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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8:00am CST

Public Benefits Law Practice Group Forum

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

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

Facilitators

Laura Melnick

Lead Economic Justice Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Laura Melnick is the Lead Attorney for SMRLS’s Economic Justice (EJ) Unit and the supervising attorney of its Metro EJ unit in St. Paul. Laura helps clients resolve government benefit (cash, food, healthcare, and childcare assistance) problems and use civil remedies to address... Read More →

Fri 08.00am Public Benefits PG Agenda pdf

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

Practice Group Meetings, Standard CLE

9:00am CST

Helpful Tips for Order for Protection Hearings

Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST

Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

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

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 →

Sarah McGuire

Supervising Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)

Sarah McGuire graduated from the University of Illinois in 2008 with a degree in sociology. She worked at a psychiatric hospital for children and as a social worker before attending Hamline University School of Law, graduating in 2015. Sarah clerked for the Honorable James H... Read More →

Fri 09.00 am OFP Tips and Tricks pdf

Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Town Hall - Governor Pillsbury

Breakout Sessions, Standard CLE