District bar associations form the basic units of organization within the MSBA. District bar associations elect MSBA leadership, including members of both the Assembly and the Council. MSBA Officers are nominated by district bars for election by the Assembly.
Minnesota is divided into 21 district bar associations. With a few exceptions, district bar associations operate as separate entities with their own organizational structure, articles and bylaws.
To facilitate greater interaction between the MSBA and the district bar associations, the Bar's 21 districts are grouped within regions.
The MSBA currently provides the following services to all districts:
- Provide district member lists when requested
- Email communications to all District members on behalf of Bar Officers (i.e. meeting notices, meeting minutes, district information)
- Provide technology support (i.e. guidance on software purchase and light troubleshooting)
- Provide training on MSBA sponsored electronic research tools (i.e. fastcase, mndocs, and practicelaw)
- Provide information regarding pro bono service
- Collect district dues and distribute funds to each district
- Host district bar information on the web to keep members informed
- Bring CLEs to your front door via One Profession programs
- Host the annual Convention providing a means for members to meet with the legal community at large
And, don't forget those special projects - we may be able to help!
Attention Fee Arbitrators
A model form for fee arbitration is available for download. Individual districts may choose to customize this form to meet the needs of their particular program. Fee Arbitration Form
District Lists
The MSBA maintains a database of all district bar association members. Upon request, districts receive two complete member lists per year at no charge. Additional exports are available at a cost of $0.04/per name. This minimal charge has been approved by the Assembly to cover the costs of maintaining the data. To request district lists, contact Andrew Olson, 612-278-6313.