Barrister Newsletter

The official publication of the Ramsey County Bar Association

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Success Stories

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Dee Baskin & Heather Vlieger

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

New Lawyers
Student Loans

Getting to Know Racey Rodne

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Sep 18, 2024

Rodne is the 2024-2025 RCBA vice president. He is a personal injury attorney at McEllistrem, Fargione, Rorvig & Moe, P.A..

Full story

Leadership

Bench, Meet Bot

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Maya Missaghi

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Aug 23, 2024

Can AI tools help Maya Missaghi, RCBA president-elect, do justice to an interview with the new Second District Chief Judge Sara Grewing?

Full story

Leadership

Monitoring the Makeup Aisle

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Emily Zambrana, Nury Yoo, Emily Dodane & Kadeejah Kelly-Previl

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Aug 13, 2024

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) is shaking up the cosmetics industry.

Full story

Food & Drug Law

Uncle Sam's Take on the Rule of Law

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Hon. Joe Meyer

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Aug 13, 2024

Full story

Features

Pro Bono Spotlight: David S. Drach

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Aug 01, 2024

David S. Drach is a solo real estate attorney who does pro bono work with SMRLS, often taking complex cases that require many months to resolve.

Full story

Pro Bono Spotlight

Get to Know Andrew Rorvig

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Jul 24, 2024

Andrew Rorvig is a personal injury lawyer and partner at McEllistrem, Fargione, Rorvig and Moe. On July 1, he began his term as RCBA president for the 2024-2025 bar year.

Full story

Leadership

"You're Doing Great."

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Mike Mather

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Jul 17, 2024

Can the hit Australian public television show Bluey teach us something about being lawyers?

Full story

General Practice

Celebrating the 2023 North Star Lawyers of Ramsey County

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Jul 16, 2024

Full story

North Star Lawyer

Effective Client Communication

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Rachel Schromen

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Jul 08, 2024

Effective client communication is a cornerstone of success in the legal profession, contributing to more successful outcomes and greater client satisfaction

Full story

General Practice

Wellbeing CLE Credit: What's New?

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Sheina Long

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Jun 05, 2024

Full story

Wellness

Pro Bono Spotlight: Landon Ascheman

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May 14, 2024

Landon Ascheman is the founder of Ascheman Law, a solo criminal defense practice located in St. Paul. Ascheman is SMRLS's latest pro bono volunteer spotlight.

Full story

Pro Bono Spotlight

Pro Bono Resources

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May 07, 2024

Do you ever come across people in your practice or community who need free legal help? The legal aid community wants to share a few resources to help you connect people with free legal help: LawHelpMN.org, a new statewide number to reach legal aid, and the MN Unbundled Law Project.

Full story

Pro Bono

President's Page: Embracing Chaos

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Apr 24, 2024

Full story

President's Page

Civics Education Opportunities

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Hon. Jessica Palmer-Denig

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Apr 17, 2024

As civics education declines in the United States, RCBA Youth Civics Initiative Co-Chair Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig summarizes the work of Minnesota's U.S. District Court, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Youth Civics Initiative to educate young people about our legal system and their rights and responsibilities within it.

Full story

Civics Education

Patent Law Updates for Business Lawyers: 2023-2024

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Nate Louwagie and Seung Sub (Elvis) Kim

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Apr 16, 2024

The last year has brought a number of meaningful changes to patent law. This article outlines five updates that lawyers should keep in mind when advising their business clients.

Full story

Intellectual Property

Getting the Most Out of Evidence Rules

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Sung Woo Hong

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Apr 03, 2024

Evidence law is a necessary subject for trial lawyers, but it can be quite overwhelming to digest all the evidence rules, and it requires a great deal of discipline to do so. In this article, Sung Woo Hong explains the significance of Minnesota Rules of Evidence as a whole and highlight the benefits of understanding them.

Full story

Trial Law

Professional Development: StrengthsFinder 2.0

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Lisa Buck

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Apr 02, 2024

Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day? According to Gallup research, you probably don’t. In 1999, Gallup created an online assessment and companion book that helps individuals identify their natural talents. StrengthsFinder encourages people to build their careers and lives around their strengths instead of trying to “fix” their weaknesses.

Full story

Professional Development

The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Being

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Patrick Patino

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Mar 26, 2024

In his latest "Newfangled Lawyer" column, Patrick Patino invites every attorney to turn down the pressure.

Full story

Wellness

Legal Paraprofessionals Pilot Project

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Jim Long

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Mar 12, 2024

Since 2021, Minnesota's court system has implemented Rule 12 in the Supervised Practice Rules, enabling approved legal paraprofessionals to handle certain housing and family matters. The committee is proposing to permanently integrate these rule changes based on their evaluation.

Full story

Access to Justice

Pro Bono Spotlight: Anna Street

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Mar 06, 2024

Read about why and how Anna Street makes pro bono a priority, the resources and strategies she uses to be an effective advocate, and the podcast she can't stop listening to lately.

Full story

Pro Bono Spotlight

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Launches New Filing System

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Charlie Shafer

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Mar 06, 2024

With so much technology at our fingertips, one would hope that some piece of it would make the job of an employment attorney easier. Although there have been advancements, there is more to do, starting with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's tech offerings.

Full story

Employment Law

"You Are Your Ancestors' Dreams."

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Racey Rodne

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Feb 28, 2024

Racey Rodne, descendant of the Kiowa Chief Satanta, thinks often about how his ancestors would view his law career.

Full story

RCBA Leadership

Make Hourly Billing Work for You

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Andrew Laufers

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Feb 14, 2024

Andrew Laufers is a proponent of hourly billing, and has a few tips for how attorneys can use a traditional model to stay on-task, improve attorney-client relationships, and infuse their business with a steady flow of cash.

Full story

Practice Management

Pregnancy and Pumping Protected

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Sara Jane Baldwin

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Feb 13, 2024

Recent changes to workplace protections for pregnant and lactating employees have left both employers and employees confused about their rights and responsibilities. Sara Jane Baldwin provides an comprehensive guide to these changes for employees and employers.

Full story

Employment and Labor Law

President's Page: Mentorship

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Hon. Victoria Elsmore

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Jan 23, 2024

In her January column, RCBA President Victoria Elsmore challenges you to think of yourself as "mentor material."

Full story

President's Page

The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Personal Branding

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Patrick Patino

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Jan 22, 2024

In this installment of The Newfangled Lawyer, Patrick Patino shares insights about personal branding with authenticity.

Full story

Practice Management & Marketing

My Friend Dave Durenberger

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Andy Rorvig

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Jan 17, 2024

Having myself grown up in Stearns County, Dave Durenberger was a household name. When I moved to Saint Paul in 2002, my wife and I became involved in community and civic issues impacting our neighborhood. It was through that involvement that I met Dave and we became friends. His legacy is one of great joy in serving others and a deep love for his adopted hometown of Saint Paul.

Full story

RCBA Leadership

Don't Join the Jerks!

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Chad Snyder

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Jan 17, 2024

Every attorney has encountered rude, aggressive behavior in opposing counsel. It can be very tempting to stoop to a jerk's level, but mediator Chad Snyder argues that these behaviors can undermine your credibility. Here, he offers some solutions for staying civil and professional.

Full story

Professional Development

Compassionate Counsel

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Rosie Gaston, MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C

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Jan 09, 2024

Attorneys are trained to navigate the complexities of the law and guide their clients in legal matters, but do they ever get education on how to best handle the emotional aspects of end-of-life planning for their clients?

Full story

Estate and Probate Law

Youth Civics Initiative: Get Involved

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The Honorable Jessica Palmer Denig

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Jan 02, 2024

Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig and the newly-formed Youth Civics Initiative are trying to change the downward trend of civics education for youth in Ramsey County.

Full story

Volunteer

Closing Doors, Opening Possibilities

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Melissa Miroslavich, Rachel Schromen

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Dec 05, 2023

We’ve all heard the old saying that when one door closes, another opens. But does that cliché hold up in the real world? Can we really count on a better opportunity popping up when things don’t go our way? For the attorneys at Schromen Law, LLC, that answer was a resounding yes as they both discovered that the universe truly is a master of surprise twists and turns.

Full story

Professional Development

RCBA Pro Bono Awards Profiles

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Oct 31, 2023

Read more about Wendy Willson Legge and Bill Tilton, the 2023 RCBA Pro Bono Award honorees.

Full story

Pro Bono Award

Ditching the Billable Hour

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Jess Birken

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Oct 17, 2023

Jess Birken explores other options for billing clients.

Full story

Small Firm Practice

Lawyering Happily 1L at a Time

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Oct 11, 2023

Laurence O'Donnell is a 2L at Mitchell Hamline School of Law with experience in compliance and a former academic theologian. He shares how his background in theology informs the proactive steps he takes to preserve his happiness as he tackles law school—through all the Ls.

Full story

New Lawyer Experience

Practicing Radical Kindness in Professional Contexts

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Ryan McLaughlin

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Sep 26, 2023

"Life is short. Emails suck. Kindness helps." Ryan McLaughlin has started opening his emails with a personal comment about his day and signing off with a heart-hands emoji. He's been experimenting with different methods to infuse his professional communication with kindness and authenticity.

Full story

Professional Development

Your Voice, Your Bar Association

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Hon. Victoria Elsmore

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Sep 20, 2023

Authenticity is a quality we always claim to value in our profession. It still seems so hard when we are asked to be authentic ourselves. As your President, I want to be authentic about this: I don't have a pre-set agenda of topics to cover in my messages. Instead, I want to engage in an open and honest dialogue with you, our members.

Full story

President's Page

Breaking Ground

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Amy Ihlan

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Sep 13, 2023

As of August 1, 2023, adult Minnesotans are now legally permitted to grow their own cannabis at home. But as the first legal cannabis growing season begins, Minnesota’s complex new cannabis statutes present open questions and potential practical and legal challenges for cannabis home growers.

Full story

Cannabis

Lessons in Progress

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Joan Bibelhausen

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Sep 11, 2023

The seminal report "The Path to Lawyer Well-Being" identifies intellectual well-being as “engaging in continuous learning and the pursuit of creative or intellectually challenging activities that foster ongoing development.” CLE is a start, but what more is there? How does learning help us define and engage with our purpose?

Full story

Wellness

Shifting Focus

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Aug 30, 2023

When Melissa Miroslavich made the choice to leave behind her photography business to go to law school, it felt like a completely new path. But she soon found that many of the same skills that made her a great photographer also made her a great lawyer.

Full story

Career Change

Marketing with Humanity

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Ryan McLaughlin

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Aug 02, 2023

Ryan McLaughlin rejects the conventional wisdom that an attorney's social media needs to be a professional highlight reel. McLaughlin built a network from scratch on Facebook, largely by sharing authentic, imperfect anecdotes from his life. He suggests that there is a lot to gain—professionally and personally—from embracing your humanity on social media.

Full story

Practice Management & Marketing

A Recipe for Success

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Ben Kwan

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Jul 25, 2023

Attorney Ben Kwan started helping out at his family's restaurant at five years old, washing dishes while perched on a five-gallon soy sauce bucket. Although he didn't always see the value in spending his weekends behind the counter, Kwan has grown to fully appreciate the opportunities and the education he received from being involved in the family business. From identifying specialties to checking implicit biases, Kwan credits his family's restaurant with making him the lawyer—and person—he is today.

Full story

Food and the Law Series

"I Don't Speak Legalese!"

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Rachel Schromen

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Jun 20, 2023

Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law LLC has always believed her clients deserve accessible information about the law. That’s why, in 2016, she started a blog on her website to untangle the legalese and demystify the estate planning process. Since then, Schromen has grown her website to include guest blogs, video testimonials, and other innovative marketing tools. Here, she argues that digital marketing is a powerful tool to connect with clients, foster meaningful professional relationships, and bring in business.

Full story

Practice Management & Marketing

A Practical Guide to Balancing It All

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Melanie Tawil

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Jun 05, 2023

Parent, business owner, politico, and Mitchell Hamline 1L Melanie Tawil proudly wears the title “Chaos Expert.” Her recommendations for attaining work-life balance? Step one is realizing that a perfect balance is unattainable. After you’ve made your peace with that, try the strategies she’s laid out: define your priorities, bill yourself, get in a routine, and let the rest fall into place.

Full story

Professional Development

Second to None

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Kenya Bodden

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May 31, 2023

"This has been quite a year. Nearing the end of my term, 'Ramsey County, second to none' echoes in my head. It has been an honor to serve as president of the Ramsey County Bar Association." In his final column as RCBA President, Kenya Bodden gives us a run-down of events that took place during his term, and thanks the people that have made an impact on him and his career, past and present.

Full story

President's Page

Uncertainty, Anxiety, and the Rewards of a Solo Practice

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Cresston Gackle

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May 10, 2023

To many, uncertainty and fear are interchangeable synonyms. Why face the uncertainties of going without a salary and of trying to build a practice you don’t know will succeed? It can strike many as foolhardy and unnecessary to take the risk of failure in the world of small business. But these uncertainties are far less abstract and unsolvable in practice than they may seem at a distance. We need to remember that as lawyers, our training is to identify and solve problems, not simply to fear and avoid them.

Full story

Solo Practice

President's Page: Getting Involved in the Youth Civics Initiative

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Kenya Bodden

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Apr 26, 2023

Yeah, here I go again with the push for volunteering. But the Youth Civics Initiative is a great way to promote our profession and take care of our community. As we head toward summer and the end of the bar year, consider becoming a volunteer for the RCBA Youth Civics Initiative during the coming school year.

Full story

Volunteer
President's Page

Making Your Way as a New Lawyer

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Dea Cortney

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Apr 11, 2023

Finding your footing as a new lawyer doesn't have to be difficult. Dea Cortney shares how getting involved in the bar has given her career a boost.

Full story

New Lawyers

We're Here For You!

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Barbara Jones

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Mar 21, 2023

The Senior Lawyers and Judges Section is a relatively new section for lawyers who have been admitted to the Bar for 37 years or more, or are over 62 years old. If that describes you, you’re auto-enrolled, and it costs you nothing. You are a part of our mission: the number one priority in our mission statement is “service to the community and the legal profession by utilizing the extensive knowledge, experience, and wisdom of Section members to guide and serve for the common good.”

Full story

Senior Lawyers

The Best of What's To Come

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David S. Alter, PhD, ABPP, ABPH

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Mar 15, 2023

As retirement looms, many retirees find it challenging to create a sense of value, purpose, and enjoyment outside of their decades of work. David Alter, PhD, provides us with a few clinically proven strategies to make sure that retirement is a time of discovery, curiosity, and play.

Full story

Senior Lawyers

The Privilege of Coaching

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Judge Francis J. Connolly

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Mar 01, 2023

As a judge, Hon. Francis J. Connolly is limited in the pro-bono activities he can participate in. Being an attorney coach for mock trial is one way he can give back to his community. Judge Connolly explains why being an attorney coach has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

Full story

Volunteer

Who Got the Cabin?

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Sharon H. Fischlowitz

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Mar 01, 2023

Cultures and societies have codified estate planning and inheritance laws for millennia. The Romans did it. Their successors in parts of Western Europe, the Germanic tribes, also known as Barbarians, did it. In this article on early Medieval estate planning, Sharon H. Fischlowitz outlines some practices of the Burgundian Code that may be unfamiliar to us, and a few rules and provisions that we still use today.

Full story

Law Through History

Ramsey County, A Place in History

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Kenya Bodden

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Feb 23, 2023

Did you know that the first African-American judicial officer to serve in the state of Minnesota was appointed to the Second Judicial Court? Judge Stephen L. Maxwell was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1921. This month, Kenya Bodden gives us an overview of the Judge's trailblazing life in honor of Black History Month.

Full story

President's Page

Can I Retire Yet?

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Susan J. Mundahl

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Feb 08, 2023

In the first of our series on retirement and career transitions, Susan J. Mundahl lays out five essential questions any attorney should ask before considering retirement.

Full story

Senior Lawyers
Retirement

Why Join the Bar Memorial Committee?

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Mike Burke, Dave Hutchinson

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Jan 31, 2023

In an open letter to the Ramsey County bar, Mike Burke and Dave Hutchinson explain why they participate in the RCBA memorial committee, and why they are encouraging members of all ages and backgrounds to do the same.

Full story

Volunteer

Vibe Check! Identifying the Energizers and Drainers in Your Life

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Kenya Bodden

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Jan 25, 2023

I recently read a quote that essentially said you do not have to spend time with people just because they are family or friends during the holidays, especially if they drain your energy. "Well, I certainly am not a drain,” said almost everyone who is reading this right now. So, what are energizers and drainers? How can you tell the difference?

Full story

President's Page

RCBA Launches Youth Civics Initiative

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Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig

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Jan 04, 2023

There is universal agreement that civics education is essential to ensuring members of the public understand our governmental institutions and can participate meaningfully in civil society. Yet, over the last few decades, civics education has lagged. The RCBA is now launching a new Youth Civics Initiative to continue its progress in educating young people about civics.

Full story

Volunteer

A Gift You Give Yourself: Benefits of Self-Reflection and Self-Care for Attorneys

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Kenya Bodden

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Dec 14, 2022

As we approach the end of the calendar year, we have a number of reasons to reflect. I must admit, writing this column is challenging. At the beginning of what is considered the holiday season, my family suffered a serious and significant loss. As I continue to process my family’s loss, and balance the demands of our profession, the necessity to give time has never been more apparent. I have been spending a lot of time in reflection.

Full story

President's Page

New Research on Trauma in the Law & Practical Steps to Trauma-Informed Lawyering

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Elsa Cournoyer

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Nov 22, 2022

In a 2021 Survey of Law Student Well-being (SLSWB), students from 39 law schools were asked about their prior experiences with trauma. Newer lawyers entering the profession report high rates of trauma, and research about trauma and its impacts has demonstrated that there is a link between trauma and decreased wellbeing, including substance abuse and other mental health issues. A trauma-informed approach to lawyering can make a world of difference to lawyer well-being and equity and inclusivity, in law school and beyond.

Full story

Diversity and Inclusion

2022 Bench and Bar Benefit

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Elsa Cournoyer

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Nov 09, 2022

The 2022 Bench and Bar Benefit took place on November 5, 2022 at the St. Paul Hotel, for the first time in three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Attorneys and supporters came together for a lively night of silent and live auction contests as well as an exciting fund-a-need.

Full story

Pro Bono

Tech of the Times: Ditching the Smartphone

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Patrick Patino

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Nov 02, 2022

Attorney Patrick Patino got rid of his smartphone. Sound absurd? Impossible? Patino explains how he's adapted his work and personal life to smartphone-free living and how it's benefited his mental health.

Full story

Wellbeing
Technology

President's Page: Pro Bono Publico—For the Public Good

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Kenya Bodden

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Oct 20, 2022

Concerned about providing pro bono publico legal services because you will likely be working on something outside of your practice area? Don’t know where to find pro bono opportunities? We know pro bono work is important, but many of us don't know where to start. Learn about programming the RCBA has put together for pro bono week and ways you can get involved.

Full story

President's Page

Leading Ethically: Strategies for Attorneys

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Oct 13, 2022

Being a leader is walking a tightrope of other people’s expectations. Clients, employees, partners, and shareholders all have preferences and priorities, some of which are in tension with each other. While there is free-flowing advice about being a “good leader” from books, seminars, and motivational speakers, ethics aren’t always at the forefront of those conversations. Mike Gregory, in his CLE “Ethics: Leading by Example,” presented to RCBA members last week, covered strategies that any attorney can employ to lead ethically.

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Leadership

Top Secret? Really? Addressing the Attorneys' Eyes Only Designation

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Patrick H. O'Neill III, Elliot Moormann

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Sep 29, 2022

Picture this: you’re involved in a contentious business dispute. You receive a voluminous document production from the opposing party after a prolonged meet-and-confer process. Much to your surprise, every single document has been marked “Confidential – Attorneys’ Eyes Only.” How can your client understand the merits of the claims or assess the case’s value if she cannot review the evidence provided by the opposing party? Patrick H. O'Neill and Elliot Moormann explain breaches of the Attorneys' Eyes Only designation.

Full story

Just Listen: Supporting BIPOC Legal Professionals Through Connection Groups

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Erikka Ryan

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Sep 13, 2022

HCBA Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Erikka Ryan writes about why the bar association started listening sessions for BIPOC legal processionals, and how those sessions helped individuals process the daily challenges and burdens of being a person of color in the legal field.

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Diversity and Inclusion

North Star Lawyers of Ramsey County

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Sep 06, 2022

Full story

North Star Lawyer

Finding Our Balance: The RCBA's Commitment to Wellbeing and Connection

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Kenya Bodden

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Sep 02, 2022

In his first column, RCBA President Kenya Bodden illuminates ways that upcoming bar events can contribute to a sense of wellbeing among attorneys.

Full story

President's Page

Rent Stabilization: The blueprint to affordable housing?

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Margaret Kaplan and Max Tsai

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Aug 19, 2022

St. Paul residents voted on November 2, 2021, to make a significant step towards addressing the lack of housing affordability and stability in St. Paul, passing one of the nation’s strongest rent stabilization policies. This article, written by staff at the Housing Justice Center, will briefly explain what the ordinance does and how tenants can protect the rights they have won through their votes.

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Shopping Suits: The Mall of America turns 30

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Marshall H. Tanick

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Aug 16, 2022

As the Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, the iconic Minnesota site for shopping and other activities and pursuits looks back on a legacy of three decades of litigation.

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Lawsuits

Death Support: How Volunteering as a Death Doula Made Me a Better Lawyer

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Aug 04, 2022

My father’s death was a pivotal moment for me as I not only said goodbye to my dad, but I also learned intimately about the experience of death and, frankly, how unprepared I was for it. I wanted to be able to talk and think about death in a productive way while also holding space for my friends, family, and clients in a more effective way.

Full story

Well-Being

Getting to Know Kenya Bodden, 2022-2023 RCBA President

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Jul 27, 2022

RCBA President Kenya Bodden (Thompson Coe, LLP) spoke with us about the community impact of the RCBA, trial law as a form of teaching, and shares great advice that’s stuck with him through his career.

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RCBA Leadership

Getting to Know Victoria Elsmore, 2022-2023 RCBA President-Elect

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Jul 20, 2022

As part of our "Getting to Know 2022-2023 RCBA Leadership" series, President-Elect Victoria Elsmore of the Ramsey County Court discusses the origins of her legal career and her dream career: croissant taste-testing.

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RCBA Leadership

Getting to Know Andrew Rorvig, 2022-2023 RCBA Vice President

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Jul 13, 2022

As part of our "Getting to Know 2022-23 RCBA Leadership" series, Vice President Andrew Rorvig shared with us a professional milestone he'll never forget and the lessons to be learned from coaching youth sports.

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RCBA Leadership

The Solo Side: Learning to Say No as a Solo

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Cresston Gackle

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Jul 12, 2022

In his latest Solo Side column, Cresston shares why it's important to set boundaries and limits as a solo.

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Solo Practice

Getting to Know Racey Rodne, 2022-23 Treasurer & Secretary of the RCBA

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Jul 06, 2022

RCBA secretary and treasurer Racey Rodne shares a valuable book recommendation and recounts a great piece of advice he was given.

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RCBA Leadership

President's Page: Connecting Through This Year's Bar Accomplishments

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Mónica Dooner Lindgren

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Jun 22, 2022

In her final President's Page column, Mónica Dooner Lindgren reflects on the achievements of the Ramsey County Bar Association. By focusing on the RCBA mission statement "working to improve the quality and accessibility to justice" Dooner Lindgren and the RCBA have been able to accomplish so much in the 2021-22 bar year.

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President's Page

New to the Bench: Hon. Jacob Kraus

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Hon. Jacob Kraus

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Jun 07, 2022

Judge Jacob Kraus discusses his path to taking the bench, accessibility in the courtroom, and the tragic condition of being a Minnesota sports fan.

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Judge Bio

Trailblazers: Legal Aid Society

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Racey Rodne

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May 18, 2022

This month's Trailblazers article features the Minnesota Legal Aid Society, an organization that provides legal aid to people in need. Learn more about the role of the Legal Aid Society in the 1975 landmark decision of Hoehle v. Likins, which protected welfare aid allocated to families.

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Trailblazers

Five Questions with Dean Anthony Niedwiecki

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Dean Anthony Niedwiecki

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May 18, 2022

As part of our "Five Questions with the Dean" series, Mitchell Hamline Law School Dean Anthony Niedwiecki answers five questions about the bar exam, student activism, wellbeing, and other pertinent issues.

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Law School

Five Questions with Dean Robert K. Vischer

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Dean Robert K. Vischer

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May 10, 2022

University of St. Thomas School of Law Dean Robert K. Vischer answers five questions about leading UST law and other issues facing the legal community today.

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Law School

Five Questions with Dean Garry Jenkins

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Dean Garry Jenkins

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May 05, 2022

University of Minnesota Law School Dean Garry W. Jenkins answers five questions about the future of the bar exam, wellbeing, changes over the last two years, student activism in response to world events, and how the bar association can help law students.

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Law School

Why I Use a Therapy Dog in My Practice

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Rachel T. Schromen

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May 05, 2022

One of Rachel Schromen’s most valuable assistants in her law practice is a furry, black and white Cavatzu named Mabel. She shares how having a certified therapy dog has helped in her practice.

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Well-Being

Meet RCBA Member Allyson Kerr

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Apr 28, 2022

Meet RCBA member Allyson Kerr. She is the co-chair of the RCBA Family Law Section and is an associate attorney at Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O’Connell, where she practices in the area of family law.

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Meet a Member

Five Things You Might Not Know About the Minnesota State Law Library

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Sarah Larsen

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Apr 19, 2022

The Minnesota State Law Library’s mission is to promote access to justice by providing useful, timely, and responsive library services and legal information to the judiciary, legal community, and the public.

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Publications

Ethics: How to Draft a Withdrawal Letter

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Eric T. Cooperstein

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Mar 25, 2022

In part two of this month’s Ethics Column, Eric Cooperstein shows how to draft a withdrawal letter from a client.

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Meet RCBA Member Charlie Shafer

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Mar 25, 2022

Meet Charlie Shafer, the Social Chair of the RCBA New Lawyers Section. Learn more about what inspired him to become an attorney, how he got his start, and lessons he’s learned along the way.

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Meet a Member

Trailblazers: Lena Smith

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Racey Rodne

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Mar 22, 2022

This month’s Trailblazers article features Lena Smith, the first African American woman attorney in Minnesota. Learn more about Smith’s career as an attorney and the many ways she fought against social barriers and racial covenants.

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Trailblazers

Ethics: Someone, Please, Get Me Out of Here!

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Eric T. Cooperstein

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Mar 18, 2022

In the first of a two-part series, Eric Cooperstein walks attorneys through the process of when and how to withdraw representing a client—and how to do it ethically.

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President's Page: Alternative Dispute Resolution as a Path to Culturally Specific Agreements

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Mónica Dooner Lindgren

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Mar 01, 2022

In her March President’s Column, RCBA President Mónica Dooner Lindgren discusses the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution and the many ways it can benefit clients and increase access to justice.

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President's Page

The Solo Side: Going Solo Doesn’t Mean Going it Alone

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Cresston Gackle

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Feb 28, 2022

In this month’s Solo Side column, Cresston Gackle discusses why it’s important to create connections as a solo practitioner and how having a mentor can help you feel like you’re not alone in your practice.

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Solo Practice

Trailblazers: Tina Burnside

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Racey Rodne

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Feb 23, 2022

Tina Burnside is a local historian, museum founder, art curator, journalist, author, playwright, and civil rights attorney. Learn more about her journey to becoming an attorney and her passion for celebrating African American history in the latest article of our Trailblazers series.

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Trailblazers

Meet RCBA Member Royee Vlodaver

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Feb 15, 2022

Meet RCBA member Royee Vlodaver, longstanding co-chair of the RCBA Real Estate Section. In this Q&A session, Vlodaver discusses how he came to choose his practice area, some of the lessons he’s learned and advice he’s received throughout his career, and more.

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Meet a Member

Meet RCBA Member Jacob Glass

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Jan 20, 2022

Meet RCBA member Jacob Glass, in-house counsel for Enbridge Energy and a member of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association and the RCBA Board of Directors. Learn more about how he chose to focus on Indian and energy law, how clerkships helped him in his career, and lessons he’s learned from mentors.

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Meet a Member

Trailblazers: Judge Diane E. Murphy

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Racey Rodne

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Jan 18, 2022

The third installment of the RCBA Diversity Committee’s Trailblazers Series highlights Judge Diane E. Murphy, the first woman to serve on the Federal District Court of Minnesota and the U.S. Court of Appeals Eighth Circuit.

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Trailblazers

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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Lisa Buck

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Jan 14, 2022

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been a bestseller for over 30 years. In this month’s Professional Development column, Lisa Buck summarizes the 7 Habits and how they can be put into practice.

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Professional Development

Meet RCBA Member Abdifatah Mohamed

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Jan 03, 2022

Meet Abdifatah Mohamed, a civil rights attorney with Mohamed Zain, LLP and a member of the RCBA Board of Directors. In this Q&A he reflects on his involvement with the RCBA and his journey to a career in law.

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Meet a Member

The Solo Side: Laying the Foundation for a Solo Firm on Pro Bono and Low Bono Practice

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Cresston Gackle

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Jan 03, 2022

In our new column, The Solo Side, attorney Cresston Gackle will share practice tips and advice from his view a solo practitioner. In the inaugural column, Gackle writes about how he found opportunities to grow his business in an overlooked place: low bono and pro bono legal work.

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Pro Bono
Solo Practice

Pursuing our Mission through the Storm

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Mónica Dooner Lindgren

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Dec 20, 2021

In her January column, RCBA President Monica Dooner Lindgren reflects on how the Association has continued to promote its mission in spite of the struggles of the pandemic. Read more about RCBA programming throughout 2021, its efforts to support the local legal community, and how our members have supported each other and continued to make a difference in the communities they serve.

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President's Page

Trailblazers: Fredrick Lamar McGhee

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Dec 14, 2021

This article is part of a monthly series highlighting local DEI trailblazers, written by RCBA Diversity Committee Members.

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Trailblazers

Meet RCBA Member Andrew Rorvig

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Dec 06, 2021

Meet Andrew Rorvig, a trial attorney with McEllistrem Fargione Rorvig & Moe P.A. and current RCBA treasurer.

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Meet a Member

Ramsey County Bar Foundation Raises more than $40,000 at Annual Bench & Bar Benefit

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Nov 30, 2021

On Thursday, November 18, the Ramsey County Bar Foundation (RCBF) held its annual Bench and Bar Benefit virtually. This annual program is a fundraiser for the RCBF to honor Pro Bono service and support the legal services community.

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RCBF

Trailblazers: Margaret Seelye Treuer

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Racey Rodne

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Nov 24, 2021

This is the first in a monthly series of short articles highlighting local DEI trailblazers written by RCBA Diversity Committee Members. This article highlights Margaret Seelye Treuer, the first female American Indian attorney in Minnesota and the first female American Indian judge in America.

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Trailblazers

Meet RCBA Member Samantha Ivey

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Nov 23, 2021

Samantha Ivey practices family law at Atticus Family Law, S.C. She is co-chair of the New Lawyers Section, the New Lawyers Section Representative, and an RCBA Board Member.

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Meet a Member

Meet RCBA Member Racey Rodne

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Nov 09, 2021

Meet RCBA member Racey Rodne, co-chair of the New Lawyers Section and a member of the Diversity Committee. In this Q&A session, Rodne shares how he became involved with the RCBA, what led him to a career in personal injury law, and can even recommend the best place in town for a great burger.

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Meet a Member

Judicial Stress and Resiliency: Research and Recommendations

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Joan Bibelhausen

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Nov 05, 2021

The judicial survey was conducted pre-Covid, but as was noted in the article, between the survey and publication, judges and the judicial system faced unprecedented stress and tests of their resilience.

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Well-Being
Judge

RCBA Honors William Kronschnabel with Annual Pro Bono Award

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Nov 01, 2021

The Ramsey County Bar Association is honoring William (Bill) Kronschnabel with its 2021 Pro Bono Award.

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Pro Bono Award

Community Engagement Helps Us Be Champions for Our Legal Community

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Monica Dooner Lindgren

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Sep 01, 2021

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President's Page

Barrister Newsletter

The official publication of the Ramsey County Bar Association

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Success Stories (?)

Dee Baskin & Heather Vlieger (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Getting to Know Racey Rodne (?)

Sep 18, 2024

Bench, Meet Bot (?)

Maya Missaghi (?)

Aug 23, 2024

Monitoring the Makeup Aisle (?)

Emily Zambrana, Nury Yoo, Emily Dodane & Kadeejah Kelly-Previl (?)

Aug 13, 2024

Uncle Sam's Take on the Rule of Law (?)

Hon. Joe Meyer (?)

Aug 13, 2024

Pro Bono Spotlight: David S. Drach (?)

Aug 01, 2024

Get to Know Andrew Rorvig (?)

Jul 24, 2024

"You're Doing Great." (?)

Mike Mather (?)

Jul 17, 2024

Celebrating the 2023 North Star Lawyers of Ramsey County (?)

Jul 16, 2024

Effective Client Communication (?)

Rachel Schromen (?)

Jul 08, 2024

Wellbeing CLE Credit: What's New? (?)

Sheina Long (?)

Jun 05, 2024

Pro Bono Spotlight: Landon Ascheman (?)

May 14, 2024

Pro Bono Resources (?)

May 07, 2024

President's Page: Embracing Chaos (?)

Apr 24, 2024

Civics Education Opportunities (?)

Hon. Jessica Palmer-Denig (?)

Apr 17, 2024

Patent Law Updates for Business Lawyers: 2023-2024 (?)

Nate Louwagie and Seung Sub (Elvis) Kim (?)

Apr 16, 2024

Getting the Most Out of Evidence Rules (?)

Sung Woo Hong (?)

Apr 03, 2024

Professional Development: StrengthsFinder 2.0 (?)

Lisa Buck (?)

Apr 02, 2024

The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Being (?)

Patrick Patino (?)

Mar 26, 2024

Legal Paraprofessionals Pilot Project (?)

Jim Long (?)

Mar 12, 2024

Pro Bono Spotlight: Anna Street (?)

Mar 06, 2024

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Launches New Filing System (?)

Charlie Shafer (?)

Mar 06, 2024

"You Are Your Ancestors' Dreams." (?)

Racey Rodne (?)

Feb 28, 2024

Make Hourly Billing Work for You (?)

Andrew Laufers (?)

Feb 14, 2024

Pregnancy and Pumping Protected (?)

Sara Jane Baldwin (?)

Feb 13, 2024

President's Page: Mentorship (?)

Hon. Victoria Elsmore (?)

Jan 23, 2024

The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Personal Branding (?)

Patrick Patino (?)

Jan 22, 2024

My Friend Dave Durenberger (?)

Andy Rorvig (?)

Jan 17, 2024

Don't Join the Jerks! (?)

Chad Snyder (?)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Success Stories

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Dee Baskin & Heather Vlieger

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Getting to Know Racey Rodne

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Bench, Meet Bot

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Maya Missaghi

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Monitoring the Makeup Aisle

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Emily Zambrana, Nury Yoo, Emily Dodane & Kadeejah Kelly-Previl

(?)

Uncle Sam's Take on the Rule of Law

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Hon. Joe Meyer

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Pro Bono Spotlight: David S. Drach

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Get to Know Andrew Rorvig

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"You're Doing Great."

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Mike Mather

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Celebrating the 2023 North Star Lawyers of Ramsey County

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Effective Client Communication

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Rachel Schromen

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Wellbeing CLE Credit: What's New?

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Sheina Long

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Pro Bono Spotlight: Landon Ascheman

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Pro Bono Resources

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President's Page: Embracing Chaos

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Civics Education Opportunities

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Hon. Jessica Palmer-Denig

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Patent Law Updates for Business Lawyers: 2023-2024

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Nate Louwagie and Seung Sub (Elvis) Kim

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Getting the Most Out of Evidence Rules

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Sung Woo Hong

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Professional Development: StrengthsFinder 2.0

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Lisa Buck

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The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Being

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Patrick Patino

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Legal Paraprofessionals Pilot Project

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Jim Long

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Pro Bono Spotlight: Anna Street

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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Launches New Filing System

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Charlie Shafer

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"You Are Your Ancestors' Dreams."

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Racey Rodne

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Make Hourly Billing Work for You

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Andrew Laufers

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Pregnancy and Pumping Protected

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Sara Jane Baldwin

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President's Page: Mentorship

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Hon. Victoria Elsmore

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The Newfangled Lawyer's Guide to Personal Branding

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Patrick Patino

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My Friend Dave Durenberger

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Andy Rorvig

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Don't Join the Jerks!

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Chad Snyder

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Compassionate Counsel

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Rosie Gaston, MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C

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Youth Civics Initiative: Get Involved

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The Honorable Jessica Palmer Denig

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Closing Doors, Opening Possibilities

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Melissa Miroslavich, Rachel Schromen

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RCBA Pro Bono Awards Profiles

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Ditching the Billable Hour

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Jess Birken

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Lawyering Happily 1L at a Time

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Practicing Radical Kindness in Professional Contexts

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Ryan McLaughlin

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Your Voice, Your Bar Association

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Hon. Victoria Elsmore

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Breaking Ground

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Amy Ihlan

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Lessons in Progress

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Joan Bibelhausen

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Shifting Focus

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Marketing with Humanity

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Ryan McLaughlin

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A Recipe for Success

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Ben Kwan

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"I Don't Speak Legalese!"

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Rachel Schromen

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A Practical Guide to Balancing It All

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Melanie Tawil

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Second to None

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Kenya Bodden

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Uncertainty, Anxiety, and the Rewards of a Solo Practice

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