Judge Browne received his judicial appointment to the Fourth Judicial District of Hennepin County on September 4, 2015. Previously, he worked for the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights as the Director of the Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR). Judge Browne's history with the department includs previous appointments as the Assistant Director of Civil Rights (Complaint Investigations), Director of Outreach and Enforcement and Interim Director of Civil Rights.

He also authored several notable works, including evaluations of the Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority in 2006 and the City's Civil Rights complaint process. Judge Browne was recognized by the Minneapolis City Council for his contributions to the department during its transition as the Interim Director; received the Minneapolis Commission of Civil Rights' outstanding service and dedication award; and was awarded Hamline University, School of Law's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Judge Browne previously held the appointed position of Legal Affairs Manager at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, with the primary responsibility for coordinating appeals, conciliations, settlements and other legal matters. As a practicing attorney, he focused on civil rights, criminal and employment law.

From 2002 to 2003 he was a Fellow with the Robert Bosch Foundation in Germany, with a focus on police misconduct and comparative criminal law, and earned a Certificate from the Human Rights Institute/Faculty of Law at the University of Madrid and Helsinki España. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Strategic Management from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Judge Browne is an active member of Toastmasters International. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law since 2007.

http://www.mncourts.gov/About-The-Courts/Overview/JudicialDirectory/Bio.aspx?id=555