Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Apr 24, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending five candidates for consideration to fill two vacancies in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy to the Minnesota Supreme Court

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Apr 23, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy as associate justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy to fill 9th Judicial District vacancies

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Apr 09, 2024

Governor Tim Walz announced the appointments of Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 7th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Apr 08, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Jane Maschka to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

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Apr 02, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Jane Maschka as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor’s merit selection panel recommends Supreme Court candidates

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Apr 01, 2024

The governor's merit selection panel announced that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill the upcoming vacancies on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Full story

MSBA in Action

AI, UPL, and the justice gap

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DAMIEN RIEHL

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Apr 01, 2024

The legal profession stands at a crossroads. Embracing generative AI tools such as LLMs can significantly improve legal practice and access to justice. If we’re able to assess potential concerns about free speech and guild protectionism, we might move forward with using tools to benefit the public.

Full story

AI
Access to Justice

The Eighth Circuit needs more women on the bench: An advocate’s experience

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Stephanie Angolkar

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Apr 01, 2024

One October morning in 2021, I prepared to return to in-person oral arguments before the Eighth Circuit in St. Paul, Minnesota. After checking in for my argument, I entered the courtroom and quickly saw that I was the only woman in the room.

Full story

Gender
Courts

Common but not forgotten

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IAN LEWENSTEIN

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Apr 01, 2024

When it comes to basic comma mistakes, two are predominantly recurring: (1) missing commas between independent clauses and (2) commas used unnecessarily in compound predicates.

Full story

Legal Writing

Cultivating emotional intelligence in the legal profession

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Kendra Brodin

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Apr 01, 2024

Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation are vital skills for lawyers, enabling them to navigate the complexities of their profession with resilience and effectiveness.

Full story

Wellness

What, me retire? Never!

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Paul M. Floyd

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Apr 01, 2024

Following both of my law partners’ recent retirements, questions about my own retirement plans have naturally surfaced, making the topic not only timely but deeply relevant to my personal and professional life.

Full story

President's Page

Lessons from private discipline in 2023

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Susan Humiston

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Apr 01, 2024

Private discipline is nonpublic discipline issued for violations of the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct that are isolated and nonserious. Several lessons can be learned from reviewing the mistakes and situations that led to private discipline last year.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Network down: Cybercrime or human error?

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Mark Lanterman

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Apr 01, 2024

This past month, people across the country were impacted by a severe AT&T network disruption. Though the company encouraged people to make calls using Wi-Fi, the outage still affected many customers’ ability to access the internet or even contact emergency services.

Full story

Technology

Bar exam update: New court committee formed

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Congratulations to Watertown-Mayer High!

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Apr 01, 2024

Last month 16 teams from around the state met and competed in the MSBA High School Mock Trial Program’s 39th state tournament at the U.S. District Courthouse in St. Paul.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Greater Minnesota Practice Section to receive free dues for 2024-25 bar year and beyond

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – April 2024

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Apr 01, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Second Judicial District

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the First Judicial District

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Ninth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the Third Judicial District

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Mar 28, 2024

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Viet-Hanh Winchell to fill 10th Judicial District vacancy

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Mar 12, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Viet-Hanh Winchell as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Mar 11, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announcedthat it is recommending four candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 2nd Judicial District

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Mar 04, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

In the Matter of Equity v. Finality

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m boulette, Seungwon Chung, and Abby Sunberg

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Feb 29, 2024

Two recent Supreme Court cases shift the emphasis in Minnesota divorce law. As divorce lawyers, we can’t make many promises. Family court outcomes are notoriously uncertain and the classic lawyerly “it depends” is often the only answer. But there was at least one promise we could always make: By the time this is over, you’ll be divorced. Once and for all. But after recent cases from the Minnesota Supreme Court, even that answer may now depend.

Full story

Divorce
Family Law

Retaining and using expert witnesses: A short primer

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R. Don Keysser

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Feb 29, 2024

Your experts should be an integral part of your legal team, capable of adding considerable value to the ultimate resolution of your client’s case, if you manage them well.

Full story

Civil Litigation

10 tips for working effectively with your in-house counterparts

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MIKE MATHER

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Feb 29, 2024

Despite the importance of this relationship, little time is spent identifying exactly how outside counsel can maximize their value to their in-house counterparts and the client they jointly represent. To address this gap, here are ten tips on how firms can more effectively partner with their in-house colleagues.

Full story

Litigation
Business Law

The cannabis-custody conundrum

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Christopher Vatsaas and Melanie Nelson

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Feb 29, 2024

Marijuana use is not a foreign issue to family courts. In Minnesota, however, the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2023 added a new layer to this legal onion. As of August 1, 2023, adults in Minnesota over the age of 21 can possess, use, and grow restricted amounts of marijuana

Full story

Family Law
Cannabis

Sorry/not sorry for interrupting you

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Paul M. Floyd

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Feb 29, 2024

Much has been written and said about the lack of civility in the practice of law. But sometimes what appears to be a lack of civility is really a clash of conversational styles. Recognizing the difference can avoid unnecessary conflict and cultivate an appreciation for the upbringing and cultural background of the other person.

Full story

President's Page

A year of public discipline

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Susan Humiston

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Feb 29, 2024

Each year a summary of the prior year’s public discipline appears in this column. The purpose of this summary is largely a cautionary tale for lawyers—one of the reasons for public discipline, after all, is to deter misconduct by other lawyers.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Minnesota data breaches and the ongoing threat of ransomware

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Mark Lanterman

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Feb 29, 2024

Ransomware continues to have a far-reaching impact. In December, possible victims from 17 Minnesota counties were contacted to alert them to the fact that their personal information may have been compromised in October 2023

Full story

Technology

What I learned grieving the loss of my dad

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Chase L. Andersen

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Feb 29, 2024

I am not an expert in grief and loss, but I can surely relate to others who have lost a loved one. I suspect that my experience is similar to how a lot of other lawyers face grief and loss: Bottle it up and put it on the shelf for later.

Full story

Well-Being

Colleague Corner: If you had to delete all but three apps from your phone, which ones would you keep?

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Feb 29, 2024

Full story

Colleague Corner

Congratulations to three new certified specialists

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Feb 29, 2024

These attorneys have demonstrated extensive knowledge and proficiency in their specialty areas.

Full story

MSBA in Action

We’d love your help: MSBA probate forms

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Feb 29, 2024

The MSBA is seeking volunteers willing to collaborate on this project by reviewing existing documents, providing insights on necessary updates or changes, and suggesting additional documents to be added.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Nominate an Outstanding New Lawyer

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Feb 29, 2024

This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight a new attorney in your network who has shown outstanding dedication to MSBA or a local bar affiliate.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – March 2024

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Feb 29, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection extends application period for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

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Feb 23, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced the extension of the application period for the upcoming vacancies in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 7th Judicial District

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Feb 23, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 10th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Feb 16, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

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Feb 01, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints JaPaul Harris to Minnesota Court of Appeals

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Jan 31, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Judge JaPaul Harris to an at-large seat on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor Walz opens selection process for Minnesota Supreme Court vacancies

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Jan 29, 2024

Governor Tim Walz today announced the opening of a selection process for two vacancies on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Full story

MSBA in Action

How judges read statutes: And how to write them so they won’t be misinterpreted

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Justice Paul Thissen

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Jan 26, 2024

In this article, I hope to provide practical tips for people involved in the process of drafting statutes so they can maximize the odds that judges will interpret and apply statutes as their drafters intended.

Full story

Judges
Legislation

What happens when AI finally does learn to write legal briefs? A future imagined.

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VADIM TRIFEL

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Jan 26, 2024

A few weeks ago, I received an email about a job offer. It was an invitation to train a legal AI. The email did not go into detail. I assumed I would be involved in some type of machine learning. I would sit behind a computer and correct the program’s mistakes, give it a human touch. And perhaps, unwittingly, I would teach it enough of what I have spent over a decade learning for it to take over my job one day in the not-too-distant future.

Full story

AI
Technology

Crime and punishment, revised edition

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Elizabeth A. Orrick

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Jan 26, 2024

The 2023 legislative session was busy, with a record-breaking number of bills. In the end, 75 new chapters of law were adopted. In the criminal sector, numerous laws were added, existing laws modified, and some laws repealed.

Full story

Criminal Law

Nice lawyers finish first

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Paul M. Floyd

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Jan 26, 2024

In reality, there are numerous advantages to being known as “the nice lawyer.” This approach to practicing law leads to better health and well-being, fosters deeper and more lasting friendships, and ultimately results in greater financial success over the long term.

Full story

President's Page

Call for nominations: Becker Awards

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Jan 26, 2024

Do you know a nonprofit legal services staff member or law student who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding work with low-income Minnesotans?

Full story

MSBA in Action

North Star Lawyers certification is open!

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Jan 26, 2024

Each year the MSBA is proud to recognize members who have contributed at least 50 hours of pro bono work in our communities. More than just a recognition, the North Star Lawyers program provides a way for our community to come together, demonstrating the vital importance of showing up for those vulnerable to injustice.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Consider a firm operations self-assessment

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Susan Humiston

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Jan 26, 2024

A few states have created practice self-assessments to help lawyers proactively create policies and procedures that enhance their ability to consistently meet their ethical obligations. Colorado has such a self-assessment, which is generously made available to the public.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

A new year’s review: Cyber considerations for 2024

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Mark Lanterman

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Jan 26, 2024

Heading into 2024, it is wise for organizations to take stock of their security postures and set goals for the coming year. Whether it’s prompted by recently enacted requirements, or the knowledge of an ever-evolving threat landscape, a comprehensive cybersecurity review can help address gaps and inform subsequent assessments.

Full story

Technology

ADHD in the legal profession: The quiet struggle

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Hannah Scheidecker

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Jan 26, 2024

Lawyers report being diagnosed with ADHD at a rate of 12.5 percent, a figure two and a half times greater than the general adult population. High achievers with ADHD are drawn to the legal profession because we thrive under pressure.

Full story

Wellness

Colleague Corner: What’s the best gift you ever received?

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Jan 26, 2024

Full story

Colleague Corner

Notes & Trends – Jan/Feb 2024

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Jan 26, 2024

Full story

Notes & Trends

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 4th Judicial District

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Jan 18, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Allison Whalen to fill 8th Judicial District vacancy

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Jan 09, 2024

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Allison Whalen as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 10th Judicial District

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Jan 05, 2024

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor’s merit selection panel recommends Court of Appeals candidates

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Dec 18, 2023

The governor's merit selection panel announced that it is recommending three candidates from that applicant pool for consideration to fill the current vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Krista Marks to fill 1st Judicial District vacancy

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Dec 18, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Krista Marks as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 8th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Dec 14, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz seeks applicants for vacancy on the Commission on Judicial Selection

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Dec 07, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a vacancy on the Commission on Judicial Selection.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 1st Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Dec 05, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Brace yourself. Here are seven legal tech trends that are transforming the practice of law.

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Todd C. Scott

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Nov 30, 2023

So where might we be going from here? And what does 2024 have in store for attorneys trying to stay windward of the tidal change happening with law office workflows? Humbly, we have identified seven legal tech trends that will bring transformational change to lawyers and law firm processes everywhere.

Full story

Technology

Put plain language in Minnesota’s court rules

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Ian Lewenstein

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Nov 30, 2023

Even the sclerotic federal government has slowly shuffled ahead of Minnesota in its dedication to washing court rules of legalese. I think that it’s time for Minnesota to follow suit.

Full story

Courts
Legal Writing

Deuce-Ace's Law Dictionary

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The Rev. Dr. Felix Rabbits Van Deuce-Ace, Esq., L.L.M., M.A., M.B.A., M.D., Ph.D.

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Nov 30, 2023

Scholarly square-toes will find much objectionable about the dictionary, as will the somber office drudge. This because the bloody thing wasn’t written for the serious, but for your average mouth-breather.

Full story

Legal Research and Writing

Counselor at law: The privilege and burden of keeping secrets

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Paul M. Floyd

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Nov 30, 2023

Almost from the moment I passed the bar, family and friends began confiding in me regarding their legal problems.

Full story

President's Page

Conducting a trust account self-assessment

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SUSAN HUMISTON

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Nov 30, 2023

Whether you handle your own trust account or supervise others who do all the heavy lifting, ensuring that this important task is completed consistently and correctly is always worth your time.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Biden issues ambitious executive order on AI

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Mark Lanterman

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Nov 30, 2023

Coming near the end of what was dubbed by many “the year of AI,” the order acknowledges both the risks and manifold benefits of AI technology, as well as the need for governance oversight to manage it as responsibly as possible.

Full story

Technology

Notes & Trends – December 2023

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Nov 30, 2023

Full story

Notes & Trends

UM law students meet the market

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Nov 30, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Minnesota’s newest attorneys sworn in

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Nov 30, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor Walz appoints Dean Eyler, Kristen Marttila, and Dominick Mathews to fill 4th Judicial District vacancies

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Nov 28, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Dean Eyler, Kristen Marttila, and Dominick Mathews as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Nov 17, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending six candidates for consideration to fill three vacancies in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – November 2023

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Nov 01, 2023

Full story

Notes & Trends

Better together: Toward a mutual-care approach to practicing law

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Natalie Netzel

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Nov 01, 2023

Natalie Netzel explores how mental health issues are exacerbated, even created, by the norms of our profession starting in law school, and then explores how individual lawyers can work together to promote mutual care as a new norm to counteract our damaging status quo.

Full story

Wellbeing

Trust us Antitrust is back: And it’s coming for Big Tech

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Dan Gustafson and Abou Amara

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Nov 01, 2023

More than a century ago, the critical industries of the day in the United States—railroads, electricity, oil, and gas—rested in the hands of a few powerful corporations.

Full story

antitrust

Secret recordings, privacy, and the pursuit of truth

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By James Todd

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Nov 01, 2023

The question for family-law practitioners is how to advise clients when it comes to secret recordings—whether to gather them and, when presented with secret recordings, whether to use those recordings as evidence in a family court proceeding.

Full story

Family Law

Going to Trial: Three Tips for Junior Lawyers

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Cianna Guerra Halloran

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Nov 01, 2023

This may be a rare experience overall, but as a new civil litigator I can attest that one should be prepared for the potential of a trial anyway. The problem is, how can you be prepared for trial when you are entirely new to the practice of law?

Full story

Civil Litigation
New Lawyers

Winter’s coming. Tell us about your dream vacation getaway.

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Nov 01, 2023

Full story

Colleague Corner

I hated being a lawyer!

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Paul M. Floyd

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Nov 01, 2023

In talking over the years with mentors, peers, and younger colleagues, I have heard this refrain numerous times from lawyers who are stressed, frustrated, and on the verge of throwing in the towel.

Full story

President's Page

ATJ committee’s report examines debt litigation in MN

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Nov 01, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Connecting Greater Minnesota lawyers with job seekers

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Nov 01, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Drawing the line on ethical witness preparation

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SUSAN M. HUMISTON

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Nov 01, 2023

Effectively preparing witnesses to provide testimony is an essential litigation skill. To do so competently and ethically requires a lot of work and forethought, because you must not only understand where the ethical lines lie but also keep in mind how the nonlawyer witness is hearing what you are saying.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder and how it can affect your practice

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Sheina Long

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Nov 01, 2023

Have you ever suffered from the seasonal blues? You likely were dealing with seasonal affective disorder.

Full story

Wellness

The CSRB weighs the lessons of Lapsus$

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Mark Lanterman

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Nov 01, 2023

The string of attacks offered insight into the security vulnerabilities existing within even the best-defended organizations; the CSRB report provides an in-depth analysis of the attacks and strategies for dealing with the most successful methods of intrusion.

Full story

Technology

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 8th Judicial District

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Oct 27, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 4th Judicial District

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Oct 25, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced a vacancy in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Gov. Walz appoints Steve Hanke to fill 6th Judicial District vacancy

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Oct 19, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointment of Steve Hanke as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Governor Walz appoints Adam Johnson and Lauren Johnson to fill 1st Judicial District vacancies

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Oct 12, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Adam Johnson and Lauren Johnson as district court judges in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends Sixth Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

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Oct 03, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill a vacancy in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Reading the fine print: The extensive changes to Minnesota landlord-tenant law in 2023 mostly codify best practices

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By Timothy A. Baland

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Oct 01, 2023

The 2023 Minnesota legislative session saw what have been heralded as unprecedented changes to landlord-tenant law in Minnesota. Unless otherwise noted, the statutes discussed in this article become effective on January 1, 2024. For the most part, the changes reflect best practices for landlords—things that landlords already are or should be doing.

Full story

Landlord-Tenant Law

The lawyer as private investigator: Parsing new ABA Model Rule 1.16(a)—Inquiring Into and Assessing Representations

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William J. Wernz

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Oct 01, 2023

In August 2023, the ABA adopted a new first sentence for Rule 1.16(a) of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, requiring lawyers to “inquire into and assess the facts and circumstances of each representation [of a client] to determine whether the lawyer may accept or continue the representation.”

Full story

Rules of Professional Conduct

The changing workplace

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Beth L. LaCanne and Shannon E. Eckman

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Oct 01, 2023

The 2023 Minnesota legislative session was a pivotal one for laws impacting Minnesota’s workplaces. In particular, the session saw a wave of laws affecting employees’ rights and well-being.

Full story

Employment and Labor Law

Construction law: updated indemnification and wage theft rule

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Jevon Bindman, Anna Barton, and Carly Johnson

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Oct 01, 2023

The 2023 legislative session spelled many changes for the construction industry, from deeming indemnification agreements in connection with public improvements unenforceable to creating upstream liability for contractors and potentially owners when subcontractors engage in wage theft.

Full story

Construction Law

MSBA 2023-24: New leadership, new horizons

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Paul Floyd

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Oct 01, 2023

Change is inevitable, and as we embark on a new bar year, the MSBA Board of Governors has undergone a transformation, introducing seven new persons and perspectives to its leadership.

Full story

President's Page

Court issues order on ABA discipline system recommendations

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SUSAN HUMISTON

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Oct 01, 2023

Following a comment period and public hearing, the Court’s order reflects careful and thoughtful consideration of the various recommendations. We are fortunate in Minnesota to have an active and engaged Court willing to commit significant time to attorney discipline matters. The order is lengthy, so I think an overview of the Court’s decisions and next steps is in order.

Full story

Professional Responsibility

Deepfakes, AI, and digital evidence

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By Mark Lanterman

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Oct 01, 2023

With the ever-expanding prevalence of artificial intelligence, I’m sure that most of us have seen at least a few types of “deepfakes.”

Full story

Technology

Well-being and emotional intelligence are business development tools

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Kendra Brodin

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Oct 01, 2023

As a lawyer, it can be easy to see your legal practice as a place to escape feelings. Many of us fail to understand that human emotion is a huge part of the work itself; we did not learn much about emotional intelligence and well-being in law school.

Full story

Wellness

Save the date: New Lawyers Leadership Conference!

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Oct 01, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Coming this month: Legal tech CLEs

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Oct 01, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Pro Bono Week October 23-27

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Oct 01, 2023

Full story

MSBA in Action

Notes & Trends – October 2023

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Oct 01, 2023

Full story

Notes & Trends

Hail the departing chief: Gildea’s legacy includes 13 cases for 13 years

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Cathy E. Gorlin and Marshall H. Tanick

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Oct 01, 2023

There will be a new look at the Minnesota Supreme Court this fall due to the October retirement of Chief Justice Lorie Gildea after 13-plus years at the helm.

Full story

Judges
Courts

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 4th Judicial District

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Sep 21, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

Commission on Judicial Selection extends application period for vacancy in the 6th Judicial District

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Sep 05, 2023

The Commission on Judicial Selection announced the extension of the application period for the upcoming vacancy in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District.

Full story

MSBA in Action

From 0 to HF100: Legal cannabis comes to Minnesota

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Jared M. Reams & Rachel S. Kurth

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Sep 01, 2023

Gov. Tim Walz signed HF100 on May 30, 2023, after a nearly six-month journey through numerous committees and revised engrossments in the Minnesota House and Senate, making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize recreational-use cannabis.

Full story

Legislation
Cannabis

Understanding expungement under the new cannabis law

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Dea Cortney & Samuel Edmunds

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Sep 01, 2023

Some, but not all, expungements will occur automatically.

Full story

Criminal Law
Cannabis

Bench & Bar of Minnesota

The official publication of the Minnesota State Bar Association

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Apr 24, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy to the Minnesota Supreme Court (?)

Apr 23, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy to fill 9th Judicial District vacancies (?)

Apr 09, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 7th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Apr 08, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Jane Maschka to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy (?)

Apr 02, 2024

Governor’s merit selection panel recommends Supreme Court candidates (?)

Apr 01, 2024

AI, UPL, and the justice gap (?)

DAMIEN RIEHL (?)

Apr 01, 2024

The Eighth Circuit needs more women on the bench: An advocate’s experience (?)

Stephanie Angolkar (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Common but not forgotten (?)

IAN LEWENSTEIN (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Cultivating emotional intelligence in the legal profession (?)

Kendra Brodin (?)

Apr 01, 2024

What, me retire? Never! (?)

Paul M. Floyd (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Lessons from private discipline in 2023 (?)

Susan Humiston (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Network down: Cybercrime or human error? (?)

Mark Lanterman (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Bar exam update: New court committee formed (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Congratulations to Watertown-Mayer High! (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Greater Minnesota Practice Section to receive free dues for 2024-25 bar year and beyond (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Notes & Trends – April 2024 (?)

Apr 01, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Second Judicial District (?)

Mar 28, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the First Judicial District (?)

Mar 28, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Ninth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz (?)

Mar 28, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the Third Judicial District (?)

Mar 28, 2024

Gov. Walz appoints Viet-Hanh Winchell to fill 10th Judicial District vacancy (?)

Mar 12, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz (?)

Mar 11, 2024

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 2nd Judicial District (?)

Mar 04, 2024

In the Matter of Equity v. Finality (?)

m boulette, Seungwon Chung, and Abby Sunberg (?)

Feb 29, 2024

Retaining and using expert witnesses: A short primer (?)

R. Don Keysser (?)

Feb 29, 2024

10 tips for working effectively with your in-house counterparts (?)

MIKE MATHER (?)

Feb 29, 2024

The cannabis-custody conundrum (?)

Christopher Vatsaas and Melanie Nelson (?)

Feb 29, 2024

Sorry/not sorry for interrupting you (?)

Paul M. Floyd (?)

Feb 29, 2024

A year of public discipline (?)

Susan Humiston (?)

Feb 29, 2024

Minnesota data breaches and the ongoing threat of ransomware (?)

Mark Lanterman (?)

Feb 29, 2024

What I learned grieving the loss of my dad (?)

Chase L. Andersen (?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 2nd Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy to the Minnesota Supreme Court

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Matti Adam and Seamus Duffy to fill 9th Judicial District vacancies

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 7th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Jane Maschka to fill 4th Judicial District vacancy

(?)

Governor’s merit selection panel recommends Supreme Court candidates

(?)

AI, UPL, and the justice gap

(?)

DAMIEN RIEHL

(?)

The Eighth Circuit needs more women on the bench: An advocate’s experience

(?)

Stephanie Angolkar

(?)

Common but not forgotten

(?)

IAN LEWENSTEIN

(?)

Cultivating emotional intelligence in the legal profession

(?)

Kendra Brodin

(?)

What, me retire? Never!

(?)

Paul M. Floyd

(?)

Lessons from private discipline in 2023

(?)

Susan Humiston

(?)

Network down: Cybercrime or human error?

(?)

Mark Lanterman

(?)

Bar exam update: New court committee formed

(?)

Congratulations to Watertown-Mayer High!

(?)

Greater Minnesota Practice Section to receive free dues for 2024-25 bar year and beyond

(?)

Notes & Trends – April 2024

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the Second Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancy in the First Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Ninth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the Third Judicial District

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints Viet-Hanh Winchell to fill 10th Judicial District vacancy

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 4th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 2nd Judicial District

(?)

In the Matter of Equity v. Finality

(?)

m boulette, Seungwon Chung, and Abby Sunberg

(?)

Retaining and using expert witnesses: A short primer

(?)

R. Don Keysser

(?)

10 tips for working effectively with your in-house counterparts

(?)

MIKE MATHER

(?)

The cannabis-custody conundrum

(?)

Christopher Vatsaas and Melanie Nelson

(?)

Sorry/not sorry for interrupting you

(?)

Paul M. Floyd

(?)

A year of public discipline

(?)

Susan Humiston

(?)

Minnesota data breaches and the ongoing threat of ransomware

(?)

Mark Lanterman

(?)

What I learned grieving the loss of my dad

(?)

Chase L. Andersen

(?)

Colleague Corner: If you had to delete all but three apps from your phone, which ones would you keep?

(?)

Congratulations to three new certified specialists

(?)

We’d love your help: MSBA probate forms

(?)

Nominate an Outstanding New Lawyer

(?)

Notes & Trends – March 2024

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection extends application period for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancy in the 7th Judicial District

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection recommends 10th Judicial District candidates to Gov. Walz

(?)

Commission on Judicial Selection opens application process for vacancies in the 9th Judicial District

(?)

Gov. Walz appoints JaPaul Harris to Minnesota Court of Appeals

(?)

Governor Walz opens selection process for Minnesota Supreme Court vacancies

(?)

How judges read statutes: And how to write them so they won’t be misinterpreted

(?)

Justice Paul Thissen

(?)

What happens when AI finally does learn to write legal briefs? A future imagined.

(?)

VADIM TRIFEL

(?)

Crime and punishment, revised edition

(?)

Elizabeth A. Orrick

(?)

Nice lawyers finish first

(?)

Paul M. Floyd

(?)

Call for nominations: Becker Awards

(?)

North Star Lawyers certification is open!

(?)

Consider a firm operations self-assessment

(?)