[1] Harriet Lansing was born in rural Wisconsin and attended a one-room country school.
As she describes herself in her oral history: "My early life experience provided me with a deep appreciation for the importance of community, the transformational power of words and literature, liberation of work, and the fundamental value of fairness.
I would add to that list also the love of tall trees, fresh air and a good pair of hiking boots.
[7] In 1983, Governor Perpich appointed her as one of the first six judges (two of whom were women) on the newly created Minnesota Court of Appeals[8] where she served for 28 years, winning five elections[9] and writing more than 2000 opinions.
Judge Lansing was a founding member of Minnesota Women Lawyers in 1972[2] and the recipient of its Myra Bradwell award in 2003.