Military and Veterans Affairs Annual Meeting and CLE

Deadline to Register: May 17, 2015

Veterans face difficulties in the legal system everyday.  Join us for this half-day seminar to learn about some of the particular issues encountered by veterans as they navigate the courts. 

Schedule:

12:45 am – Registration

1:00 pm – Sexual Assault and the Military Justice System - 1.0 EOB CLE Credit
This presentation will focus on sexual assault within the military and how the military justice system has adapted to this challenge. In recent years it has become clear that the military justice system was not handling sexual assault cases or investigations properly. Moreover, there was (and in some cases still is) a significant bias against victims, both in the justice system and the command channels. Cases often went unreported out of fear of retaliation or were simply mishandled. The presentation will look at how the military is assisting and representing victims through the Special Victims’ Counsel Program. Focusing on the battle victims of sexual assault still have, and the importance that an advocate plays to ensure their rights are protected. Finally, the presentation will look at the unique challenges that the National Guard and Reserve component have faced implementing this program.

Captain Peter Williams

2:00 pm – Bias in the Family Law Courts: Is every Service Member an Inherent Danger - 1.0 EOB CLE Credit

Misunderstanding and biases regarding military service, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Battle Operating Stress, are seen frequently in the area of family law.  Ms. Clyborne will provide an overview of relevant state and federal laws that relate to veterans and service members going through family law issues, and help identify and understand the underlying biases service members routinely face in the court's and from attorneys.  Sharing her own experiences, Ms. Clyborne, both as a combat veteran and a lawyer, representing active-duty and veteran clients who have a mental health diagnosis, or are stigmatized by the misunderstood relationship between military service and mental health issues will discusses the impact and ways to avoid of these biases.

Johanna Clyborne, Brekke Clyborne & Ribich, LLC         

3:00 pm – Break

3:15 pm - Minnesota Laws for Veterans and Service Members - 1.0 Standard CLE Credit

This session will provide attorneys with an overview of applicable laws for veterans and service members in Minnesota. While there are relatively few veteran- or military-specific provisions in MN law, it is important for practitioners to understand when and how a client's military service impacts their case. Many of the topics introduced during this segment will be presented on in more depth later in the section's summer CLE series.

Jennifer Beck-Brown, Hennepin County Attorney's Office
Sara Sommarstrom, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans  

4:15 pm - The New Expungement Law - Your Second Chance - 1.0 Standard CLE Credit

Minnesota’s expungement law saw a dramatic overhaul to the benefit of Minnesotans. Now, it is a more meaningful and available remedy. Learn about these changes and how you may be eligible for an expungement.

James Gempeler, Gempeler Law, PLC
Andrea Palumbo, Council on Crime and Justice

Please join us for a reception for all attendees after the event at Atlas Grill on the first floor of the US Bank Plaza Building.  There will be cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.  

CLE Credits:

Cost:

Section Member:  $20.00
Member not in the Section:  $25.00
Non-MSBA Member:  $30.00
Law Student:  $0.00

Remote Participation: 

There is no remote participation for this event.

Want more information about the Military & Veterans Affairs Section ? 
To register with a check, please mail in this registration form.
Need to cancel? Please see our cancellation policy.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Carter | 612-278-6309