2024 State Conference

Join colleagues from around the state to discuss hot topics in Immigration Benefits for Legal Service Providers. Discussion will include an overview of new pathways to status including Parole in Place, advanced advocacy for naturalization applicants with criminal histories and other barriers to citizenship, trends in benefits cases for youth and survivors of crime and trafficking, as well as strategic planning for the next four years of immigration policy.

Facilitators: Lou Her, Supervising Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS); Alison M. Griffith, Supervising Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA) 
CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

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

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

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

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

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

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