Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

Gov.Walz appoints Jessica Fralich to fill 6th Judicial District vacancy

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Oct 07, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Jessica Fralich as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

AI + MSBA: Building Minnesota’s legal future

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Damien Riehl

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Oct 01, 2024

From practice innovations to battling the justice gap, the bar’s new Artificial Intelligence Standing Committee has big plans

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AI
Technology

Flash Backward: The future of legal tech and the art of persuasive legal writing

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Brendan Kenny & Neven Selimovic

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Oct 01, 2024

Legal writing requires commitment, clarity, choosing words that hit home, organizing them for maximum persuasion—and much more. But today’s world offers a new tool: artificial intelligence. No matter what, AI will transform legal writing. In fact, it already has. But most lawyers don’t know it.

Full story

Technology
Legal Writing

‘Legal aid is in really good hands’

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Kiri Somermeyer

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Oct 01, 2024

On May 20, the MSBA Access to Justice Committee had the great opportunity to hear from five retiring leaders in the access to justice and pro bono legal communities.

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Access to Justice
Legal Aid

Legislature creates State Board of Civil Legal Aid

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Bridget Gernander

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Oct 01, 2024

Effective July 1, 2025, the State Board of Civil Legal Aid will become a stand-alone agency in the Judicial Branch, joining the State Board of Public Defense as another important access-to-justice institution for Minnesotans unable to afford private counsel.

Full story

Legal Aid

Pro bono work is part of our duty

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Samuel Edmunds

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Oct 01, 2024

Pro bono work is not just an act of charity—it is a professional obligation rooted in the core values of our profession.

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President's Page

Lightning round: Ethics tips

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Oct 01, 2024

Got a few minutes? Here are several legal ethics tips to improve your practice.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Go a little slower. You’ll get more done.

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Sarah MacGillis

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Oct 01, 2024

The concept of strategically building periods of momentary rest into our day is not new, but it seems to have a new life in today’s workplace, where concepts of wellness and longevity have taken root.

Full story

Wellness

Spread the word: Judicial elections matter

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Greater Minnesota Legal Opportunity Map

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Get to know our Bank on Justice partners

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Pro Bono Spotlight: Cheryl Bergian

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

Pro Bono Spotlight

Notes & Trends – October 2024

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Oct 01, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Gov. Walz appoints Emily Froehle to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

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Sep 19, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Emily Froehle as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 8th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Sep 19, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Justin Collins, Tricia Loehr, Jennifer Peterson, and Heather Pipenhagen to fill 10th Judicial District vacancies

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Sep 12, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointments of Justin Collins, Tricia Loehr, Jennifer Peterson, and Heather Pipenhagen as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz announces upcoming vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals

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Sep 09, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced a vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Sep 04, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 6th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Sep 04, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Toward a more perfect Minnesota: How the '23-'24 Legislature expanded civil rights protections

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Sam Kramer & Frances Baillon

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Sep 03, 2024

Since 1955, the Legislature has slowly but surely increased protections against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in several contexts, including employment. It has done so through substantive and procedural amendments that have protected more groups against discrimination in more contexts and provided expanded remedies for victims of discrimination and reprisal.

Full story

Employment and Labor Law
Civil Rights

Want to build a MN-WI cross-border practice? Mind the basics.

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Jeff Muszynski

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Sep 03, 2024

Cross-border practice offers new clients, new business, and new opportunities for growth. But it also requires significant work if you want to do more than simply dip your toe in the water. The two markets are significantly different, and building business and a thriving practice in both requires an intentional strategy to be successful.

Full story

Solo Practice

How the 2024 Legislature changed Minnesota’s environmental laws

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By Jeremy Greenhouse and Ellen Stojak

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Sep 03, 2024

The 2024 Minnesota legislative session brought notable changes to environmental laws in Minnesota. These changes include bolstering the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s enforcement authority; establishing a responsibility program for packaging; and creating a waste-management hierarchy for food waste.

Full story

Environment and Natural Resources Law

Advocating for courthouse security screening reform for lawyers

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Samuel Edmunds

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Sep 03, 2024

In 2019, our association took a significant step by approving a resolution urging that the courts, the Legislature, and local sheriffs establish procedures allowing attorneys in good standing to access Minnesota courthouses without the need for security screening.

Full story

President's Page

Ethics guidance for generative AI use

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Sep 03, 2024

On July 29, 2024, the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 512, entitled “Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools.”

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AI
Professional Responsibility

Colleague Corner: What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve developed as a lawyer?

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Sep 03, 2024

Full story

Colleague Corner

Notes & Trends – September 2024

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Sep 03, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

The MSBA seeks applicants to serve on the State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records

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Aug 28, 2024

The State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records is being convened to address longstanding issues and recent changes affecting attorney access to court records across the state. The Commission will be co-chaired by recently retired Supreme Court Justice G. Barry Anderson and Minnesota attorney Kelly Keegan.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang to fill 2nd Judicial District vacancies

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Aug 28, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

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Aug 27, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 10th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Aug 27, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill four vacancies in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor Walz appoints Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten to fill 7th Judicial District vacancies

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Aug 13, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Aug 10, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Mission: Improbable —The inside story of Minnesota’s historic 2024 family law legislation

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Bryan Lake & Samantha Gemberling

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Aug 02, 2024

As a public policy arena, family law is unique. Family law legislation evokes strong feelings but frequently fails to break along party lines—an increasingly rare phenomenon on our polarized public stage.

Full story

Legislation
Family Law

Tips and traps: Understanding Minnesota’s new red flag law

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Anna Street

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Aug 02, 2024

Imagine a legal mechanism that could swiftly intervene to prevent tragedies before they unfold—such is the promise of the extreme risk protection order (ERPO). Created under the terms of Minnesota’s new “red flag law,” which went into effect on January 1, 2024, ERPOs are temporary civil orders that restrict firearm possession by persons who pose significant danger of bodily harm to others or a significant risk of suicide.

Full story

Civil Litigation

Minnesota Cannabis: One Year Post-Legalization

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JEN RANDOLPH REISE

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Aug 02, 2024

The May 2023 legalization of adult-use (aka recreational) cannabis in Minnesota brought some dramatic changes quickly: personal possession and legal use! Home growing! Here’s where we stand following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session.

Full story

Legislation
Cannabis

The Future of Forgiveness: Minnesota’s New Clemency Law Reforms

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Thomas A. Wilson

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Aug 02, 2024

In May 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed clemency reforms that made sweeping changes to Minnesota’s pardon and commutation laws. Some of the new clemency law’s reforms took effect in 2023 and its remaining provisions took effect July 1, 2024.

Full story

Criminal Law
Legislation

What you need to know about Minnesota’s new contract for deed law

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Larry M. Wertheim

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Aug 02, 2024

The new Minnesota contract for deed legislation, which generally took effect August 1, 2024, constitutes the most significant changes in contract for deed law in almost 40 years.

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Real Estate

Promoting fairness and impartiality: MSBA’s 2024 judicial plebiscite

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Samuel Edmunds

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Aug 02, 2024

The MSBA, as a nonpolitical organization, facilitates the judicial plebiscite solely for our members to assess candidates based on professional competence, temperament, and adherence to ethical standards. Your participation in this process is crucial, as it enables us to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of all Minnesotans.

Full story

President's Page

Yes, you can take a vacation

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Susan Humiston

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Aug 02, 2024

At this year’s MSBA Convention, I presented on a panel entitled “10 Things You Should Do Before Going on Vacation.” Preparing for and reflecting on the presentation and the questions it drew caused me to realize this is a good column topic. It will surprise no one that lawyers are terrible at taking quality time away from their practices.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

New MSBA Strategic Plan adopted

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Aug 02, 2024

This year the MSBA Board of Governors was tasked with drafting a new three-year strategic plan for 2024-2027.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Greater Minnesota Working Group recommendations adopted

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Aug 02, 2024

In the fall of 2023, a Greater Minnesota Working Group was created to consider how the MSBA can increase our value to those members.

Full story

MSBA in Action

MSBA judicial elections site returns

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Aug 02, 2024

The MSBA asked the candidates running in contested statewide judicial races to complete a questionnaire and submit a photo; their responses are posted on the website.

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MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – August 2024

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Aug 02, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Jul 31, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill three vacancies in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 8th Judicial District

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Jul 29, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 1st Judicial District

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Jul 29, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 10th Judicial District

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Jul 16, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced four vacancies in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 6th Judicial District

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Jul 16, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

MSBA President 2024-25: Samuel Edmunds

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Amy Lindgren

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Jul 01, 2024

Have you ever received a piece of advice that shaped your life? For Sam Edmunds, it might have been his dad’s counsel to “always show up,” a phrase heard frequently during his childhood.

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Profiles
President

Sam Edmunds: A born leader (or was that lawyer?)

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Jul 01, 2024

When you ask people about Sam Edmunds, it doesn’t take long for the word “leader” to enter the conversation. Given how many leadership roles he has held, it’s almost inevitable. But his work as a lawyer is also well-respected, underpinned by his reputation for success in criminal defense.

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President

MSBA President 2024-25: Bio Bits

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Jul 01, 2024

Full story

President

Learning from the UnitedHealth Group hack

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Mark Lanterman

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Jul 01, 2024

This past winter, UnitedHealth Group was the victim of a massive cyberattack, negatively impacting many healthcare providers and inhibiting their ability to care for patients.

Full story

Technology

New personal leave continuance: ethics considerations

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Jul 01, 2024

On September 1, 2024, the Minnesota General Rules of Practice will add a new Rule 18 that covers presumptive continuances in many civil cases based upon certain personal circumstances

Full story

Professional Responsibility

If you could have dinner with any historical or fictional legal figure, who would it be and why?

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Jul 01, 2024

Full story

Colleague Corner

2024 Minnesota legislative recap

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Bryan Lake

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Jul 01, 2024

After passing large budget increases and a seemingly endless list of major policy changes in 2023, state lawmakers returned to St. Paul in February for the second year of the legislative biennium.

Full story

Legislation

Want to work happier? Spend some time considering your core values

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Sarah Soucie Eyberg

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Jul 01, 2024

Knowing my core values has helped me to know which opportunities to undertake and which to decline. It has even helped me reevaluate relationships with individuals and organizations and focus my energies where they matter most.

Full story

Well-Being

The young(ish) leading the young(er): Why you don’t need to know everything to be a mentor

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Veronica L. Stachurski

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Jul 01, 2024

What I discovered pretty quickly was that I was in a unique position to “speak the language” of both our legal assistant and our partner. I was not still in law school, but I was not a seasoned attorney.

Full story

Mentoring

Congratulations to new Certification Board members

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Jul 01, 2024

The MSBA Civil Trial Law Specialist Certification Board is proud to welcome two new members to the board: Stephanie Angolkar and Charles Slane.

Full story

Certification
MSBA in Action

Judicial elections on the horizon

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Jul 01, 2024

While they don’t receive as much attention as elections for other offices, judicial elections are an important part of our justice system. Minnesota has a total of nine contested races this year.

Full story

MSBA in Action

MDJA law clerks host FBA admission ceremony

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Jul 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Celebrating MSBA’s North Star Lawyers

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Jul 01, 2024

This year, the MSBA proudly thanks and acknowledges the 737 North Star Lawyers for their dedication.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – July 2024

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Jul 01, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 7th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Jul 01, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill two vacancies in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 4th Judicial District

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Jun 20, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 2nd Judicial District

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Jun 14, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced three vacancies in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Luis Rangel Morales to fill 1st Judicial District vacancy

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May 28, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Luis Rangel Morales as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Erin Lindhart Felten and Dwight Luhmann to fill 3rd Judicial District vacancies

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May 23, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Erin Lindhart Felten and Dwight Luhmann as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Understanding Minnesota's Big Law M&A wave

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Brett Larson, Theresa Bea, & Dillon White

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May 20, 2024

The data gathered in the five years since the Big Law wave has afforded us a glimpse into the realities of the Minnesota legal market as a whole, and the lessons learned from its analysis can chart a course forward for firms of all sizes, but especially for midsized to large firms that may be operating too similarly to their Big Law counterparts.

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Business Law

What you need to know about the FTC rule banning employee noncompetes

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George H. Singer

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May 20, 2024

The FTC announced that the new rule will provide millions of American workers with more freedom to pursue other job opportunities, seek higher pay, and increase entrepreneurship in the United States

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Employment and Labor Law

Minnesota’s #MeToo tax is finally gone

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Abou B. Amara, Jr. and Karla M. Gluek

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May 20, 2024

Imagine being sexually harassed at work, standing up for yourself and reaching a financial settlement with your employer—and then the government steps in and taxes you on that settlement. Seems unfair, right? Well, for decades, this was the reality for countless sexual harassment victims. Under Minnesota state law, at least, that is no longer the case.

Full story

Litigation
Tax Law

The art of the answer: How to respond effectively to questions at oral argument

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Steven E. Vogel and Kyle R. Kroll

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May 20, 2024

When The Killers wrote the lyrics to “Are We Human, or Are We Dancer?” they sought to describe the internal dilemma of every oral advocate—balancing imperfect, impromptu responses with the effortless grace required of a professional dancer.

Full story

Appellate Practice

Exploring the NA life: A journal of drinking and not drinking

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CARRIE OSOWSKI

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May 20, 2024

When I drink these days, I drink to enjoy the taste of my chosen beverage, not because I want to numb myself to the stress of my job. And when I don’t want to drink alcohol, I don’t hesitate to order a nonalcoholic beverage.

Full story

Well-Being

So you want to be an appellate attorney?

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Jeffrey Wald

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May 20, 2024

Sure, you could clerk for a United States Supreme Court justice, or get a job at the Solicitor General’s Office, but follow me for a moment, if you will, and I’ll share with you three unconventional, but foolproof, tips on how to become a knockdown appellate advocate.

Full story

Appellate Practice

Be of good courage

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Paul M. Floyd

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May 20, 2024

Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage, Hold fast to that which is good, Render to no person evil for evil, Strengthen the faint hearted, Support the weak, Heal the afflicted, Steward the earth, Honor all people …

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President's Page

On communication: what not to do

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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May 20, 2024

One of first things to surprise me in this position was the prevalent lack of professionalism I saw in communications between counsel or between counsel and unrepresented parties in the materials submitted with complaints.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

2023: A record-breaking year for cybercrime

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Mark Lanterman

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May 20, 2024

The 2023 Internet Crime Report makes clear that cybercriminals are successfully adjusting their strategies to target victims more efficiently and make individual crimes more lucrative.

Full story

Technology

Minnesota Supreme Court adopts family and personal leave proposal

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May 20, 2024

On April 30, the Court issued an order adopting the personal leave provisions requested by the MSBA, albeit on a two-year pilot project basis, beginning September 1, 2024.

Full story

MSBA in Action

MSBA Assembly adopts new policy positions

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May 20, 2024

At its April meeting, the MSBA Assembly—the state bar’s policy-making group—voted on several important issues affecting lawyers in Minnesota.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Free legal resources: Pass them on!

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May 20, 2024

Do you ever come across people in your practice or community who need free legal help? If so, the legal aid community wants to share two resources to help you connect people with free legal help.

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MSBA in Action

Pro bono spotlight: Trevor Parkes

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May 20, 2024

Full story

Pro Bono Spotlight

Notes & Trends – May/June 2024

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May 20, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 7th Judicial District

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May 15, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Veena Iyer and Jennifer Verdeja to fill 2nd Judicial District vacancies

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May 13, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointments of Veena Iyer and Jennifer Verdeja as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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May 09, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Karl Schmidt to fill 7th Judicial District vacancy

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May 03, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Karl Schmidt as district court judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 3rd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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May 02, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill two vacancies in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Elizabeth Bentley to the Minnesota Court of Appeals

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Apr 30, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Elizabeth Bentley to an at-large seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

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MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Apr 24, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill two vacancies in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy to the Minnesota Supreme Court

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Apr 23, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy as associate justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy to fill 9th Judicial District vacancies

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Apr 09, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointments of Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 7th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Apr 08, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Jane Maschka to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

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Apr 02, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Jane Maschka as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor’s merit selection panel recommends Supreme Court candidates

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Apr 01, 2024

The governor's merit selection panel announced that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill the upcoming vacancies on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Full story

MSBA in Action

AI, UPL, and the justice gap

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DAMIEN RIEHL

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Apr 01, 2024

The legal profession stands at a crossroads. Embracing generative AI tools such as LLMs can significantly improve legal practice and access to justice. If we’re able to assess potential concerns about free speech and guild protectionism, we might move forward with using tools to benefit the public.

Full story

AI
Access to Justice

The Eighth Circuit needs more women on the bench: An advocate’s experience

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Stephanie Angolkar

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Apr 01, 2024

One October morning in 2021, I prepared to return to in-person oral arguments before the Eighth Circuit in St. Paul, Minnesota. After checking in for my argument, I entered the courtroom and quickly saw that I was the only woman in the room.

Full story

Gender
Courts

Common but not forgotten

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IAN LEWENSTEIN

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Apr 01, 2024

When it comes to basic comma mistakes, two are predominantly recurring: (1) missing commas between independent clauses and (2) commas used unnecessarily in compound predicates.

Full story

Legal Writing

Cultivating emotional intelligence in the legal profession

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Kendra Brodin

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Apr 01, 2024

Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation are vital skills for lawyers, enabling them to navigate the complexities of their profession with resilience and effectiveness.

Full story

Wellness

What, me retire? Never!

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Paul M. Floyd

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Apr 01, 2024

Following both of my law partners’ recent retirements, questions about my own retirement plans have naturally surfaced, making the topic not only timely but deeply relevant to my personal and professional life.

Full story

President's Page

Lessons from private discipline in 2023

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Susan Humiston

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Apr 01, 2024

Private discipline is nonpublic discipline issued for violations of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct that are isolated and nonserious. Several lessons can be learned from reviewing the mistakes and situations that led to private discipline last year.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Network down: Cybercrime or human error?

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Mark Lanterman

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Apr 01, 2024

This past month, people across the country were impacted by a severe AT&T network disruption. Though the company encouraged people to make calls using Wi-Fi, the outage still affected many customers’ ability to access the internet or even contact emergency services.

Full story

Technology

Bar exam update: New court committee formed

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Congratulations to Watertown-Mayer High!

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Apr 01, 2024

Last month 16 teams from around the state met and competed in the MSBA High School Mock Trial Program’s 39th state tournament at the U.S. District Courthouse in St. Paul.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Greater Minnesota Practice Section to receive free dues for 2024-25 bar year and beyond

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – April 2024

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Second Judicial District

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the First Judicial District

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Ninth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

Gov.Walz appoints Jessica Fralich to fill 6th Judicial District vacancy (?)

Oct 07, 2024

AI + MSBA: Building Minnesota’s legal future (?)

Damien Riehl (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Flash Backward: The future of legal tech and the art of persuasive legal writing (?)

Brendan Kenny & Neven Selimovic (?)

Oct 01, 2024

‘Legal aid is in really good hands’ (?)

Kiri Somermeyer (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Legislature creates State Board of Civil Legal Aid (?)

Bridget Gernander (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Pro bono work is part of our duty (?)

Samuel Edmunds (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Lightning round: Ethics tips (?)

SUSAN M. HUMISTON (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Go a little slower. You’ll get more done. (?)

Sarah MacGillis (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Spread the word: Judicial elections matter (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Greater Minnesota Legal Opportunity Map (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Get to know our Bank on Justice partners (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Pro Bono Spotlight: Cheryl Bergian (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Notes & Trends – October 2024 (?)

Oct 01, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Emily Froehle to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy (?)

Sep 19, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 8th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Sep 19, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Justin Collins, Tricia Loehr, Jennifer Peterson, and Heather Pipenhagen to fill 10th Judicial District vacancies (?)

Sep 12, 2024

Gov. Walz announces upcoming vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals (?)

Sep 09, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Sep 04, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 6th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Sep 04, 2024

Toward a more perfect Minnesota: How the '23-'24 Legislature expanded civil rights protections (?)

Sam Kramer & Frances Baillon (?)

Sep 03, 2024

Want to build a MN-WI cross-border practice? Mind the basics. (?)

Jeff Muszynski (?)

Sep 03, 2024

How the 2024 Legislature changed Minnesota’s environmental laws (?)

By Jeremy Greenhouse and Ellen Stojak (?)

Sep 03, 2024

Advocating for courthouse security screening reform for lawyers (?)

Samuel Edmunds (?)

Sep 03, 2024

Ethics guidance for generative AI use (?)

SUSAN M. HUMISTON (?)

Sep 03, 2024

Colleague Corner: What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve developed as a lawyer? (?)

Sep 03, 2024

Notes & Trends – September 2024 (?)

Sep 03, 2024

The MSBA seeks applicants to serve on the State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records (?)

Aug 28, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang to fill 2nd Judicial District vacancies (?)

Aug 28, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District (?)

Aug 27, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 10th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Aug 27, 2024

Governor Walz appoints Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten to fill 7th Judicial District vacancies (?)

Aug 13, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Aug 10, 2024

Mission: Improbable —The inside story of Minnesota’s historic 2024 family law legislation (?)

Bryan Lake & Samantha Gemberling (?)

Gov.Walz appoints Jessica Fralich to fill 6th Judicial District vacancy

(?)

AI + MSBA: Building Minnesota’s legal future

(?)

Damien Riehl

(?)

Flash Backward: The future of legal tech and the art of persuasive legal writing

(?)

Brendan Kenny & Neven Selimovic

(?)

‘Legal aid is in really good hands’

(?)

Kiri Somermeyer

(?)

Legislature creates State Board of Civil Legal Aid

(?)

Bridget Gernander

(?)

Pro bono work is part of our duty

(?)

Samuel Edmunds

(?)

Lightning round: Ethics tips

(?)

SUSAN M. HUMISTON

(?)

Go a little slower. You’ll get more done.

(?)

Sarah MacGillis

(?)

Spread the word: Judicial elections matter

(?)

Greater Minnesota Legal Opportunity Map

(?)

Get to know our Bank on Justice partners

(?)

Pro Bono Spotlight: Cheryl Bergian

(?)

Notes & Trends – October 2024

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Emily Froehle to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 8th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Justin Collins, Tricia Loehr, Jennifer Peterson, and Heather Pipenhagen to fill 10th Judicial District vacancies

(?)

Gov. Walz announces upcoming vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 6th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Toward a more perfect Minnesota: How the '23-'24 Legislature expanded civil rights protections

(?)

Sam Kramer & Frances Baillon

(?)

Want to build a MN-WI cross-border practice? Mind the basics.

(?)

Jeff Muszynski

(?)

How the 2024 Legislature changed Minnesota’s environmental laws

(?)

By Jeremy Greenhouse and Ellen Stojak

(?)

Advocating for courthouse security screening reform for lawyers

(?)

Samuel Edmunds

(?)

Ethics guidance for generative AI use

(?)

SUSAN M. HUMISTON

(?)

Colleague Corner: What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve developed as a lawyer?

(?)

Notes & Trends – September 2024

(?)

The MSBA seeks applicants to serve on the State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang to fill 2nd Judicial District vacancies

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 10th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Governor Walz appoints Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten to fill 7th Judicial District vacancies

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Mission: Improbable —The inside story of Minnesota’s historic 2024 family law legislation

(?)

Bryan Lake & Samantha Gemberling

(?)

Tips and traps: Understanding Minnesota’s new red flag law

(?)

Anna Street

(?)

Minnesota Cannabis: One Year Post-Legalization

(?)

JEN RANDOLPH REISE

(?)

The Future of Forgiveness: Minnesota’s New Clemency Law Reforms

(?)

Thomas A. Wilson

(?)

What you need to know about Minnesota’s new contract for deed law

(?)

Larry M. Wertheim

(?)

Promoting fairness and impartiality: MSBA’s 2024 judicial plebiscite

(?)

Samuel Edmunds

(?)

Yes, you can take a vacation

(?)

Susan Humiston

(?)

New MSBA Strategic Plan adopted

(?)

Greater Minnesota Working Group recommendations adopted

(?)

MSBA judicial elections site returns

(?)

Notes & Trends – August 2024

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 8th Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 1st Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 10th Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 6th Judicial District

(?)

MSBA President 2024-25: Samuel Edmunds

(?)

Amy Lindgren

(?)

Sam Edmunds: A born leader (or was that lawyer?)

(?)