The Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection on Wednesday recommended three lawyers — including one from Albert Lea — for a 3rd Judicial District vacancy in Steele County.

Receiving nominations were Kevin Siefken of Christian & Peterson law firm in Albert Lea, Adam Dowd, a partner of Schmitz, Ophaug & Dowd law firm in Northfield, and Karen Duncan, chief public defender for the 3rd Judicial District.

“It’s an honor to be nominated,” Siefken said.

Siefken was previously nominated in 2011 for a judicial opening in Freeborn County, following the retirement of Freeborn County District Court Judge John A. Chesterman.

He has previously worked as a public defender for the 3rd Judicial District and has been active in various community organizations, serving as an advisory board member and past chairman of the Albert Lea Salvation Army and as the vice president of Habitat for Humanity in Freeborn and Mower counties.

He has experience in civil, criminal and family law.

Dowd previously served as an associate attorney and law clerk with the Cody Law Office in St. Paul. He also serves on the 5th District Ethics Committee.

Duncan previously was a public defender and managing attorney for the State Board of Public Defense. She has also been a prosecutor for Rice and Olmsted counties.

The vacancy follows the retirement of Judge Casey J. Christian.

A news release states Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will conduct further interviews during the next few weeks, with Dayton to make the final selection.