Communities

Hilbert is paralegal of the year

KANDIYOHI – Jodi Hilbert, Paralegal for the Kandiyohi County Attorney’s Office was awarded the National Federation of Paralegal Association’s Paralegal of the Year Award at its annual conference on September 26, 2026 in Bloomington.

This award is given out to one Paralegal in the United States each year. Hilbert has been the only Paralegal employed at the Kandiyohi County Attorney’s Office for 28 years working in criminal prosecution for eight attorneys and assisting on the most serious felony cases including murders and other cases as well. She received the award for her on-the-job achievements which have contributed to the expansion of the Paralegal profession, including contributions to her employer, colleagues, and the Paralegal profession in general. During the time she was doing Paralegal work, she was also the Kandiyohi County Diversion Coordinator for 13 years.

A program for first-time offenders which reduced the number of non-violent offenders appearing in court while at the same time holding offenders accountable. In 2005, she received the Minnesota Association of Pretrial Services Agencies award for her work with the Diversion Program.

In 2014, she earned the Minnesota Certified Paralegal credential which is a recognized mark of competence making her one of the top Paralegals in Minnesota. In 2023, she was awarded the Barbara Peppersack Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Paralegal Association. She has also served the Willmar community as past President, Vice-President, Historian, and Membership Chair for the Willmar Business and Professional Women and she also previously served on the Willmar Fest Board.

Hilbert is the daughter of Marlin and Nancy Schmidt of New Ulm. She is a 1992 graduate of New Ulm High School, a 1994 graduate of Willmar Community College, and a 1998 graduate of Winona State University.