2024 State Conference: Full Schedule

Bridging Worlds: Community, Culture, and the Work of Legal Aid — Wednesday, November 6 - Friday, November 8, 2024 — Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd MN

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7:00am CST

Breakfast

Thursday November 7, 2024 7:00am - 8:45am CST

Wilson Bay Dining Room

Thursday November 7, 2024 7:00am - 8:45am CST
Wilson Bay Dining Room

Meals

7:15am CST

Morning Bliss Yoga

Thursday November 7, 2024 7:15am - 8:00am CST

Golf Villa - Meeting Room A/B

Thursday November 7, 2024 7:15am - 8:00am CST
Golf Villa - Meeting Room A/B

Social Activities

8:00am CST

Administrator and Fiscal Staff Meetup

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Meet with administrative and fiscal colleagues from around the state to talk about challenges and opportunities in our work. Discussion topics to include:

Office space in the post-Covid era

Role of leadership in cybersecurity

Tracking grant spending

Facilitator: Lara Otsuka, Director of Business Administration, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Facilitators

Lara Otsuka

Director of Business Administration, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

I joined SMRLS (Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services) in October 2021 as the Director of Business Administration, and in that role oversee our IT, Intake and Hotline programs, as well as our volunteer attorney program. I'm involved in the Minnesota legal kiosk project and... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Meetup/Affinity Group

8:00am CST

Human Resources Meetup

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Town Hall - Governor Olson Board Room

Join human resource colleagues from around the state to talk about challenges, strategies, and trends in the HR environment.

Facilitator: John Joachim, Director of Human Resources, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Facilitators

John Joachim

Director of Human Resources, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

John has been the only fulltime staff person handling HR duties at SMRLS for over 5 years. He is also the only person to have been in that role, starting in 2017. His previous work includes over 30 years' worth of experience in HR, Leadership, Management and Nonprofits, including... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Town Hall - Governor Olson Board Room

Meetup/Affinity Group

8:00am CST

Shriver Racial Justice Meetup

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

This meetup provides conference attendees who participated in the Shriver Racial Justice programming a chance to follow up on the work they've done in the past year. Come to discuss challenges you’re facing in your own and/or your organization’s racial justice work, and your ideas about how to improve your organization’s racial justice work. Please bring your completed, or in-progress, Action Plans to assist in the discussion.

Facilitators

Eve Utyro

Private Attorney Involvement Program Manager, Justice North

Eve Utyro is the Manager for the Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI) at Justice North. Eve works to pair clients with pro bono attorneys across Justice North’s eleven county service area for both full representation, legal advice, and subject-matter specific clinics. In her... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Meetup/Affinity Group

8:00am CST

Elder Law Practice Group Forum

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Join colleagues from around the state for a discussion of current practice issues affecting the older adult community. Agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitator: Karla Krueger, Managing Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)
CLE: 0.75 hour of Standard CLE credit

Facilitators

Karla Krueger

Managing Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Karla Krueger is a managing attorney with the St. Cloud office of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For more than 36 years, Karla has provided legal advice and representation to older adults on a wide variety of legal issues. Karla is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Practice Group Meetings, Standard CLE

9:00am CST

Welcome & Tech Talk: 3 Topics in 10 Minutes or Less

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am CST

Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Kickstart the first full day of the conference with 3 quick presentations on tech topics with the power to amplify legal aid's impact. Hear about how data can inform legal aid's strategy, the promise (and dangers) of AI, and how to do redaction right.

CLE: .50 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Rachel J. Perry

Founder & Principal, Strategic Data Analytics

Rachel J. Perry is Founder and Principal at Strategic Data Analytics. SDA is a data analysis consulting firm, which helps organizations use data to analyze client service effectiveness, increase organizational efficiency, impress funders, and measure progress toward strategic goals... Read More →

J. Singleton

Program Manager, Legal Services State Support

J. Singleton is the Program Manager of Legal Services State Support. She has led many successful development and redesign projects that have improved access to justice for Minnesotans statewide, including the redesign of LawHelpMN.org, creation of Minnesota’s Legal Organizations... Read More →

Law Schuelke

LegalServer Support Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Law Schuelke wrote his first computer program on his parents’ Commodore 64 when he was 12 years old. His love of technology grew throughout high school as he worked many jobs building networks and supporting computer systems. When he went to college, he majored in Management... Read More →

Tech Talk pdf

The Promise and Risk of Generative AI pptx

Sharing a document safely pdf

How to Redact a Document Effectively in Adobe pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Plenary Sessions, Standard CLE

9:30am CST

Break

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am CST

Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am CST
Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Break

9:45am CST

A Year Later: Legislative Changes to Housing Law in Minnesota

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Significant. Sweeping. Historic. This describes the landlord-tenant laws enacted during the 2023 state legislative session, a huge victory for Minnesota tenants. Some of the significant changes included required notice before filing a nonpayment of rent eviction, modernization of the eviction court process, and reforms to eviction expungement. However, challenges have arisen making it difficult to implement the reforms on the ground. In this session, you’ll hear perspectives from experts who practice in greater Minnesota and the metro area. We take stock of what’s going well, the challenges, and what’s on the horizon for potential future legislative change. We’ll also discuss stats, trends, and share best practices to help one another achieve justice for tenants.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Evan Gelles

Supervising Attorney Housing Unit, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Evan Gelles is a Supervising Attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's housing unit. He represents low-income tenants and supervises the housing team in providing direct representation to low-income tenants in eviction proceedings, subsidized housing terminations, housing discrimination... Read More →

Sarah Moore

Managing Attorney, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM)

Sarah Moore has been an attorney with Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota for over 20 years. She currently serves as the Managing Attorney for LSNM’s Alexandria Office and as Lead Housing Attorney for the program. In her career at LSNM, Sarah has focused primarily on representing... Read More →

Thurs 09.45 am A Year Later Housing Law Changes pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

9:45am CST

Clean Slate: How Minnesota’s Evolving Landscape of Criminal Expungement Processes Offers Opportunity and Hope for Criminal Offenders

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

During this session, the presenters will discuss the current criminal expungement options and processes for Minnesota offenders. The presenters will also provide experience-based ideas for setting expungement applicants up for success.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Anna Koller

Minnesota Legal Paraprofessional, Justice North

Anna Koller is a Paralegal and Minnesota Legal Paraprofessional with Justice North. Anna joined Justice North in 2008 and specializes in family law and criminal expungements. She is enthusiastic about legislative changes making expungement more available and expeditious; she believes... Read More →

Jim Vollstaedt

Supervising Attorney, Justice North

Jim Vollstaedt is a Supervising Attorney at Justice North, joining the organization in 2018, and is focused on casework and supervising the legal staff in Justice North’s Virginia and Grand Rapids offices. Jim graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 2012... Read More →

Clean Slate powerpoint pdf pdf

Criminal Expungement Worksheet pdf

Criminal Expungement sample advice letter pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

9:45am CST

Concepts in Capacity: Exploring Decision Making in the Legal Realm

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Our lives unfold based on decisions made collaboratively or individually with variable sensitivity to the benefits and risks of the things we choose to do (or not do). The way we understand and respond to risk and benefit is often referred to as "capacity," "capability," or "competency," but what principles or presumptions underlie those ideas? When do attorneys consider "testamentary capacity" or "contractual capacity?" How do definitions of decisional capacity in medicine challenge or enhance our understanding of these legal concepts? This session will explore what it means to "have capacity." We'll explore the basics of legal capacity, informed consent and decision-making in this introductory discussion.

Objectives:
1. Following this presentation, participants will recognize terminology associated with discussions around capacity/capability/competency and informed consent.
2. Participants will distinguish between the levels of capability required for certain legal actions.
3. Participants will explore strategies that promote person-centered approaches to discussions regarding capability to accomplish various objectives.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit

Speakers

Marit Anne Peterson

Associate Director, Minnesota Elder Justice Center

Marit Anne Peterson is the associate director for the Minnesota Elder Justice Center. Prior to joining the Elder Justice Center, Marit practiced estate planning and elder law in the twin cities metro area. Marit is a past chair and current member of the governing council of the... Read More →

Concepts in Capacity Slides pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Breakout Sessions, Ethics CLE

9:45am CST

Understanding Tribal Relations in Minnesota: Historical Context and Jurisdictional Complexities

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

This session provides an overview of the historical context for Native American tribal relations with the United States government, with additional information about the 11 federally recognized Minnesota Tribes. Attendees will explore the evolution of the federal government's interactions with tribes, clarifying the basis of Native American rights. We will then focus particularly on the tribes in Minnesota, especially in relation to tribal jurisdiction vs. state jurisdiction and practice tips from our experiences appearing in tribal courts. This foundational knowledge is essential as we navigate the complexities of tribal law and state jurisdiction.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Valerie Field

Litigation Director, Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS)

Valerie Field is Litigation Director at ALS. She grew up in northern Minnesota. She received her bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Law in 2003. Valerie became a licensed attorney in 2004. She has... Read More →

Lori Guevara

Tribal Court Attorney, Justice North

Lori has been a lawyer since 1999. She attended law school at Stetson Law and she earned her LLM in Native American and Indigenous Peoples’ Law at the University of Tulsa College of Law. Lori is of Cherokee and Choctaw descent. She is a Board Member of the American Indian... Read More →

American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2004 Primer pdf

Per Capita Information Minnesota Tribes pdf

Understanding Tribal Relations in Minnesota pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

10:45am CST

Break (with snack)

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am CST

Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am CST
Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Break

11:00am CST

A Conversation About Cultural Literacy Working in NDN Country

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

A dialogue with Native American practitioners about their experiences working in the tribal setting. The panelists will provide a first-hand account of the dos and don'ts for practitioners who do not normally practice in the tribal setting. The conversation will include things like formality, interaction with clients and court personnel, barriers faced by clients that are unique to reservations, and much more! The panelists will also provide advice and information about how to appropriately and respectfully integrate into the tribal setting. The format of this conversation is structured questions and answers, but will include ample time for the audience to ask questions as well.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Elimination of Bias CLE credit

Speakers

Jason Decker

Associate General Counsel, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Jason Decker is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. He received an A.A.S. in Law Enforcement at the Leech Lake Tribal College in 2010. While working on his law enforcement degree, Jason took a Federal Indian Law survey course. It was during that course that he realized... Read More →

Christine Mellick

Lead Attorney and Owner, Skullnah Legal Services

Christine grew up on a Native American-owned, family-run farm in Worley, ID. She has extensive experience as an In-house Counsel for the Coeur d'alene, Tohono O'odham and Kalispel Tribes. Additionally, she is well-versed in the legal issues that arise in Indian Country. Christine... Read More →

Liddy Patterson

2L Student, University of Minnesota Law School

Liddy is a 2nd year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School. She is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended undergrad at Oklahoma State University where she double majored in sociology and psychology. Liddy is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This past summer... Read More →

Taylor L. R. Burdick

Supervising Attorney, Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS)

Taylor L. R. Burdick is the supervising attorney at Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS). He received his Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law is 2017. He is also a member of the 2014 PLSI (Pre-Law Summer Institute) Class. He began his career with ALS in... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Breakout Sessions, EOB CLE credit

11:00am CST

Immigration Relief for Youth: Navigating Unfamiliar Waters

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Sibley

In this session, we’ll cover immigration relief basics for youth, with a specific focus on SIJS. SIJS provides a pathway to permanent residency for vulnerable children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a parent. We will learn how juvenile and family courts, child welfare programs, and referrals from advocates like you, all play a crucial role in SIJS matters. By understanding SIJS and other basic immigration relief, you can advocate for protection from deportation for the children you serve.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Kim Boche

Supervising Attorney, The Advocates for Human Rights

Kim is a Supervising Attorney for The Advocates for Human Rights' Refugee & Immigrant Program. They provide crucial support to pro bono attorneys and staff attorneys handling children’s asylum cases before the asylum office and the Immigration Court. Kim’s commitment to justice... Read More →

Immigration Relief for Youth Slides pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

11:00am CST

Impact Litigation on Heavily Politicized Issues

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

This session will cover strategies and considerations when undertaking impact litigation cases on heavily politicized issues. Impact litigation starts long before you file a complaint in court. Attorneys often have to combat misinformation and disinformation campaigns, harmful messaging, and demonization of the communities and experts that you work with, that predates litigation. Using primarily LGBTQ+ and Reproductive Rights cases as case studies, we will discuss examples of proactive strategies that have been effective and others that have failed, proactive and defensive legislation and litigation efforts, and we will discuss the pitfalls and considerations of litigating when SCOTUS and changing state and federal administrations are constantly reshaping the playing field.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Jess Braverman

Legal Director, Gender Justice

Jess Braverman is the legal director at Gender Justice where she ensures that their litigation strategy not only promotes the dignity of her clients but also advances Gender Justice’s mission of removing barriers to gender equity. Jess engages in impact litigation on issues such... Read More →

2021 1 12 Cooper v. USAPL Complaint FINAL PDF (13) pdf

2024 02 15 TD v. Wrigley Amended Complaint pdf

ImpactLitigationSlides pdf

2019 05 29 Doe v. Minnesota Complaint pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

11:00am CST

Navigating Conflicts of Interest: Essential Guidelines for Support Staff and Intake Specialists in Legal Aid Organizations

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

Conflicts of Interest can be confusing to navigate, especially in the context of Support Staff or Intake Specialists. In this session, we will equip support staff with the knowledge and tools to identify, address, manage, and avoid conflicts of interest effectively. Attendees will gain an understanding of the ethical and legal implications of conflicts, learn practical strategies for conflict identification, and explore best practices for maintaining client confidentiality. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will enhance their ability to contribute to the ethical and efficient functioning of their offices. Key topics include defining conflicts of interest, identifying common scenarios faced by Support Staff and Intake Specialists, ethical obligations, practical strategies, and why this issue is crucial to the integrity of any legal aid organization.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit

Speakers

Linda Morrison

Lead Attorney, Hotline Attorney Unit, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Linda Morrison is currently the Lead of the Hotline Attorney Unit at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. Linda came to SMRLS after 19 years in private practice with a focus on pro bono work and low fee services in areas of criminal law, family law, and bankruptcy. She... Read More →

Nicholas Morrison

Lead Attorney, Consumer Law Unit, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Nicholas Morrison is currently the Lead for the Consumer Law Unit at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. Prior to SMRLS, Nicholas was in private practice for 17 years, with a focus on family, consumer, and criminal law. He was on the Board for St. Croix Legal Services... Read More →

Thurs 11.00 am Navigating Conflicts of Interest pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

Breakout Sessions, Ethics CLE

12:00pm CST

Lunch

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST

Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST
Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Meals

1:15pm CST

Path to Legislative Impact: Insights from Jamie Becker-Finn on Civil Legal Services, Public Defense, and Rejecting the Status Quo

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST

Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Jamie Becker-Finn, attorney and Minnesota State Representative, will share her background and path to service, and speak to the need for more people to engage and impact the legislative process. She will share insights about the historic increase in state funding for civil legal services and public defense in the 2023 legislative session and beyond. Rep. Becker-Finn will also discuss the importance of the People of Color & Indigenous Caucus and Queer Caucus in Minnesota's legislature. She is a Leech Lake Ojibwe descendant and grew up in rural Minnesota.

CLE: 1.25 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Jamie Becker-Finn

Attorney and State Representative, District 40B, Minnesota House of Representatives

Jamie Becker-Finn is an attorney and the State Representative for District 40B in the Minnesota House, where she serves as the Chair of the Judiciary & Civil Law Committee. Rep. Becker-Finn's work is focused on lifting up voices that are otherwise not heard and addressing systemic... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Plenary Sessions, Standard CLE

2:30pm CST

Break

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm CST

Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Break

2:45pm CST

Consumer Law Legislative Update

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

This session will highlight some recent legislative achievements championed by the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, the Legal Services Advocacy Project, and other partners. Participants will receive an overview of new consumer protection laws regarding contracts for deed, property tax forfeitures, medical debt, garnishment, bankruptcy, junk fees, social media disclosures, tenants' rights, and more. Come with your questions!

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Mary Kaczorek

Staff Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Mary Kaczorek practices consumer law with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA). Mary started her public interest legal career in college with Central Minnesota Legal Services in St. Cloud. Mary earned her JD at the University of Minnesota Law School in 2009 and worked with MMLA’s... Read More →

Bennett Hartz

Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection, Minnesota Attorney General’s Office

Bennett Hartz is a Minnesota Assistant Attorney General in Consumer Protection, regulating financial industries, emerging technologies, and health care. He wrote and led the passage of 2024’s Minnesota Debt Fairness Act.

Consumer Leg Updates 2024 pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

2:45pm CST

Embracing Neurodiversity: Strategies for Success with Neurodivergent Clients and Colleagues

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Fifteen to twenty percent of the US population is neurodivergent. It is estimated that over seventy-five percent of domestic abuse survivors have at least one traumatic brain injury. Thirty to forty percent of neurodivergent people are unemployed. The chances of you encountering a neurodivergent person in your practice is high. But what is neurodivergence, anyway? Why is the concept of neurodiversity suddenly everywhere? In this session you will learn about the neurodiversity movement, different types of neurodivergence, and best practices to create accommodations that will help you, your clients, and colleagues be less stressed out and more successful.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Elimination of Bias CLE credit

Speakers

Heather Helmer

Paralegal B.S., Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Heather Helmer has been a paralegal in MMLA’s St. Cloud office for 17 years providing paralegal support to the Stearns County Domestic Violence Partnership and advocating for Social Security clients at the local field offices and ALJ hearings. Prior to becoming a paralegal, she... Read More →

Thurs 2.45 pm Embracing Neurodiversity pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Breakout Sessions, EOB CLE credit

2:45pm CST

Homelessness and the Law

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

As homelessness becomes ever more deeply entrenched, legal aid organizations have taken varying approaches to issues ranging from shelter evictions to encampments. This session will survey potential constitutional claims affecting publicly operated or funded homeless shelters; application of landlord-tenant law to shelters; procedural and substantive defenses to shelter evictions under the federal Emergency Solutions Grant, the MFIP Consolidated Fund, and the Housing Support program; disability accommodation claims in the shelter context; and legal claims in the wake of the Johnson v. Grants Pass decision on behalf of residents of homeless encampments and others who have no choice except to sleep outside.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Ben Weiss

Senior Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Ben Weiss is a Senior Attorney in the Economic Justice unit of SMRLS' St. Paul office. His practice focuses on homelessness prevention and response, and he pioneered the field of legal advocacy for families facing eviction from emergency shelter in SMRLS' five-county metro service... Read More →

Luke Grundman

Litigation Director, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Luke Grundman has defended the rights of homeowners and tenants with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid since law school, beginning in 2007. He started as an Equal Justice Works Fellow, spent five years fighting foreclosures and predatory lending, and then staffed a medical-legal partnership... Read More →

Thurs 2.45 pm Homelessness and the Law pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

2:45pm CST

ICWA & the MN Indian Family Preservation Act: Challenges to Honoring the Connections that Create Healing & Hope for Families

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Sibley

This session will dig into the complexities of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) from both a practical and legal perspective. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and foundational principles of ICWA and MIFPA, exploring their impact on preserving Native American families and cultural connections. The session will cover recent legal developments, significant court cases, and ongoing challenges in honoring the connections for Native American families.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Speakers

Shannon Smith

Executive Director, ICWA Law Center

Shannon Smith is the Executive Director of the ICWA Law Center located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shannon graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with honors in 1999. Shannon has been with the ICWA Law Center since 2000. The ICWA Law Center is committed to strengthening... Read More →

ICWA Slides pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE

3:45pm CST

Break (with snack)

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm CST

Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm CST
Town Hall Lower-Level Lobby

Break

4:00pm CST

Immigration Hub Meetup

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Sibley

The Immigration Hub meetup is a chance for staff participating in the New Americans Immigration Hub to meet in person to discuss progress and plans for the project.

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

Meetup/Affinity Group

4:00pm CST

Paraprofessional Meetup

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Join colleagues from around the state for a discussion of the paraprofessional licensing program. Discussion will focus on how the program has worked for participants, challenges, tips and tricks from participants to resolve any difficulties, and how to get involved if you haven’t been yet. Additional agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitator: Tiffany Doherty, Director of Advocacy, Justice North

Speakers

Tiffany Doherty

Director of Advocacy, Justice North

Tiffany Doherty is the Director of Advocacy at Justice North. Tiffany has been in this role since February 2018. Before joining Justice North she was in private practice and worked as a public defender. She served on the Implementation Committee for Proposed Legal Paraprofessional... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G

Meetup/Affinity Group

4:00pm CST

Consumer Law Practice Group Forum

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

New Minnesota laws protecting consumers from garnishment and medical debt went into effect on October 1, 2024. The consumer practice session will discuss these new protections and other topics. Other agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitator: Elizabeth C. Goodell, Supervising Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)
CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Facilitators

Elizabeth (Beth) Goodell

Supervising Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Elizabeth (Beth) Goodell is the supervising attorney of the consumer practice group at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in Minneapolis. She has served low-income clients for twenty-five years as a legal aid lawyer, previously in Philadelphia. She specializes in consumer financial protection... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

Practice Group Meetings, Standard CLE

4:00pm CST

Family Law Practice Group Forum

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Join colleagues from around the state for a discussion of current practice issues in family law, including legislative and case law updates, and case strategies. Agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitators: Erin Osborne, Supervising Attorney, Central Minnesota Regional Legal Services (CMLS); Diana Villella Larson, Supervising Attorney, Central Minnesota Legal Services
CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Facilitators

Diana Villella Larson

Supervising Attorney, Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS)

Diana Villella Larson has been licensed to practice since 2007 and is a supervising family law attorney at Central MN Legal Services. She focuses her practice on exclusively family law, including divorce, child custody, orders for protection, paternity and SJIS related family law... Read More →

Erin Osborne

Supervising Attorney, Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS)

Erin Osborne is a supervising family law attorney at Central Minnesota Legal Services’ Minneapolis office. Erin joined CMLS in 2015 as a staff attorney practicing in the areas of housing and family law. Erin is a member of the Family Violence Coordinating Council and the SAVES... Read More →

Family Law Practice Group Agenda pdf

Assisted Reproduction pdf

Parenting Time Amendments pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Practice Group Meetings, Standard CLE

5:00pm CST

M-LAW Wellness Hour

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:00pm - 5:15pm CST

Wilson Bay Dining Room

Come learn more about the Minnesota Legal Aid Wellness Committee! M-LAW is a committee made up of volunteers from the Legal Aid community throughout Minnesota. We are striving to source and implement ideas for improving the wellness of Legal Aid staff. For our Wellness Hour, we’ll gather and socialize for 15 minutes, and then you’ll select which of the 45-minute fun activities you’d like to participate in. Hike around Madden's beautiful grounds, participate in a relaxing yoga session, or enjoy arts and crafts activities.

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:00pm - 5:15pm CST
Wilson Bay Dining Room

Social Activities

5:15pm CST

M-LAW Wellness Hour Activity #1: Madden's Hike

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST

Wilson Bay - Lakeside

Join Sam Manning for a relaxing hike around Madden's grounds. And if you’re lucky, learn how to make a duck call! It may be cold, so make sure to bring warm clothes if you’d like to join us. Hikers will leave from the Wilson Bay foyer.

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST
Wilson Bay - Lakeside

Social Activities

5:15pm CST

M-LAW Wellness Hour Activity #2: Arts & Crafts (Knitting, Crocheting, & Coloring)

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST

Wilson Bay Dining Room

Join us for a relaxing chance to get to know your colleagues and do various arts & crafts, including knitting, crocheting, and coloring.

As a part of the arts and crafts space, Cal from State Support will be hosting a knitting project workshop for those interested! Project workshop is a flexible group learning activity. Whether you're needing help with a project in crisis, wanting to jumpstart your knitting, or looking for a laid-back learning and social opportunity, the workshop will give you a chance to learn from an instructor, and maybe even gain inspiration for your next project! Cal will have limited supplies available for a couple of folks wanting to learn to knit.

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST
Wilson Bay Dining Room

Social Activities

5:15pm CST

M-LAW Wellness Hour Activity #3: Arts & Crafts (Mug-Painting)

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST

Wilson Bay Dining Room

Join colleagues for a relaxing mug-painting experience. An instructor will lead attendees through painting a mug. Take the mug home with you! Limited to 30 attendees. Sign up on Sched to reserve your spot. Any unreserved spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST
Wilson Bay Dining Room

Social Activities

5:15pm CST

M-LAW Wellness Hour Activity #4: Yoga Refresh

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST

Golf Villa - Meeting Room A/B

Thursday November 7, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm CST
Golf Villa - Meeting Room A/B

Social Activities

6:30pm CST

Awards Dinner

Thursday November 7, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm CST

Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

The statewide awards dinner recognizes our dedicated community of advocates and shines a light on those who inspire us with their exceptional commitment – within legal services, and in the wider justice community. We also applaud the colleagues who support us day in and day out with generosity, patience, and esteem.
Emcees: Daniel Morris (CMLS); Milo Mumgaard (MMLA)
Seating begins at 6:15 p.m.

Speakers

Milo Mumgaard

Executive Director, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Following a nationwide search, Milo was welcomed as Legal Aid’s new executive director in February 2024. He previously held the executive director position at both the Center for Arkansas Legal Services since 2022 and Legal Aid of Nebraska since 2015. Before that, he was the legal... Read More →

Daniel Morris

Executive Director, Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS)

Daniel Morris is the Executive Director of Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS), an LSC-funded legal services non-profit serving twenty-one counties across central Minnesota, including Hennepin County. Dan joined CMLS in 2018 as the Managing Attorney of the St. Cloud and Willmar... Read More →

Shout Outs pdf

Thursday November 7, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm CST
Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

Meals

8:45pm CST

Bonfire and S'Mores

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - 10:30pm CST

Wilson Bay - Lakeside

Another chance to hang out under the stars with your statewide colleagues and enjoy a crackling fire, hot chocolate, and the taste of an old-fashioned s’more.

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - 10:30pm CST
Wilson Bay - Lakeside

Social Activities

8:45pm CST

Let's Play!

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - 10:30pm CST

Wilson Bay Dining Room

Relax and mingle with a casual evening of board games with your colleagues. We’ll provide an assortment of board games, but also welcome you to bring your favorite game to share!

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - 10:30pm CST
Wilson Bay Dining Room

Social Activities

8:45pm CST

Open Jam Session

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - Friday November 8, 2024 12:00am CST

Wilson Bay - Manitou

Calling all musicians! Bring the guitar, bongos, tambourine, you name it, and let's jam! Singers welcome, too.

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - Friday November 8, 2024 12:00am CST
Wilson Bay - Manitou

Social Activities

8:45pm CST

Open Mic & Karaoke

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - Friday November 8, 2024 12:00am CST

Wilson Bay - Pemmican Room

Croon to your favorite selections or bring your talent show aspirations to a casual and fun stage. "Open mic" welcomes all forms of creative expression. We'll start with a short performance from The Subpoenas, a house band made up of MMLA & CMLS staff members. Sign up ahead of time using this form.

Thursday November 7, 2024 8:45pm - Friday November 8, 2024 12:00am CST
Wilson Bay - Pemmican Room

Social Activities