Perhaps no one is more beloved in Minnesota judicial history than Justice John E. Simonett. So with utmost understatement, Greene Espel was honored that Judge Simonett chose to join us in 1994 when he ended his distinguished tenure on the bench. John Simonett began his practice at a humble law firm in Little Falls in 1951. He built a reputation as an eloquent and brilliant trial lawyer, and he was appointed an associate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1981. Justice Simonett's judicial opinions became the gold standard, with his unmatched legal insight, uncommon wisdom, and thoughtful prose.

Greene Espel proudly calls its main conference space "the Simonett Room," where John Simonett still wisely guides parties in mediation and decides cases in arbitration. Judge Simonett has been married to his wife, Doris, for 55 years. Together they raised six children, including two (Anne and Martha) who also became Minnesota judges.