Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

President's Page: Until we meet again

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Paul Peterson

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May 25, 2023

It is incredible to have been selected to serve as your president this past year—and to think back and appreciate the many wonderful people I have encountered along the way. I am grateful to you for the opportunity.

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President's Page

Communication, diligence, and client expectations

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Susan Humiston

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May 25, 2023

Email and cell phones are amazing tools—but if you practiced before they became prevalent, you know the tremendous impact, both positive and negative, they have had on the practice of law. A recently leaked presentation slide from an internal associate training at the law firm of Paul Hastings has again sparked conversation on this topic.

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Professional Responsibility

This article is human-written: ChatGPT and navigating AI

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Mark Lanterman

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May 25, 2023

Though the immediate benefits of a quickly written draft or assistance in correspondence may be tempting, be sure to bide your time in approaching AI and establishing how it will be incorporated into your firm.

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Technology

Wellness: A hidden gem worth finding

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Judith M. Rush

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May 25, 2023

With all we have been through these past few years, it’s no wonder that many of us feel burned out, disconnected, uncertain about how to get back to normal or find a new normal. Which makes this the perfect time to explore how we can transform our practices and our lives in the law.

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Wellness

Colleague Corner: What’s the first thing you remember wanting to be when you grew up?

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May 25, 2023

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Colleague Corner

IACP nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

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May 25, 2023

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MSBA in Action

Get to know the MSBA Resource Hub

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May 25, 2023

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MSBA in Action

We need to talk about ChatGPT

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Damien Riehl

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May 24, 2023

The ascendence of advanced large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and ChatGPT have sparked conversations about the future of the legal profession and how these AI-driven systems might help remedy some of the profession’s less-favorable aspects.

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Legal Writing
Technology

Notes & Trends - May/June 2023

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May 24, 2023

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Notes & Trends

Textbooks and Toddlers: Returning to law school as a parent

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OLIVIA LIZ-FONTS

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May 24, 2023

Most would say that the perfect time to pursue law school is straight after graduating college. For me, it was after having my two children.

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Law School

Watch your abbreviations

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IAN LEWENSTEIN

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May 24, 2023

Used without limits, abbreviations reveal their secret life as an insidious form of jargon, serving as insider shorthand to the detriment of readers unfamiliar with this ABC lingo. Certain abbreviations—specifically, initialisms—are also confusing, distracting, and, as you’ll see, usually unnecessary.

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Legal Writing

U.S. immigration strategies for employers in a tight labor market

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Calleigh M. McRaith, Misti A. Binsfeld, and Robert P. Webber

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May 24, 2023

In what seems to be an effort to facilitate options for foreign nationals and employers, the Biden administration has quietly rolled out some relatively obscure policy changes. Employers, however, may be unaware of immigration options (including these relatively new options) that can help address labor shortages. The purpose of this article is to highlight a few strategies.

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Immigration Law

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

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May 15, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

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

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May 04, 2023

Governor Tim Walz announced two vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

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MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints John Bowen and Jason Steffen to fill 10th Judicial District vacancies

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Apr 11, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of John Bowen and Jason Steffen as district court judges in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Minnesota’s racially biased jury pools and how to fix them

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Bethany O’Neill, Cresston Gackle, and David Schultz

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Apr 01, 2023

Changing racial demographics in the state, coupled with the practices currently used to determine jury pools, are empaneling juries that are not racially representative. The result is that trials often fail to produce justice and perhaps even violate the Sixth Amendment.

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Diversity
Courts

The hardest part of being a lawyer? Email

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CRESSTON GACKLE

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Apr 01, 2023

Email can be addictive. It’s a one-stop shop of notifications of new information on all my court cases as well as an interactive to-do list. Email also makes me feel needed; responding to email makes me feel useful. But because I have no boundaries around it, it intrudes upon my work, my life, and my relationships.

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Wellness

SCOTUS: Bankruptcy doesn’t erase debts incurred by the fraud of another

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George H. Singer

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Apr 01, 2023

The United States Supreme Court recently answered the question of whether a debtor in bankruptcy can discharge a debt resulting from another person’s fraud, even if the debtor is not aware of the fraud.

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Bankruptcy

Private discipline in 2022

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Susan Humiston

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Apr 01, 2023

Private discipline is non-public discipline issued for violations of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC) that are viewed as isolated and nonserious. In 2022, 80 admonitions were issued, one panel admonition was issued (in lieu of charges for public discipline), and six lawyers were placed on private probation.

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Professional Responsibility

President’s Page: Listen. Learn. Be well.

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Paul D. Peterson

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Apr 01, 2023

This month I want to take our membership discussion in a slightly different direction and talk about the connection between loneliness, isolation, and bad mental/chemical health outcomes.

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President's Page

Holder, Klobuchar talks among highlights at Minneapolis D&I Conference

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Apr 01, 2023

The 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Conference, held on February 21 in Minneapolis, brought together panelists from throughout the country to speak about current issues in the federal criminal justice system and propose solutions for the future.

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MSBA in Action

Civ Lit trial skills course is back

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Apr 01, 2023

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MSBA in Action

L&E certification board welcomes member

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Apr 01, 2023

The MSBA Labor & Employment Certification Board is proud to welcome Andrea Ostapowich to the board.

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MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends - April 2023

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Apr 01, 2023

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Notes & Trends

What the Respect for Marriage Act does and doesn’t mean

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Connor Burton and Matt Yost

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Apr 01, 2023

Many observers have heralded the Respect for Marriage Act as enshrining the right to same-sex marriage in federal law. But a review of the text of the Respect for Marriage Act and the legal precedent that it is built upon reveals its limitations.

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Federal Law

Caregiver beware: Spotting scams that target seniors and other vulnerable adults

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Noah Lewellen

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Apr 01, 2023

Scams targeting senior citizens and other vulnerable adults are all too common. They typically focus on emotional pressure points: asking people to make snap decisions, ostensibly to help loved ones; preying on social isolation; and taking advantage of lack of familiarity with technology or changing methods of communication.

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Consumer Protection

Gov. Walz appoints Tori Stewart to fill 1st Judicial District vacancy

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Mar 31, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

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

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Mar 23, 2023

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

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Sarah Hudleston and Matthew Frank to fill 4th Judicial District vacancies

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Mar 23, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Sarah Hudleston and Matthew Frank as district court judges in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

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

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Mar 10, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

Getting serious about prosecutorial misconduct

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Barry S. Edwards and Stacy L. Bettison

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Mar 02, 2023

Over the past several years, increased attention has come to those wrongfully convicted because of prosecutorial misconduct, particularly with such high-profile cases as those of Curtis Flowers, Walter “Johnny D.” McMillian (the subject of the Hollywood-produced feature film Just Mercy), the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer, and the podcast Serial, featuring the case of the recently released Adnan Sayed.

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Criminal Justice
Courts

I thought I loved family law. Practicing it almost wrecked my life.

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CARRIE OSOWSKI

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Mar 02, 2023

After 14 years of being exposed to every detail of my parents’ divorce and subsequent custody battles, practicing family law seemed to be the obvious choice, since I knew I wanted to be an attorney. When asked “why family law?”, I would say it was so that I could “use my trauma for good.” In theory, it was a great idea; in practice, it nearly destroyed my mental health.

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Family Law

Broken ladders and shattered windows: Addressing the representation gap of women of color in corporate leadership positions

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Dr. Artika R. Tyner & Olivia Liz-Fonts

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Mar 02, 2023

Women of color are still waiting to realize the promise of ladders to success and windows of opportunity. Currently women of color make up 17 percent of corporate entry-level positions, yet only 4 percent are represented at the c-suite level. This significant difference in representation is the result of passive DEI initiatives.

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Diversity and Inclusion

ADR: Understanding the new Code of Ethics for Court-Annexed Neutrals

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Kristi Paulson

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Mar 02, 2023

Inside ADR’s Minnesota rules reset, part two: In formulating the new rule, the Court recognized that public confidence in the integrity and the fairness of the ADR process is essential. A high standard of ethical conduct is essential to advancing the goals set forth in the ADR Code of Ethics for Court-Annexed Neutrals.

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Step in, step up, stand out: Introducing the MSBA Ambassador Program

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Paul D. Peterson

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Mar 02, 2023

Step in to MSBA leadership and showcase your expertise on a wider stage, beyond your daily practice. Influencers, thought-leaders, and decision-makers come together at the MSBA to work on issues of policy, practice, and professionalism.

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President's Page

Public discipline summary for 2022

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Mar 02, 2023

Public discipline is imposed not to punish the attorney, but to protect the public, the profession, and the judicial system, and to deter further misconduct by the attorney and others. Besides the 36 attorneys who received discipline in 2022, three additional attorneys were transferred to disability status in lieu of public discipline proceedings.

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Professional Responsibility

Gloves off: The upcoming national cybersecurity strategy

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Mark Lanterman

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Mar 02, 2023

The National Cybersecurity Strategy is set to strengthen the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure by making mandatory regulations that have previously been voluntary.

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Technology

What is the most useful professional advice/feedback you ever got from a non-lawyer?

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Mar 02, 2023

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Colleague Corner

Notes & Trends - March 2023

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Mar 02, 2023

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Notes & Trends

Felons Can't Vote: Civil Death in the US

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Ellen J. Kennedy and Judge Tara Kalar

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Feb 27, 2023

The United States is the only democracy in the world in which most convicted offenders who have served their prison sentences are denied the right to vote for many years, and in some cases for the rest of their lives. We examine this phenomenon globally, in the US, and in Minnesota, where the 2023 Legislature was poised to act as this issue went to press.

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Legislation

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

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Feb 07, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Debra Groehler to fill 3rd Judicial District vacancy

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Feb 02, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Debra Groehler as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

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

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Jan 31, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

Family, it’s time we had a talk

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Paul D. Peterson

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Jan 30, 2023

Full story

President's Page

North Star Lawyers: Certification is open

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Jan 30, 2023

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MSBA in Action

Call for nominations: 2023 Becker Awards

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Jan 30, 2023

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MSBA in Action

2023 resolutions—ethics edition

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Jan 30, 2023

If you enjoy reflecting and resolving to make some changes in your life at the start of this new year, might I suggest a few ethics-related resolutions to integrate into your practice?

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Professional Responsibility

Thinking about the future of cyber insurance

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By Mark Lanterman

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Jan 30, 2023

As cyber threats evolve, it is likely that cyber insurance will change in turn, accounting for the immense losses that can characterize even a single attack.

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Technology

Are there any life skills or personality traits you didn’t expect to use in practicing law—but find yourself using often?

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Jan 30, 2023

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Colleague Corner

Building a more accessible bar

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Moderated and introduced by Ann Motl

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Jan 30, 2023

A roundtable conversation featuring members of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Minnesota Supreme Court recognizes the common interest doctrine

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ANDY DAVIS & CONNOR SHAULL

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Jan 30, 2023

All federal appellate courts, and most states—including, at long last, Minnesota—have now recognized the doctrine. Yet despite its wide acceptance, the common interest doctrine varies in important ways across jurisdictions.

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Courts

Live Wire: The law, Orthodox Judaism, and Minnesota’s eruvim

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Judah A. Druck

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Jan 30, 2023

What is this odd tradition? How does it work? And given that the wire often encroaches upon public land and requires government approval, how can the eruv function without violating the First Amendment? This article explores and answers these questions, including the ways in which the eruv has been litigated and how it might impact Minnesota’s own eruvim.

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Land Use Law
Public Law

Notes & Trends - Jan/Feb 2023

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Jan 30, 2023

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Notes & Trends

Inside ADR’s Minnesota rules reset

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Kristi Paulson

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Jan 30, 2023

This article, the first of two, will provide an overview of the new rules and a general discussion of key aspects of those rules. It is not an exhaustive treatment of the changes, however, and it is not a substitute for reading the new Rule 114 in its entirety. Part two will focus on what practitioners need to know about the Code of Ethics and the ADR Ethics Board.

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

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Jan 25, 2023

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

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz reappoints the Hon. Patricia J. Milun to the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals

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Jan 24, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the reappointment of the Honorable Patricia J. Milun as a judge of the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA) for a six-year term. Governor Walz also redesignated her as chief judge.

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MSBA in Action

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

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Jan 23, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

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

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Jan 12, 2023

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

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MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Kristi Stanislawski to fill 10th Judicial District vacancy

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Jan 09, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Kristi Stanislawski as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Walz, Flanagan announce appointees to the Commission on Judicial Selection

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Jan 09, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced appointments to the Commission on Judicial Selection. The Governor’s appointees include six at-large members and 20 district members, two from each of the ten judicial districts.

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MSBA in Action

The American Constitution Society is compiling a media resource directory

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Jan 03, 2023

This database includes legal professionals aligned with a progressive vision of our laws and the Constitution (there is no need to be an ACS member). You can specify what policy issues or areas of law you would like to be contacted about in the submission form linked below.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals Candidates to Gov. Walz

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Jan 02, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz reappoints the Hon. Jane N. Bowman to the Minnesota Tax Court

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Dec 16, 2022

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the reappointment of the Honorable Jane N. Bowman as a Judge of the Minnesota Tax Court for a six-year term.

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MSBA in Action

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

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Dec 15, 2022

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

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MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 3rd Judicial District

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Dec 12, 2022

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

Full story

MSBA in Action

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

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Dec 02, 2022

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

Full story

MSBA in Action

For trial lawyers, the generalist is the best specialist

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Justice G. Barry Anderson and Jevon Bindman

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Dec 01, 2022

Rather than complain about declining civil trial work or point to some earlier, more propitious time, this article recognizes the current legal landscape and discusses how attorneys can develop trial skills in an increasingly specialized world.

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Civil Litigation

The new world of NIL in Minnesota

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Michael T. Burke and Amber D. Crow

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Dec 01, 2022

How student-athletes can navigate the system of name, image, and likeness rights in high school and beyond

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Sports & Entertainment Law

Something to chew on: How newly legal THC edibles interact with Minnesota employment laws

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Shawn J. Wanta and Susan E. Ellingstad

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Dec 01, 2022

Minnesota has one of the most restrictive drug and alcohol testing statutes in the country. It also has a statute protecting the rights of Minnesota employees to consume all legal food and beverages outside of working hours with very few limitations by employers.

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Food & Drug Law

Have no fear, hyphens are here

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Ian Lewenstein

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Dec 01, 2022

Lawyers, whether or not by their own admission, aren’t the best punctuators. True, this lawyerly difficulty extends to other professionals. But because drafting and editing sit at the core of a lawyer’s work, proper punctuation skills are a must.

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Legal Writing

Employment Practices Liability insurance demystified

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Britton D. Weimer

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Dec 01, 2022

Employment Practices Liability (EPL) insurance funds most judgments and settlements in employee suits against small and mid-sized employers. Thus, it is crucial for both plaintiff’s attorneys and defense counsel to understand the scope of the typical EPL insurance policy.

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Employment and Labor Law

‘Tis the season of giving

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Paul Peterson

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Dec 01, 2022

Please take a moment, act, and let’s see what remarkable good we can achieve together. Let’s end 2022 with our whole organization making small but significant contributions.

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President's Page

More on the ABA consultation report

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Susan Humiston

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Dec 01, 2022

Because there are several additional recommendations, I thought it beneficial to continue to explore the consultation report. For this column, my focus is on recommendations that require additional resources or change responsibility for tasks currently performed within the discipline system to other organizations.

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Professional Responsibility

Ransomware and counteracting the interconnected risks of the IoT

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Mark Lanterman

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Dec 01, 2022

This past fall, Crystal Valley, a farming co-op in southern Minnesota, was targeted by a ransomware attack that left its employees using paper tickets to take orders.

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Technology

Gov. Walz appoints Sydnee Woods to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

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Nov 29, 2022

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

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MSBA in Action

Certified Legal Specialists Upcoming Exams

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Nov 29, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Reminder: Start compiling your pro bono hours!

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Nov 29, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Seeking private and in-house attorneys for Pro Bono Council

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Nov 29, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends - December 2022

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Nov 29, 2022

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Notes & Trends

Gov. Walz appoints Jeremy Clinefelter to fill 3rd Judicial District vacancy

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Nov 28, 2022

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointment of Jeremy Clinefelter as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District.

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MSBA in Action

Pro Bono Spotlight: Catherine Ahlin-Halverson

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Nov 21, 2022

Current & Former Volunteer at: Advocates for Human Rights, the ACLU of Minnesota, the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project, Volunteer Lawyer’s Network and the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota.

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Pro Bono Spotlight

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

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Nov 21, 2022

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

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals

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Nov 17, 2022

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy on the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals.

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MSBA in Action

Walz, Flanagan seek applicants for vacancies on the Commission on Judicial Selection

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Nov 10, 2022

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the start of a process to fill 27 seats on the Commission on Judicial Selection appointed by the governor.

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MSBA in Action

What’s the most valuable thing you do for yourself to create a measure of work/life balance?

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Nov 02, 2022

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Colleague Corner

Notes & Trends

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Nov 02, 2022

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Notes & Trends

Executive Order 22-20 and Minnesota's Growing Cybercrime Rates

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Mark Lanterman

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Nov 01, 2022

This past August, Gov. Tim Walz issued Executive Order 22-20, Directing State Agencies to Implement Cybersecurity Measures to Protect Critical Infrastructure in Minnesota.

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Technology

Comment Period Open: ABA Issues Consultation Report on Minnesota's Discipline System

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Susan Humiston

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Nov 01, 2022

The Minnesota Supreme Court periodically undertakes a review of its lawyer discipline system. Earlier this year, the Court invited the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Professional Regulation to conduct such a review.

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Professional Responsibility

Mock Trial Volunteers Needed

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Nov 01, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Statewide Debt Litigation Project Seeks Member Feedback

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Nov 01, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Housing Court Clinics Need Help

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Nov 01, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Congratulations Newly Certified Specialists

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Nov 01, 2022

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MSBA in Action

Minnesota after Dobbs

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Sharon Van Dyck and Scott Wilson

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Nov 01, 2022

Understanding the state Constitution’s protections for reproductive rights.

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Legislation

Dobbs and minority rule: The view from Minnesota

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Scott Wilson and Sharon Van Dyck

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Nov 01, 2022

Most Americans support the right to an abortion, but in the Upper Midwest, Minnesota is isolated in its protection of that right.

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Legislation

Minnesota should strengthen its protection for reproductive liberty

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Laura Hermer

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Nov 01, 2022

Now that Roe and Casey have been overturned, our state constitution unquestionably offers more expansive protection for Minnesotans’ right to an abortion under the right of privacy. Yet Minnesotans who care about retaining robust privacy rights may reasonably be concerned about ensuring the protection of their right to an abortion and other privacy rights over time.

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Legislation

Wage Theft: New law and enforcement efforts implicate compliance & ethics challenges

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MIKE SCHECHTER

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Nov 01, 2022

There are three main characters in wage theft stories: the deliberate criminals, the unawares, and the cleans. This article focuses on the middle group in the construction industry.

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Construction Law
Employment and Labor Law

Gov. Walz reappoints Hon. Susan Segal as chief judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals

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Nov 01, 2022

Governor Tim Walz announced his reappointment of the Honorable Susan Segal as Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

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MSBA in Action

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

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Oct 24, 2022

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

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MSBA in Action

Courtrooms without borders

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Mike Mosedale

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Oct 04, 2022

Remote court proceedings are here to stay. What does that mean for lawyers, clients, and courts? What is gained? What is lost?

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Courts

Remote pro bono work changes the game

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Sarah Etheridge

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Oct 04, 2022

Three veteran attorneys share advice on building client bonds virtually.

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Pro Bono

Rural Minnesota needs pro bono lawyers. It’s easier than ever to help.

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Daniel Morris

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Oct 04, 2022

This pivot to technology has increased capacity for legal aid and expanded the way pro bono work can be done.

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Pro Bono

A ‘bright-line’ rule: You will pay for violating bankruptcy stay

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George H. Singer

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Oct 04, 2022

The Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently established a “bright-line rule” in a case of first impression: If the debtor is named as a defendant in a prepetition lawsuit, the automatic stay operates to halt further proceedings.

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Bankruptcy

How FAR can covid-19 be claimed as an excusable delay for federal contractors?

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Rachel Lantz

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Oct 04, 2022

This article was the 2022 winner of the MSBA Construction Law Section’s annual writing contest.

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Construction Law

Make time for pro bono. You won’t be sorry.

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Paul D. Peterson

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Oct 04, 2022

If we all could up our pro bono game just a little—and get a larger percentage of lawyers volunteering—we will be amazed at the results.

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President's Page

Ethics news from around the country

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Susan Humiston

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Oct 04, 2022

The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility recently attended the National Organization of Bar Counsel annual conference. Reporting back, here is what is happening around the country in the area of attorney ethics.

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Professional Responsibility

Social engineering or computer fraud? In cyber insurance, the difference matters

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Mark Lanterman

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Oct 04, 2022

Many organizations view cyber-insurance policies as a final line of defense against the risks associated with cybercrime. Given the potential for damages, and the prevalence of cyberattacks, cyber-insurance policies are increasingly common.

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Technology

Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

President's Page: Until we meet again (?)

Paul Peterson (?)

May 25, 2023

Communication, diligence, and client expectations​ (?)

Susan Humiston (?)

May 25, 2023

This article is human-written: ChatGPT and navigating AI (?)

Mark Lanterman (?)

May 25, 2023

Wellness: A hidden gem worth finding (?)

Judith M. Rush (?)

May 25, 2023

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

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Gov. Walz appoints Sarah Hudleston and Matthew Frank to fill 4th Judicial District vacancies (?)

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

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Judith M. Rush

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IACP nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

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Textbooks and Toddlers: Returning to law school as a parent

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OLIVIA LIZ-FONTS

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Watch your abbreviations

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IAN LEWENSTEIN

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

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

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CRESSTON GACKLE

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SCOTUS: Bankruptcy doesn’t erase debts incurred by the fraud of another

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George H. Singer

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Noah Lewellen

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Gov. Walz appoints Tori Stewart to fill 1st Judicial District vacancy

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

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Gov. Walz appoints Sarah Hudleston and Matthew Frank to fill 4th Judicial District vacancies

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

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Barry S. Edwards and Stacy L. Bettison

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Paul D. Peterson

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Gov. Walz appoints Debra Groehler to fill 3rd Judicial District vacancy

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