BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 27 Issue 7

Transcription

1 BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 27 Issue 7 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 40 TH ANNUAL BENCH & BAR BENEFIT 2Upcoming Events Fall Job Shadow Bench & Bar Registration 3Judge Grewing Member News 4Families First 5Leader s Journey Foundation to Award Grants 6The Library Shelf 7New Lawyers Happy Hour Show your commitment to the community! Help celebrate the 40th annual event our ruby anniversary by attending, sponsoring, or contributing an auction item. Saturday, November 7 Crowne Plaza 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. Dinner Pro Bono award and live auction following dinner Proceeds benefit the Ramsey County Bar Foundation. The RCBF provides grants to organizations that benefit the legal profession or improve the quality and accessibility of justice. Tickets are $85 each or two for $150, Add $5 per ticket for registrations received after October 17. Table reservation are available for $750. Seating for 10 includes a sign with your organization s name. Donations are needed for the live auction, silent auction, and the wall of wine. Unique and creative items are especially needed for the auction. Dig out those hidden talents and put them to work! Secretly a superb chef? Offer to cook dinner for four. Have great historical knowledge of a cool old building? Offer a personal tour. Warble an angelic tune? Offer to serenade the buyer s true love. Original works of art, a weekend getaway at a cabin, or an afternoon adventure on a sailboat are all excellent contributions. A few hours of your time could go a long way toward a good cause. Sponsorship opportunities range from $350 to $7,500. Contact Rachel for more information: Rachel@ramseybar.org Registration on page 2 or online at

2 UPCOMING EVENTS Green Line Lunch Thursday, September 17 On s Kitchen 1613 University Ave W New Lawyer Happy Hour Thursday, September 17 Amsterdam Bar & Hall 6 W 6th St, St. Paul Bench & Bar Benefit Saturday, November 7 Crowne Plaza Hotel 11 East Kellogg Blvd. FALL JOB SHADOW The Ramsey County Bar Association job shadow program provides an excellent opportunity for law students to get a firsthand look at what the legal world is really like outside of law school. The Ramsey County Bar Association partners with Hamline University and William Mitchell College of Law to provide law students unique job shadow opportunities. The 2015 Fall Job Shadow Program runs Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16. Please consider volunteering to have a Hamline Law School student shadow you for a few hours on one of those days. Past job shadow volunteers have invited students to observe hearings or client meetings, tour their company or law firm, or just talk about their work over lunch. Lawyers from all size firms or public agencies, prosecutors, public defenders and corporate counsel are all needed. To volunteer, please contact Cheryl Dalby at cheryl@ramseybar.org or TH ANNUAL BENCH & BAR BENEFIT Saturday, November 7 CROWNE PLAZA BALLROOM 11 Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul 5:30 p.m. Reception & Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. Dinner Award Ceremony & Live Auction Proceeds benefit the Ramsey County Bar Foundation. The RCBF annually awards grants to law-related charitable organizations such as Children s Law Center, Minnesota Justice Foundation and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. Please contact me to arrange: Table Reservation Table reservations are $750, Seating for 10 includes a sign with your organization s name. Event Registration Tickets are $85 each, or two for $150 MAIN CONTACT FIRM ADDITIONAL GUESTS VEGETARIAN MEAL Sponsorship Individual sponsorships are welcome at any level. Amount Auction Donation Item Payment enclosed Please send an invoice Make check payable to the RCBA Foundation. Mail to: Ramsey County Bar Association, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W-710, St. Paul, MN Contact Rachel with questions at or rachel@ramseybar.org. 2 RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015

3 PROFILE: JUDGE SARA GREWING By Stephanie Chandler, Attorney, Larson King, LLP During her first six months on the bench, Judge Sara Grewing has immensely enjoyed her time, while acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities that are a part of her position. Presently seated in juvenile and family court, Judge Grewing recognizes that her decisions have a profound and lasting effect on children and families in Ramsey County. Judge Grewing would like everyone who is in her courtroom to be treated with respect and be fully heard. She hopes that juveniles will understand what is occurring during the proceeding, and she hopes that all parties recognize she is patient and cognizant of the real world issues at play in her courtroom. Judge Grewing s practice pointer for attorneys who appear in front of her is to remember basic trial technique, which can be challenging in a system focused on ADR and early case resolution. Judge Grewing s desire for her courtroom to be a place of respect and understanding is a reflection of her experience. In her prior roles in politics, government work, and private practice, Judge Grewing has a history of working with a variety of individuals who are facing varying circumstances. A St. Cloud native, Judge Grewing received her undergraduate degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota. While in undergrad, she met her husband, a creative writing major. Judge Grewing s passion for social justice inspired her to attend law school. She and her husband both attended William Mitchell College of Law. During law school, Judge Grewing worked for Senator Wellstone, where she was focused on field work related to domestic violence policy and the Violence Against Women Act. She also worked on a bill to advocate for children who witness domestic violence in their homes. After law school, Judge Grewing spent time as a prosecutor in the Hennepin County Attorney s Office and as an attorney in private practice, where she focused on municipal law and government relations. Thereafter, she worked as Political Director on Senator Klobuchar s campaign and later as Senator Klobuchar s State Director. Her experience in politics led her to become St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman s Chief of Staff, and in September 2010, she became the St. Paul City Attorney. During her tenure as the St. Paul City Attorney, Judge Grewing faced a number of high profile issues including a case that was granted certiorari by the United States Supreme Court, the Lilydale Regional Park landslide, and city employment negotiations. Judge Grewing has spent her career working towards becoming a leader who inspires others. Off the bench, Judge Grewing is a wife and mother of two young children. She enjoys spending time with her family in St. Paul (her husband is a fifth generation St. Paulite), including attending festivals and outdoor music venues. MEMBER NEWS Briggs and Morgan, P.A. is pleased to announce Steven J. Kirsch and Anissa M. Mediger have joined the firm. Kirsch and Mediger bring substantial experience in toxic torts and product liability litigation, and in alternative dispute resolution. Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Richard H. Kyle Jr., to the Second District Bench. He will replace Judge John B. Van de North, who retired earlier this year. Kyle, is an attorney with Fredrikson & Byron s White Collar & Regulatory Defense, Health Care Fraud & Compliance, and Litigation Groups. He has served as president of the Ramsey County Bar Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association. Send announcements about RCBA members to rachel@ramseybar.org RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER

4 THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SUPPORTED FAMILIES FIRST 2015 The 2015 Families First picnic was held on July 25 at John A. Johnson Elementary School. 474 people attended the event, participating in games, lunch, and a mass produce distribution. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and especially Mike Burke and Rick Stebbins for co-chairing the committee. Thank you to these sponsors: 99 Ahles Law Firm 99 Collins, Buckley, Sauntry & Haugh, P.L.L.P. 99 Dan O Fallon 99 Erickson, Bell, Beckman, & Quinn P.A. 99 Jon Theobald 99 Larson King 99 Lindquist & Vennum LLP 99 Maxim Law 99 Rick Stebbins 99 Robins Kaplan 4 RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015

5 THE LEADER S JOURNEY: A GUIDE TO DISCOVERING THE LEADER WITHIN By Dr. Artika R. Tyner, Ed.D., M.P.P., J.D., University of St. Thomas Leadership is a journey often mistaken for a destination. The Leader s Journey: A Guide to Discovering the Leader Within provides guidance and inspiration for that journey. My new book will provide you with inspiration on how to develop your individualized leadership style and market your signature brand. This is the foundation of leadership growth. In three parts, the book explores core values of leadership and how these values inform your understanding of leadership. Part 1: Leading Change Planting People, Growing Justice (Why Lead?) Leadership is about influence. You have the power in your hands to positively influence the world around you. What would you like to see changed? Whether you are passionate about women s rights or criminal justice reform, this section will provide you with practical tools for advancing policy change and promoting the common good. Part 2: Your Leadership Qualities (What Makes You a Leader?) Effective leadership requires developing the necessary tools to lead change which includes: unleashing your moral imagination, building an inclusive workplace, and strengthening your listening skills. This section provides key insights on the core competencies of leadership and offers sage wisdom on how to develop leadership skills. Part 3: Your Leadership DNA (What Is Your Individualized Leadership Style?) Do you enjoy serving others in your community? Then, you may be a servant leader. Do you motivate and inspire your colleagues to reach their full potential? Then, you may have the qualities of a transformational leader. This section offers an opportunity for critical reflection by exploring your individualized approach to leadership. It provides an introduction to an array of leadership styles in order to gain insights on how you lead best. This collection of quotes serves as a source of inspiration and guidance on your leadership journey. Each quote functions as a critical reflection tool. As you take the time and reflect on each quote, you will gain new insights and build your leadership platform. This type of reflection provides an opportunity for you to strengthen your leadership skills and share these lessons with others. To learn more about how to discover the leader within, visit my website where you will find free leadership development resources: Foundation to Award Grants that will Benefit Women In 2011, the Ramsey County Bar Foundation received $100,000 in cy pres funds from a class action settlement. The funds were part of nearly $9 million in residual settlement funds from a case against a pharmaceutical company. The order awarding the funds, signed by Federal District Court Judge Richard Kyle, requires that the funds be used for the general benefit of and advancement of women. The Ramsey County Bar Foundation Board of Directors will award up to $25,000 of those funds to organizations that meet the requirements of the court order, as well as the foundation s mission and grant guidelines. The foundation will be accepting applications for 2015 grants through October 1, The application form and a copy of the grant guidelines are available at www. ramseybar.org or by calling Cheryl Dalby at RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER

6 THE LIBRARY SHELF: PERSONAL INJURY AWARDS By Leslie Greenwood, Reference Librarian, Ramsey County Law Library Knowing where your injured client stands in seeking damages for an injury means knowing what has been awarded to victims in similar cases. Local judgments typically offer the most on-point monetary figures, but less common injuries require a broader analysis of awards. Here at the Ramsey County Law Library, we offer tools to help you see what is potentially recoverable for your client so you can plan your negotiation or trial strategy. Personal Injury Valuation Handbook (Call No: KF8910.P3) For comprehensive nationwide overviews of multiple injury types, turn to the Personal Injury Valuation Handbook set. Its nine volumes contain extensive studies of cases covering a wide assortment of personal injuries. According to publisher Thomson Reuters, [e]ach study contains detailed statistical analysis, including case or injury values, award or settlement distributions, medians, means, probability ranges for awards, and illustrative case summaries. Explanations of terms and definitions are also provided under each study. For example: The finger injury studies chapter explains the structure and function of the fingers, and how crushed or amputated fingers specifically affect wage earning potential. Detailed summaries of the individual awards are then presented, complete with Westlaw case citations. The studies are regularly updated on a rotating basis. To use the set, simply look up the kind of injury to be analyzed in the Subject Matter Index found in the front of Volume 1. Then go to the specified volume number and tab to find the appropriate study of awards, and summaries for that particular injury category. Twin City Jury Verdict Reporter (Call No: KF8910.V47) Knowing what dollar amounts have been awarded in cases similar to your client s is a start, but as an attorney you need to know much more. This is why the Twin City Jury Verdict Reporter (TCJVR) tracks those smaller details and local factors unique to each case. Besides the judge and lawyers, who were the experts? What kind of offers and demands were made up until the final award? Was the case venue in Hennepin, Ramsey, or some other county? These subtle details can help you plan your strategy, and not just determine whether or not your client s case has merit. The product of a Minnesota family business, TCJVR contains comprehensive personal injury information for both Hennepin and Ramsey counties (plus awards for other counties to the extent they are reported by attorneys and insurance companies). Their database includes more than 2,200 verdicts dating back to The Year End Summary issue provides an excellent overview of that year s case results, assisted by statistics and demonstrative charts. As an additional feature, the year-end results are presented for each category in comparative fashion for both Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, as well as combined totals. Verdicts & Settlements (subscription only) Subscribers to Minnesota Lawyer should take note that the online jury verdicts database they provide is no longer accessible from its homepage. However, they can still use their login information to access the Verdicts & Settlements (V&S) database at minnlawyer.com. Similar to TCJVR, the detailed information available at V&S can assist with settlement discussions by showing which counties, courts, judges, experts or opposing counsels were involved in previous awards. Users should be aware that information at this site is no longer regularly updated. (Its most recent award entry is dated July 17, 2014.) Pay us a visit to check out these tools and other resources. We are located on the 18th floor of the Ramsey County Courthouse, and open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can call us at (651) , or at asklawlibrarian@co.ramsey.mn.us. Helping Lawyers, Judges and Law Students throughout Minnesota FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL HELP WITH: alcohol drugs mental health financial marital family career help@mnlcl.org 24-hour crisis assistance at RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015

7 R NEW LAWYERS EVENT NEW LAWYERS HAPPY HOUR Thursday, September 17 Amsterdam Bar & Hall 6 W 6th Street, St Paul 5:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for a free drink, appetizers, and an opportunity to socialize. New and experienced lawyers are encouraged to attend. PLACEMENT SERVICE We match qualified, screened and tested support staff applicants with law offices at lower rates than for-profit placement agencies. See ramseybar.org or contact Barb Crassweller, Placement Service Director (651) barb@ramseybar.org Sponsored by Bumblebee Inc Protecting Your Practice is Our Policy The Only MSBA Endorsed Lawyers Professional Liability Insurance Carrier. Policy Highlights* Full Prior Acts Coverage. First Dollar Defense. Broad Definition of Professional Services. Predecessor Firm Coverage. Innocent Insured Protection. Supplementary Payment Coverage. Limits of up to $10MM. Worldwide Coverage for Suits Brought in US. Free ERE is Available at Death or Disability Policy Definition of INSURED Includes Former Partners and Employees *(Not all firms will qualify for all items listed) Contact Chad Mitchell-Peterson chad@mlmins.com Ask MLM about the following: (most are exclusively for policyholders) Dividend returned for 27 consecutive years totaling over $47 Million, including $682,713 for Hours Free Live Webcasts for CLE Credit 2 Hours Free On-Demand Webcasts A.M. Best Rating of A- (excellent) New Lawyer Program savings Defense Firm Program savings Certification Program savings MyLawyersModules- Roadmap to Start and Run a Law Practice Underwriting Minnesota attorneys since 1982 RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER

8 RCBA OICERS Kelly Olmstead President Brian McMahon President-Elect Paul Peterson Vice President Elizabeth Clysdale Secretary-Treasurer Thomas C. Plunkett Past President BARRISTER STA Rachel Weeks Managing Editor & Layout Cheryl Dalby Executive Director 332 Minnesota Street Suite W-710 Saint Paul, MN Address Service Requested Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No Thank you to OUR PARTNERS: RCBA Offers On-Demand CLEs More than 40 recordings of our live CLEs are now available for on-demand purchase. Simply download the podcast and material, and access the CLE on your own time. Visit ramseybar.org/on-demand-cles for more details CLE Season Passes Now Available One Pass, Any Format: In-person, teleconferene, webinar or on-demand. Purchase your pass online at ramseybar.org PARTICIPATE IN THE Attorney Referral Service Modest Means Program Help the RCBA increase access to legal services for low-to-moderate income individuals in Ramsey County. We currently have a greater need for attorneys practicing immigration law, consumer law or real estate law. For more information, call Renee at CLASSIFIEDS Achieve Your Goals: Attorney coach/consultant Roy S. Ginsburg provides marketing, practice management and strategic planning services to individual lawyers and firms. roy@royginsburg.com (612) Mediation Training In St Paul The transformative approach. Family, Civil and Advanced plus New 1-day Negotiation Course. Highly-rated curriculum and instructor. Register now for early-bird rates. Contact: Dan@simon-mediation. com or

9 SEPTEMBER CLE OPPORTUNITIES TRUSTS & ESTATES SECTION: Guardianships & Conservatorships and the One Rule of Evidence You Need to Know September 10 Presenter: Steven M. Press, Press Law Office, PLLC An overview of the guardianship and conservatorship court process and the one rule of evidence you need to know. Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Registration: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: First National Bank Building Training Room, 332 Minnesota Street, St.Paul Credit: 1.0 standard credit applied for Cost (includes lunch): $20 RCBA members; $30 non-members Teleconference & On-Demand Cost: $25 RCBA members; $35 non-members Register Teleconference FAMILY LAW SECTION: Social Science Research and Parenting: What Family Law Attorneys Need to Know September 16 Presenter: Mindy Mitnick. Ed.M., M.A., Uptown Mental Health Center New research on topics including custody and parenting plans, the importance of attachment in mental health, and the impact of family conflict on children. Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Registration: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: First National Bank Building Training Room, 332 Minnesota Street, St.Paul Credit: 1.0 standard credit applied for Cost (includes lunch): $20 RCBA members; $30 non-members Teleconference & On-Demand Cost: $25 RCBA members; $35 non-members Register Teleconference SOLO SMALL FIRM SECTION: Interested in serving on a non-profit board? September 24 Presenter: Emily Robertson, Robertson Law Office; Adjunct Professor in Hamline University s Masters in Nonprofit Management Program Important issues lawyers should understand when serving on nonprofit boards. Registration (and breakfast): 8:00-8:30 a.m. CLE presentation: 8:30-10:00 a.m. Location: Louisiana Café, 613 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN Credit: 1.5 standard credits applied for Cost (includes breakfast): $20 RCBA members; $30 non-members You Can Run, But You Can t Hide: The Use of Mobile Phone Evidence in Litigation September 25 Presenter: John J. Carney, Esq., Carney Forensics Preserving/collecting hard-to-find, but relevant client evidence from mobile devices with live cell phone forensics demo. Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Registration: 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Location: First National Bank Building Training Room, 332 Minnesota Street, St.Paul Credit: 1.0 standard credit applied for. Cost (includes lunch): $20 RCBA members; $30 non-members Teleconference & On-Demand Cost: $25 RCBA members; $35 non-members Register Teleconference REAL ESTATE SECTION: CFPB and the New TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule September 29 Presenter: Barbara Gilmore, North Central Division Counsel, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company Dramatic changes to the closing process with new Mortgage Disclosure Rule, effective 10/3/2015. Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Registration: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location: First National Bank Building Training Room, 332 Minnesota Street, St.Paul Credit: 1.0 standard credit applied for Cost (includes lunch): $20 RCBA members; $30 non-members Teleconference & On-Demand Cost: $25 RCBA members; $35 non-members Register Teleconference Bicycle Litigation 101 September 30 Presenters: Aaron Eken, McEllistrem, Fargione, Landy, Rorvig & Eken, P.A.; Andrew Rorvig, McEllistrem, Fargione, Landy, Rorvig & Eken, P.A Both sides of bicycle accident cases tips for litigators and bike enthusiasts. Time: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Registration: 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. Location: First National Bank Building Training Room, 332 Minnesota St., St. Paul Credit: 2.0 standard CLE credits applied for Cost: $35 RCBA members; $50 non-members Teleconference or On-Demand Cost: $50 RCBA members; $70 non-members Register Teleconference CLE REGISTRATION FIRM PHONE RCBA Member Non-Member Write check payable to Ramsey County Bar Association Mail to: 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W-710, St. Paul, MN Phone: info@ramseybar.org LUNCH SELECTION (Available only at noontime CLES) Turkey Sandwich Tuna Sandwich Roast Beef Sandwich Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chicken Salad Sandwich Veggie Sandwich Greek Salad Caesar Salad Cancellations must be received at least 2 days prior to the CLE. If you do not cancel, you will be invoiced. RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015

10 RCBA CLE SEASON PASS ONE PASS - ANY FORMAT: In-person, teleconference, webinar or on-demand. Purchase online at ramseybar.org/continuing-legal-education or mail with payment to RCBA, 332 Minnesota Street #W-710, Saint Paul, MN Please make check payable to RCBA. MEMBER LIMITED SEASON PASS only $180 Choose any 10 RCBA CLEs between September 2015 and June 2016 MEMBER UNLIMITED SEASON PASS only $430 Attend as many RCBA CLEs as you like between September 2015 and June 2016 FIRM/ORG ADDRESS PHONE OCTOBER CLE OPPORTUNITIES October 8 Trusts & Estates Section - Special Needs Trusts: What s Going On? October 21 MN Legislative History Research October 22 Solo Small Firm Section CLE October 23 Long Term Care Insurance: What Estate Planners Need to Know October 28 Family Law Section CLE October 28 Substance Use and Mental Health in the Legal Profession RCBA BARRISTER SEPTEMBER 2015