2024 State Conference

An opportunity for development and communication staff to discuss issues and ideas in their work. Submit topics you'd like to discuss by clicking the Ask a Question button at this link.

Facilitators: Crystal Jamerson, Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota; Nate Grizzle, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Justice North

Do you conduct intakes as part of your job? If so, this meetup is for you! Join colleagues from around the state to share best practices and tips and discuss trends and issues you see in the course of your work conducting intakes. Agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitator: Kayla Swanson, Legal Secretary and Intake Coordinator, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota

A discussion group of staff members who work with or coordinate pro bono lawyers and projects to talk about challenges, developments, and opportunities.

Facilitator: Marcia Day, Volunteer Attorney Coordinator, Central Minnesota Legal Services

Who should attend? Anyone who works on strategic litigation to benefit their client communities, as well as anyone who assists with providing litigation support and trainings to program staff. We will discuss recent strategic litigation work; common issues impacting our communities that may be areas for future strategic litigation; ideas to work across programs on strategic litigation; and litigation skills training needs we are seeing in our programs.

Facilitators: Brianna "Breezy" Boone, Assistant Director for Litigation and Advocacy, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services; Lisa Hollingsworth, Director of Litigation and Advocacy, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

CLE: 0.75 hour of Standard CLE credit

Join colleagues from around the state for a discussion of current practice issues in public benefits (MFIP, GA, MSA, SSI, MA, etc.), including legislative updates and case strategies. Agenda suggestions can be submitted to the facilitator or State Support staff.

Facilitator: Laura Melnick, Lead Economic Justice Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
CLE: 0.75 hour of Standard CLE credit

Legal aid organizations invest significant time and resources in data collection, yet harnessing this complex data effectively can be a challenge. However, those that succeed are empowered to better understand client needs and tailor their services accordingly. In this session, data expert Rachel Perry will present compelling, replicable examples of how legal aid organizations have successfully utilized data to enhance their client services. She will highlight the importance of collecting complete and accurate data and offer practical tips for improving data integrity. Additionally, Rachel will share key findings from her recent analysis of Minnesota's client and case data.

Who should come to this session? Whether you’ve entered data into your case management system, reviewed your organization’s data, or are simply dedicated to continually improving client services, this session is for you. Whether you're a data novice or a data expert, join us to discover how to make your data work for you and your clients!

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

This presentation will serve as a valuable resource for representatives to effectively advocate for their clients, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to. This presentation will address strategies providing a roadmap from prehearing to post hearing, including gathering evidence, preparing the client, presenting the case, and navigating the appeals process.  Whether you’re a seasoned representative with years of experience or new to the field, this presentation offers practical insights to enhance your understanding and effectiveness in Social Security Disability hearings.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Join us for an in-depth discussion about all types of OFP hearings - from initial appearances to evidentiary hearings, and modification and extension hearings. We will talk through requirements for each type of hearing, witness considerations, and helpful case law to support your requests.  You will walk away with successful strategy suggestions and client management ideas to assist you and your client in getting through an incredibly stressful proceeding.  

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

Hear from legal professionals who received disability diagnoses during law school or practice and how they managed this journey during busy professional times. Panelists will discuss numerous topics including receiving accommodations and support, advice for others receiving diagnoses during busy phases in life, and how they use their disability to their benefit in practice. Individuals without disabilities are also encouraged to attend to learn how to better support their colleagues and gain an understanding of disability.

CLE: 1.0 hour of MHSU CLE credit

A client intends to do something the attorney thinks is not great for them; what’s the attorney’s duty?  We’ll look at scenarios that help explain the attorney’s ethical duties to the client.  We’ll talk about Rules 1.2(a), 1.4, and 1.14, Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, and other relevant ethical obligations.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit

“There’s too many people to help and not enough time or resources.” The mission-driven nonprofit and legal sectors are known for their demanding environments, and staffs’ dedication is a key component to living out the mission and changing communities for the better. However, this intensity can lead to significant stress, feelings of burnout, and a sense of dissatisfaction for many dedicated professionals. Many think leaving their beloved work is the only response left to the overwhelm they feel and see. Yet, within our grasp, there is another world waiting for us—built from the pillars of radical hope, possibility, and interdependence.

Join us for a candid conversation on the challenges facing our community-centered work. Come ready to dream, to connect, and to build more sustainable mission-driven careers and organizations before we head back to our communities to do our critical work. Be ready to think through how we can cultivate vision with practical action based on your learning, insights, and connections built through the conference.

CLE: 1.5 hours of Standard CLE credit