On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that Eighth Judicial District Judge Jennifer Fischer will retire as part of an agreement with the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards, effectively ending a formal complaint against her. Fischer, who was based in Willmar, had been facing allegations of misconduct and retaliation against colleagues, which could have led to censure, suspension, or removal from her position.
The Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards requested the court to terminate the proceedings against Fischer following her agreement to retire. The board formally dismissed the complaint last week. Fischer declined to comment on the matter when contacted on Tuesday. The Minnesota Judicial Branch also did not respond to requests for comments.
The formal complaint against Fischer was initially filed in July, accusing her of failing to maintain proper courtroom decorum and removing herself from cases involving specific lawyers. An investigation in 2023 revealed concerns among court staff regarding Fischer’s “erratic, explosive and unpredictable behavior” in both the courtroom and workplace.
Following the 2023 investigation, Fischer allegedly retaliated against lawyers and staff who had voiced concerns. This included privately accusing a judge, who had previously lodged complaints against her, of opiate addiction. She also reportedly recused herself from a significant number of attorneys and entities that cooperated with the earlier investigation.
By February 10, Fischer was no longer assigned to criminal cases, and by April 28, she had no pending cases. The formal complaint had sought a public hearing, which could have resulted in disciplinary actions. Fischer had denied all allegations of misconduct and retaliation in her formal response to the complaint.
Fischer was appointed to her judgeship by then-Governor Mark Dayton in 2013. She was re-elected twice, with her current term set to expire in January 2027.
Source: The Minnesota Star Tribune
