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.
What you need to know about extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs)
By Anna Street
Imagine a legal mechanism that could swiftly intervene to prevent tragedies before they unfold—such is the promise of the extreme risk protection order (ERPO). Created under…
The May 2023 legalization of adult-use (aka recreational) cannabis in Minnesota1 brought some dramatic changes quickly: personal possession and legal use! Home growing!
But the larger project of implementing the legislation—and creating a brand-new state agency,…
By Bryan Lake & Samantha Gemberling
Darkness had long descended on the state Capitol, but the Senate chamber remained brightly lit and buzzing with activity. It was shortly after 4:00 a.m. on May 4 by the time Sen. Bonnie…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2024 Contact: Claire Lancaster claire.lancaster@state.mn.us 651-219-2975Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the First Judicial District [ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s First Judicial District.…
On Tuesday, May 7, the Minnesota District Judges Association (MDJA) Law Clerk Committee hosted a law clerk admission ceremony to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. The ceremony created an opportunity for all current district and…
By Sarah Soucie Eyberg
The expectation is that you will respond to text messages from partners within 30 seconds.”
I was stunned, sitting in my three-month review at the first “real” lawyer job I had ever had. The partners had…
By Veronica L. Stachurski
About six months ago, I signed up for a mentor/mentee program with the American Society of International Law (ASIL). I was fortunate enough to work in The Hague, Netherlands at the International Criminal Court when I…
BY SUSAN M. HUMISTON
On September 1, 2024, the Minnesota General Rules of Practice will add a new Rule 18 that covers presumptive continuances in many civil cases based upon certain personal circumstances.* (The new rule, which will be subject…
Curt Trisko
Curt Trisko is a member at Cozen O’Connor with a practice focusing primarily on real estate.
Robespierre. First and foremost, I am sure he would take me to a better restaurant than someone like Atticus Finch or Chief…
MSBA priorities fare well in difficult environment
By Bryan Lake
After passing large budget increases and a seemingly endless list of major policy changes in 2023, state lawmakers returned to St. Paul in February for the second year of the…
