Bar & Association News | Wednesday, March 17, 2010

• MSBA Response to Chief Justice's Resignation. It would be less than honest to say that the news of Chief Justice Magnuson’s decision to step down and return to private practice effective June 30, 2010, did not bring with it a significant measure of disappointment for the MSBA and its members. Go to MSBA


• Celebrate Pro Bono: 2009 Report on Pro Bono Legal Services. The MSBA has released its latest updated Pro Bono Report. The Report features letters from MSBA President Leo Brisbois and Chief Justice Eric Magnuson, celebrates the pro bono work of Minnesota lawyers over the past two years (including recent winners of the judicial district pro bono awards), discusses the results of last year's pro bono survey and encourages members of the bar to get involved with pro bono opportunities with legal services organizations throughout the state. Go to MSBA Committees


• Bench & Bar Goes Digital. Subscribers to the MSBA’s Bench & Bar of Minnesota are receiving e-mails today announcing the beginning of the new digital era of the magazine. Starting with the March 2010 issue, MSBA members and Bench & Bar subscribers will receive a monthly e-mail directing them to the availability of an online digital edition of the magazine. The new digital edition contains all of the content of the print edition but adds enhanced navigation, hyperlinks, and social media sharing functions. It does not replace the print edition but instead provides added benefits to those who are digitally inclined. Go to Practice Blawg


• Certified Civil Trial Specialist Exam Coming Soon. The MSBA is now accepting applications for the Certified Civil Trial Specialist Exam taking place in our offices on Saturday, April 17, 2010. The four hour exam format will be giving fact patterns followed by multiple choice, yes/no, true/false, sustained/overruled and cite the rule type questions in Civil Procedure, Evidence and Ethics. The exam registration deadline is March 26. Applications can be found on our website at www.mnbar.org or by contacting Jessica Thomas at (612) 278-6318. Go to MSBA Certification


• CLE: United States Senate Recount Trial. Counsel for both Senator Al Franken and former Senator Norm Coleman will discuss the U.S. Senate Recount Trial. Additionally, Judge Denise Reilly, a member of the judicial panel overseeing the trial, will offer her insights. Professor Schultz, who is writing a book on the trial, will moderate. Go to MSBA Sections


• MSBA Certifies Attorney as Civil Trial Specialist. The MSBA has certified Adam J. Dowd of Schmitz, Ophaug & Dowd, L.L.P., Northfield, as a Civil Trial Specialist: an attorney who has completed a rigorous approval process to establish full qualification for reliable experience and skills as a specialist in their practice area. Go to MSBA Certification


• Nominees Sought for Supreme Court Boards. The MSBA Assembly will elect nominees to several Supreme Court boards at its April 29 meeting. Members interested in being nominated should submit a Qualifications & Interest Statement to the MSBA office before March 22, 2010. If you have any questions contact Joni Fenner. Go to MSBA Governance

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