Corresponding with Chambers: How to Address Judges in Letters
Formal communication with chambers often forms the first impression a judge has of you, and professional details are important. Below listed is a guide for how to format envelopes, followed by the suggested salutation to use when applying to different chambers. When consulting this list, always make sure to the judicial branch website to determine each judge’s official title.
Federal Chief Circuit Judge – United States Court of Federal Magistrate Judge – United States District Court Appeals The Honorable Nancy M. Koenig The Honorable William Jay Riley U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit Street Address Street Address City, ST Zip Code City, ST Zip Code Dear Judge Koenig: Dear Chief Judge Riley: Federal Bankruptcy Judge – United States Bankruptcy Federal Circuit Judge – United States Court of Appeals Court The Honorable Diana E. Murphy The Honorable Charles L. Nail, Jr. U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit U.S. Bankruptcy Court for District of South Dakota Street Address Street Address City, ST Zip Code City, ST Zip Code
Dear Judge Murphy: Dear Judge Nail:
Federal Chief District Judge – United States District Court State Chief Justice – State Supreme Court The Honorable Michael J. Davis The Honorable Lorie Skjerven Gildea U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota Minnesota Supreme Court Street Address Street Address City, ST Zip Code City, ST Zip Code
Dear Chief Judge Davis: Dear Chief Justice Gildea:
Federal District Judge – United States District Court State Justice – State Supreme Court The Honorable Lynn Adelman The Honorable G. Barry Anderson U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Minnesota Supreme Court Street Address Street Address City, ST Zip Code City, ST Zip Code
Dear Judge Adelman: Dear Justice Anderson:
State Chief Judge – State Appellate Court The Honorable Edward J. Cleary Minnesota Court of Appeals Street Address City, ST Zip Code
Dear Chief Judge Cleary: