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Workers' Compensation Judge Hiring Updates





Please join us in welcoming OAH's new Workers' Compensation Judges, *Jana Leigh*, and *Nancy Wallrich*.

Both judges will be based at our St. Paul office.

"“These appointments celebrate the rich professionalism that develops in public service,”" said Chief Judge Jenny Starr. "“Both Judge Leigh and Judge Wallrich have honed invaluable skills as administrators of the workers’ compensation system. Their careers reflect an unwavering commitment to accessibility, fairness, and public trust in the law. These enduring values will benefit all Minnesotans as both transition to the bench.”"  

The Office of Administrative Hearings looks forward to the contributions of Judges Leigh and Wallrich as they bring their knowledge, experience, and integrity to the OAH Workers’ Compensation bench.

 

Judge Jana Leigh

*Judge Jana Leigh* earned a B.S. from University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. 

Judge Leigh brings a diverse and comprehensive legal background to the bench, with experience spanning civil, criminal, and family law, as well as legal support services. She has served in multiple roles at OAH, including Associate General Counsel and Workers’ Compensation Staff Attorney Lead. She is highly regarded for her excellence in legal writing, knowledge, and mentorship of fellow legal professionals. Her transition to the bench underscores her enduring commitment to serving all Minnesotans with empathy, humility, and judicial neutrality. 

"“Jana will be the type of judge who will treat all before her with respect, thoughtfulness, and judicial intelligence.”" said retired workers’ compensation attorney Mark Fellman.  

Judge Leigh is a graduate of Minnesota’s Strategic Effectiveness for Emerging Leaders certificate program. In collaboration with the Administrative Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, she led the George Beck Fellowship program at OAH in 2023 and 2024; and is a significant contributor to OAH’s efforts to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace for all. In her personal time, she enjoys: coastal sailing, gardening, and motorcycle riding. 

Judge Leigh will join the bench as an OAH Workers’ Compensation Judge on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  

 



Judge Nancy Wallrich

*Judge Nancy Wallrich* earned a B.A. from Skidmore College and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. 

Judge Wallrich began her career representing injured people, including injured workers, and successfully managed all aspects of trial practice. She comes to OAH from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, where she served as a Mediator/Arbitrator in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit. In that role, she facilitated neutral mediations, issued factually and legally sound decisions and orders, and received achievement recognition for her work at the Department. Judge Wallrich’s appointment affirms OAH’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and fairness in adjudication.  

"“As a mediator and arbitrator in our agency’s Alternative Dispute Resolution unit, Nancy demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, clarity and accessibility,”" said Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.  

Outside of her professional role, she volunteers with organizations dedicated to providing health care to children. She is also a longtime mentor to law students at the University of St. Thomas and regularly volunteers as a judge for the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition. 

Judge Wallrich will join the bench as an OAH Workers’ Compensation Judge on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.   









*Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings*

[email protected]  *| * OAH Website [ [link removed] ]  *|*  651-361-7900

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