The State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records is being convened to address longstanding issues and recent changes affecting attorney access to court records across the state. The Commission will be co-chaired by recently retired Supreme Court Justice G.
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Bench & Bar of Minnesota, published by the Minnesota State Bar Association, covers topics related to the Minnesota legal community including judicial appointments, legal technology innovations such as artificial intelligence in law practice, access to justice initiatives, and developments in civil legal aid. The blog discusses the impact of AI on legal ethics and practice, profiles legal professionals and leaders in public interest law, and reports on legislative changes affecting legal aid and the judiciary. It also addresses legal writing, pro bono work, and efforts to improve legal services accessibility across Minnesota.
Latest from Bench & Bar of Minnesota - Page 3
Gov. Walz appoints Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang to fill 2nd Judicial District vacancies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2024Contact: Claire Lancaster claire.lancaster@state.mn.us 651-219-2975Governor Walz Appoints Jessica Bierwerth, Stacy Deery Stennes, and Der Yang to Fill Second Judicial District Vacancies[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointments…
Governor Walz appoints Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten to fill 7th Judicial District vacancies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:August 13, 2024Contact: Claire Lancasterclaire.lancaster@state.mn.us 651-219-2975Governor Walz Appoints Michael Leeser and Ole Tvedten to Fill Seventh Judicial District Vacancies [ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointments of Michael Leeser…
MSBA judicial elections site returns
The MSBA’s voter information website www.votemnjudges.org is live. The MSBA asked the candidates running in contested statewide judicial races to complete a questionnaire and submit a photo; their responses are posted on the website. Information on candidates running in contested…
New MSBA Strategic Plan adopted
This year the MSBA Board of Governors was tasked with drafting a new three-year strategic plan for 2024-2027. The board reviewed each area of the previous strategic plan and discussed changes and improvements for the new plan, which was adopted…
Greater Minnesota Working Group recommendations adopted
In the fall of 2023, a Greater Minnesota Working Group was created to consider how the MSBA can increase our value to those members. The group, co-chaired by Samuel Edmunds and Mary Cincotta, included members from throughout the state. The…
Yes, you can take a vacation
By Susan HumistonAt this year’s MSBA Convention, I presented on a panel entitled “10 Things You Should Do Before Going on Vacation.”1 Preparing for and reflecting on the presentation and the questions it drew caused me to realize this is…
Promoting fairness and impartiality: MSBA’s 2024 judicial plebiscite
By Samuel Edmunds
Greetings to all members of the Minnesota State Bar Association! As the newly elected president of our esteemed association, I am excited to contribute my first article to Bench & Bar. It has been a rewarding and…
The Future of Forgiveness: Minnesota’s New Clemency Law Reforms
In May 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed clemency reforms that made sweeping changes to Minnesota’s pardon and commutation laws.1 Some of the new clemency law’s reforms took effect in 2023 and its remaining provisions took effect…
What you need to know about Minnesota’s new contract for deed law
By Larry M. Wertheim
The new Minnesota contract for deed legislation,1 which generally took effect August 1, 2024, constitutes the most significant changes in contract for deed law in almost 40 years. While there are literally dozens of new provisions,…