an Attorney

Judge Kraus came to the bench with a variety of public service and private practice experience, involving many areas of criminal and civil law. He served as a Senior Assistant County Attorney in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, where he supervised a trial team in the Child Protection Division and prosecuted serious felony criminal cases in the Adult Prosecution Division. He made hundreds of appearances in court, and his work helped protect kids, support families, promote public safety, and advocate for victims.

Before that, Judge Kraus was an Assistant Attorney General in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where he served as the Division Manager of the Consumer Protection Division and the Division Manager of the Human Services Division. His work on consumer protection cases returned millions of dollars to Minnesota consumers and kicked unfair business practices out of the state. His work on human services cases ensured that vulnerable Minnesotans got help that they needed, and brought him to courts throughout the state, including arguing before the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Judge Kraus started his career as a lawyer at the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP, where he litigated trade secret, noncompete, and franchise cases, helping clients navigate high-stakes litigation in state and federal court. His pro bono work included litigating on behalf of tenants in conciliation court and district court. Over 20 years ago, Judge Kraus served as a law clerk in Ramsey County District Court, where he learned from experienced judges and referees. His appointment to the bench felt like a full-circle moment.

In the Community

Judge Kraus is very involved in the community. For the last 10 years, he has coached youth baseball, hockey, and soccer in St. Paul, taking him throughout St. Paul, Maplewood, Shoreview, Roseville, and White Bear Lake. He is an active volunteer for St. Paul Public Schools, where his family has organized family-service night, chaperoned field trips, and planned other community events. Judge Kraus is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Ramsey County Bar Association, the Minnesota District Judges Association, and the Notre Dame Club of Minnesota.

Before becoming a judge, Judge Kraus served on his union’s executive board — AFSCME Council 5, Local 2938’s board of directors — and held other leadership positions working to help children, families, and victims of domestic violence.

Judge Kraus was born and raised in Minnesota. He grew up in Owatonna and moved to St. Paul over 25 years ago. Growing up, his mom was an emergency-room nurse, and his dad served on the local school board and city council (leading to Judge Kraus and his younger brother spending summers door-knocking and checking yard signs). Judge Kraus earned his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas, and his law degree from Notre Dame Law School — both with honors.

Judge Kraus lives in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood with his wife, Jacqueline, their two children, and an energetic dog. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and being outdoors. In the summer, his family enjoys exploring Minnesota’s state parks. In the winter, if he’s not on a youth hockey rink, you’re likely to find him curling at the St. Paul Curling Club.