By Samuel Edmunds
As the president of the Minnesota State Bar Association, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication and professionalism of our members. We are a community of individuals committed to justice, integrity, and the rule of law—and we deserve to be treated as such. One issue that has persisted for far too long is the requirement that some lawyers undergo security screening every time we enter a courthouse. This practice, which has been a concern for many years, undermines our rightfully earned respect and trust as lawyers.
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. This resolution was a collective call for change, born from the frustration of being subjected to daily indignities that are not imposed on other professionals in secured environments. Correctional officers, for example, are generally allowed into jails and prisons without undergoing such scrutiny. Federal employees in secured office buildings enjoy similar trust and ease of access. Even in our local courthouses, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, and court staff members wave a badge and pass by the security checkpoints. Our courthouses are our attorneys’ place of work, just like those professionals.
The reality is that lawyers, as licensed professionals, have already undergone rigorous vetting and character evaluation as part of the bar admission process. We are entrusted with sensitive information, tasked with representing our clients in critical matters, and obligated to advocate within the bounds of the law. Yet the current security practices imply a lack of trust, subjecting us to the unnecessary hassle of removing shoes, belts, and other personal items each day. This not only disrupts our ability to perform our duties efficiently, but also sends a disheartening message about our standing as officers of the court.
On a personal note, I’ve experienced the inconvenience and indignity of these screenings myself. Like many of you, I’ve stood in line, juggling confidential documents and electronic devices, worried about the time wasted and the potential risk to sensitive information. During a jury trial last year, on a particularly cold and snowy morning, I stood in the courthouse vestibule, behind the locked doors, right next to numerous members of the jury for my case, as together we watched the prosecuting attorney walk down the hall on the way to the courtroom. I can’t help wondering what was going through those jurors’ minds: “Why is the prosecutor more trustworthy than the defense lawyer?” These daily routines are not just a minor inconvenience—they affect our morale and well-being, reminding us each day of the perceived lack of trust in our profession.
It is time to implement a pilot program that would allow attorneys in good standing to bypass the standard security screenings. This could involve issuing secure ID badges, much like those used by other trusted professionals in secured areas. The lawyers who are interested in participating could bear the cost. Such a program would maintain necessary security protocols while recognizing the professionalism and trustworthiness of the legal community.
But we can’t achieve this change alone. We need the support and input of our entire legal community. If you have personal connections with local sheriffs or court officials, or if you have ideas for alternative security measures, we urge you to share them. Your insights and contributions are invaluable as we work toward a system that respects our profession’s dignity and the responsibilities we bear.
There is also already a groundswell beginning at the Legislature. We have the support of people in top government positions. Senator and attorney Ron Latz, who is chair of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, introduced legislation in 2023 that would allow licensed attorneys who pass a background check and pay a fee to obtain an “attorney badge” for entry into courthouses.
This issue is about more than just convenience; it’s about ensuring that our profession is treated with the respect and recognition it deserves. As your president, I am committed to advocating for lawyers and standing up for the dignity of our profession. Together, let’s work toward fair and equitable solutions that align with our association’s core values: diversity and inclusion, access to justice, advocacy for the profession, and sound policy positions.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Let’s make this change happen together.
Samuel Edmunds is a criminal law specialist, certified by the state bar since 2015. A former prosecutor, he is the 142nd president of the MSBA. Sam has twice been awarded the Attorney of the Year designation by Minnesota Lawyer. He represents clients and tries cases in criminal courts across Minnesota and Wisconsin.