Minnesota State Bar Association

Do the holidays stress you out? Joan Bibelhausen of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Minnesota has some tips for managing stress during the holidays in this Bench & Bar article. https://lnkd.in/g23Eng9Z

"It’s time to make some real, meaningful change to help our members. I am proud to introduce the Minnesota State Bar Association’s newly convened State Bar Commission on Access to Court Records, a group focused on addressing the complexities surrounding attorney access to court records throughout our state." In this Bench & Bar article, MSBA President Samuel Edmunds discusses the lack of equal access to court records across the legal field and the work the new Commission plans to do to address it. https://lnkd.in/gqfSgx5b

Want to work for the Minnesota State Bar Association? We have an opening for our Senior Director of Policy position. The Director provides strategic leadership and support across MSBA’s policy initiatives, legislative work, and various committees, advancing the organization’s mission and commitment to access to justice. This role includes managing policy development and advocacy, overseeing critical legislative updates, and coordinating efforts with various committees to drive impactful outcomes. The Director also represents the association at key events, supervises staff, manages budgets, and ensures compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, contributing to the overall effectiveness and integrity of MSBA’s programs and initiatives. See full job posting: https://lnkd.in/gPRMFMZP

Today we facilitated a great discussion with the Deans of the three Minnesota law schools on how legal education is changing. From AI to the NextGen bar exam and new ways to get licensed, we're looking at big shifts that’ll shape the future for new lawyers. Law student member Alena Stankaitis moderated the discussion, which also touched on mental health and wellness issues, as well as DEI initiatives following the SCOTUS affirmative action decision. Panelists agreed that Minnesota is well-positioned and prepared to continue to support the next generation of attorneys in our state.?Thanks to Camille M. Davidson from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Daniel Kelly from University of St. Thomas School of Law, and William McGeveran from the University of Minnesota Law School for joining us for this conversation.

Job Opening: MSBA Senior Director of Policy. The Director provides strategic leadership and support across MSBA’s policy initiatives, legislative work, and various committees, advancing the organization’s mission and commitment to access to justice. This role includes managing MSBA’s policy development and advocacy, overseeing critical legislative updates, and coordinating efforts with various committees to drive impactful outcomes. The Director also represents the MSBA at key events, supervises staff, manages budgets, and ensures compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, contributing to the overall effectiveness and integrity of MSBA’s programs and initiatives. More information: https://lnkd.in/gPRMFMZP

Congratulations again to Ryan McCarthy, recipient of the 2024 Outstanding New Lawyer of the Year Award. Ryan was selected for his professional achievements, involvement with local bar organizations, pro bono and community service work, and contributions to advancing diversity. The award was presented by New Lawyers Chair Michelle Gibbons on 11/8 at the New Lawyers Leadership Conference. More info on the award: https://lnkd.in/g6J25Nkb?

Seventy-five new lawyers and law students joined us on November 8 for the 12th?annual New Lawyers Leadership Conference, held at Capella. MSBA President Samuel Edmunds welcomed attendees and shared how he helped develop the first year's event. Attendees brushed up on the ethics of using AI as well as parental leave rules, but also heard about the state of legal market, and learned new strategies for financial wellness from national speaker, Jessica Medina. Check out mnbars.org for the next MSBA New Lawyers event.

The annual Meet the Bar event at the University of Minnesota Law School is always a highlight of the year, as members from the bar association Sections and other affinity bar groups come together to meet and network with 1L law students. Attorneys had a great time sharing their experiences, answering questions about their practice areas, and getting to know this next generation of lawyers.

Thanks to Ann Motl from Bowman and Brooke for speaking with staff from the Minnesota State Bar, Hennepin County Bar, and Ramsey County Bar Associations today about her work and role as President of the Minnesota Disability Bar Association.

In our latest Donor Spotlight, we feature Julian Zebot, a partner at Maslon LLP. As a practicing attorney, Zebot understands the challenges people face when seeking legal help and recognizes the systemic barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing the legal services they need. Through his work with the Fund for Legal Aid, he is committed to addressing these challenges and improving equal access to justice. https://lnkd.in/gMsGGUv4