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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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strong>Breakout Sessions [clear filter]
Thursday, November 7
 

9:45am CST

A Year Later: Legislative Changes to Housing Law in Minnesota
Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
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
avatar for Evan Gelles

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 →
SM

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

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
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
AK

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 →
JV

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

9:45am CST

Concepts in Capacity: Exploring Decision Making in the Legal Realm
Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
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
MA

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

9:45am CST

Understanding Tribal Relations in Minnesota: Historical Context and Jurisdictional Complexities
Thursday November 7, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CST
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
VF

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 →
LG

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

11:00am CST

A Conversation About Cultural Literacy Working in NDN Country
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
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
JD

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 →
CM

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 →
LP

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 →
TL

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

11:00am CST

Immigration Relief for Youth: Navigating Unfamiliar Waters
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
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
avatar for Kim Boche

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

11:00am CST

Impact Litigation on Heavily Politicized Issues
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
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
avatar for Jess Braverman

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

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
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
avatar for Linda Morrison

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 →
NM

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

2:45pm CST

Consumer Law Legislative Update
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
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
avatar for Mary Kaczorek

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 →
avatar for Bennett Hartz

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

2:45pm CST

Embracing Neurodiversity: Strategies for Success with Neurodivergent Clients and Colleagues
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
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
avatar for Heather Helmer

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

2:45pm CST

Homelessness and the Law
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
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
avatar for Ben Weiss

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 →
avatar for Luke Grundman

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

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
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
SS

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 →
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley
 
Friday, November 8
 

9:00am CST

Data is Power – Data is Knowledge – Data is Fun!
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
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
Speakers
avatar for Rachel J. Perry

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 →
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Town Hall Governor’s Ballroom

9:00am CST

Handling the Social Security Disability Hearing: A Guide for Representatives
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
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
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Saverynski

Jenna Saverynski

Paralegal, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
Jenna Saverynski has been a paralegal with SMRLS for five years. In that time, she has helped dozens of clients seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. She has assisted clients with initial applications and several levels of appeal, including hearings... Read More →
NM

Nicole Mourgos

Lead Attorney, Economic Justice Unit, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
Nicole Mourgos is a lead attorney in the Economic Justice unit with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) in its Mankato office and has been at SMRLS since 2015.  Nicole represents clients throughout the 17 counties the Southwest Region covers. Nicole represents clients... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Town Hall - Governor Sibley

9:00am CST

Helpful Tips for Order for Protection Hearings
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
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
avatar for Heather Helmer

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 →
avatar for Sarah McGuire

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

9:00am CST

Navigating a Disability Diagnosis in Law School or Practice
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
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
Speakers
AM

Ann Motl

Senior Counsel, Bowman and Brooke LLP
Ann Motl concentrates her product liability litigation practice defending products for pharmaceutical and drug and medical device manufacturers.  Ann has appeared in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of her clients.  She is well-versed in eDiscovery and handles... Read More →
JS

Jude Schmit

Public Benefits Law Lead Attorney, Justice North
Jude Schmit is the Public Benefits Lead Attorney at Justice North, focusing on benefits and housing law for Justice North out of the Duluth and Brainerd offices but covers the entire eleven-county region.  Jude recently authored an article for the Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Witnessed... Read More →
PV

Prateek Viswanathan

Attorney, Robins Kaplan LLP
Prateek is a trial lawyer working in intellectual property litigation, particularly on patent matters.  Before joining Robins Kaplan, he served for two years as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable C.J. Williams for the Northern District of Iowa, an experience invaluable to his... Read More →
EF

Eleanor Frisch

Associate, Cohen Millstein
Eleanor Frisch, an associate in Cohen Milstein’s Employee Benefits/ERISA practice, represents the interests of employees, retirees, plan participants and beneficiaries in ERISA class-action lawsuits across the country.  Prior to joining Cohen Milstein, Eleanor spent several years... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson F

9:00am CST

Persuasion Versus Coercion: Getting Clients to Do What We Think Is Best for Them
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
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

Speakers
JA

Joseph Ambroson

Assistant Director, Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility
Joe Ambroson is an Assistant Director in the OLPR, where he’s worked for three years.  He previously worked as a family law attorney at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.  He was also appointed as a member of the Second Judicial District Family Violence Coordinating Council... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Town Hall - Governor Anderson G
 
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