Volunteer Lawyers Network

Drag Queen Charity Bingo
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Roxy’s Cabaret, 1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Join us for drinks, laughs, chowing down, and, of course, bingo, all while raising money towards access to justice in Minnesota. This bingo is hosted by Minneapolis drag queens Nina DiAngelo and Monica West at Roxy’s Cabaret.
Reservations are free and highly recommended! Reserve your seats by visiting the EventBrite page! $10 suggested donation per bingo card to play. Win fun prizes! Doors open at 6pm, and bingo starts at 7pm. Bring cash!
This event includes mature humor.

Family Law CLE and Reception
2025-10-23 15:00 - 17:00 | City Center – Apex Room, City Center, Apex Room, 33 S 6th St SE, Apex Training Room, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
VLN’s Family Law CLE and Reception is to thank our family law volunteers for their service and commitment to pro-bono legal work! Join us for a CLE on grandparent rights, presented by Sarah Hewitt, followed by light refreshments and appetizers.
This event is October 23 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at City Center’s Apex Room, located on the street level of 33 S 6th St SE, Apex Training Room, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Registration is required. Register by clicking here.

ID Document Corrections in Minnesota
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
This CLE is hosted by MSBA, with VLN volunteer CB Baga as a co-presenter and representative of VLN.
Celebrating Pro Bono Week, October 20 – 24, join MSBA for a week of free CLES presented by the MSBA Access to Justice Committee and in collaboration with the American Bar Association.
Presentation:
Join Volunteer Lawyers Network’s LGBTQ+ Legal Clinic for a CLE that will cover everything you need to know to help folks through name changes, gender marker corrections on ID documents, understand the current policy landscape, and correctly identify any the common legal issues that arise. The session will also cover an introduction to skills for trauma-informed lawyering, working with trans and BIPOC clients, and the risk management concerns around legal strategy in today’s landscape. Written reference materials are available to assist you in issue spotting and correctly advising clients with potential ID document issues.
Presenters/Panelists:
CB Baga, Public Interest & DEI Counsel | Maslon, LLP
Rocío Iglesias McKenzie, Senior Associate | Baker McKenzie
Jacqueline Brant, Attorney | Bowman and Brooke
Brandon St. Germaine, Suicide Prevention Specialist | Greater Twin Cities United Way
Ashley Pattain, Law Clerk for Referee Jenese Larmouth | Second Judicial District
CLE Credits: 1.0 Standard CLE Credit | Event Code: 538528
Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025. Click here to register!

Fall 2025 Immigration CLE Series: The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Join the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) for one or more of this 8-week noon-hour immigration CLE series on Thursdays between October 2 and November 20.
The series covers topics immigration practitioners and advocates address when providing advice, a brief service or pro se assistance in a legal clinic setting. What do we need to know in the fast-changing immigration system environment to better screen and advise clients? What should we advise pro se applicants and respondents? How can we transmit this information in an ethical and meaningful way? Each session includes where and how to refer persons for free legal help and how to volunteer.

October 23 Description: The CLE presentation will cover tips from the perspective of the immigration bench on best practices to support pro se respondents with filings, preparing for court hearings, ethical implications of pro se assistance, other legal matters and strategies to consider, etc.
October 23 Presenter: Ryan Wood, Principal Founding Partner, Emeriti Law PLLC, former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the EOIR

The series covers relevant topics for today and has a great roster of immigration presenters:

October 2, The Ins and Outs of Master Calendar Hearings and Notices to Appear, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group
October 9, The Ins and Outs of Administrative Closure and Terminating Cases in Immigration Court, Sam Verner, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
October 16, The Ins and Outs of Motions and ICE Check-ins, Kelsey Allen, Attorney, Davis Immigration Lawyers; Eric O’Denius, Freelance Paralegal, Hero Associates MN LLC
October 23, The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench, Ryan Wood, Principal Founding Partner, Emeriti Law PLLC, former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the EOIR
October 30, The Ins and Outs of Asylum Immigration Appeals, Maria Miller, Attorney, Martin Law
November 6, The Ins and Outs of Voluntary Departure, Kelly Clark, Associate Attorney, Heinz Law PLLC
November 13, The Ins and Outs of Screening for Naturalization, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
November 20, The Ins and Outs of Screening for U, T and SIJS, Danielle Hendrickson, Managing Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid; Camila Pacheco-Fores, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ojSflZGRP6XOKMWZrkhAg
Questions: immigration@vlnmn.org
VLN will apply for 1.0 Standard CLE credit for each session.

Stepping into Housing Court: A Practical Guide for Volunteer Attorneys
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
This CLE is hosted by MSBA, with VLN Housing Program Manager Sonja Woodward as a co-presenter.
Celebrating Pro Bono Week, October 20 – 24, join MSBA for a week of free CLES presented by the MSBA Access to Justice Committee and in collaboration with the American Bar Association.

Presentation:
Join us for a skills-based overview designed to equip legal professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively volunteer in Housing Court. This session will cover the essential aspects of eviction proceedings, volunteer responsibilities, and client advocacy. Topics include the basics of eviction law, recent updates, issue spotting, relevant court rules, and how to communicate and negotiate in housing court.
Presenters:
Thomas Mueller, Supervising Attorney – Housing Law | Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.
Sonja Woodward, Housing Program Manager | Volunteer Lawyers Network
Moderator: Emily Bowen | Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc.
CLE Credits: 1.0 Standard CLE Credit | Event Code: 538527
Registration Deadline: October 21, 2025. Register by clicking here!

Free Bagels and Donuts Breakfast at the VLN Office!
2025-10-22 08:00 - 09:00 | Volunteer Lawyers Network, 600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 390a, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Stop by Volunteer Lawyers Network’s office for free bagels and donuts in recognition of our volunteers and supporters for Pro Bono Week!
The VLN office is located at 600 Nicollet Mall in suite 390A in City Center!

Legal Tools in Action: Power of Attorney and Parental Delegation in Pro Bono Practice
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
This CLE is hosted by MSBA, with VLN Program Director and Deputy Director Glen Drew as a co-presenter.
Celebrating Pro Bono Week, October 20 – 24, join MSBA for a week of free CLES presented by the MSBA Access to Justice Committee and in collaboration with the American Bar Association.
Presentation:
This session offers a practical overview of two essential legal documents—Power of Attorney and Delegation of Parental Authority—and their relevance in pro bono legal work. Attendees will gain insight into the scope, application, and legal framework governing these tools. The session will also highlight upcoming opportunities to assist underserved communities across Minnesota using these documents. Ideal for attorneys looking to expand their impact through meaningful volunteer work.
Presenters:
Glen Drew, Program Director & Deputy Director | Volunteer Lawyers Network
Christine Courtney, Attorney | Courtney Law Office
Moderator: Emily Bowen | Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
CLE Credits: 1.0 Standard CLE Credit | Event Code: 538526
Registration Deadline: October 20, 2025. Register by clicking here!

Fall 2025 Immigration CLE Series: The Ins and Outs of Motions and ICE Check-ins
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Join the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) for one or more of this 8-week noon-hour immigration CLE series on Thursdays between October 2 and November 20.
The series covers topics immigration practitioners and advocates address when providing advice, a brief service or pro se assistance in a legal clinic setting. What do we need to know in the fast-changing immigration system environment to better screen and advise clients? What should we advise pro se applicants and respondents? How can we transmit this information in an ethical and meaningful way? Each session includes where and how to refer persons for free legal help and how to volunteer.

October 16 Description: The CLE presentation will cover when and how to present different motions (Motion to Reopen, Motion for a Change of Venue, Motions for a WebEx MCH, and how to advise a pro se client regarding the motion. It will also cover the rules regarding ICE check ins, what happens at an ICE Check in, the process to set up an ICE check in, what happens if a client does not check in, and how to advise clients regarding check ins, the application of expedited removal, CFIs, etc.
October 16 Presenter: Kelsey Allen, Attorney, Davis Immigration Lawyers; Eric O’Denius, Freelance Paralegal, Hero Associates MN LLC

The series covers relevant topics for today and has a great roster of immigration presenters:

October 2, The Ins and Outs of Master Calendar Hearings and Notices to Appear, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group
October 9, The Ins and Outs of Administrative Closure and Terminating Cases in Immigration Court, Sam Verner, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
October 16, The Ins and Outs of Motions and ICE Check-ins, Kelsey Allen, Attorney, Davis Immigration Lawyers; Eric O’Denius, Freelance Paralegal, Hero Associates MN LLC
October 23, The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench, Ryan Wood, Principal Founding Partner, Emeriti Law PLLC, former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the EOIR
October 30, The Ins and Outs of Asylum Immigration Appeals, Maria Miller, Attorney, Martin Law
November 6, The Ins and Outs of Voluntary Departure, Kelly Clark, Associate Attorney, Heinz Law PLLC
November 13, The Ins and Outs of Screening for Naturalization, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
November 20, The Ins and Outs of Screening for U, T and SIJS, Danielle Hendrickson, Managing Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid; Camila Pacheco-Fores, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ojSflZGRP6XOKMWZrkhAg
Questions: immigration@vlnmn.org
VLN will apply for 1.0 Standard CLE credit for each session.

Fall 2025 Immigration CLE Series: The Ins and Outs of Administrative Closure and Terminating Cases in Immigration Court
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Join the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) for one or more of this 8-week noon-hour immigration CLE series on Thursdays between October 2 and November 20.
The series covers topics immigration practitioners and advocates address when providing advice, a brief service or pro se assistance in a legal clinic setting. What do we need to know in the fast-changing immigration system environment to better screen and advise clients? What should we advise pro se applicants and respondents? How can we transmit this information in an ethical and meaningful way? Each session includes where and how to refer persons for free legal help and how to volunteer.

October 9 Description: The CLE Presentation will cover the distinction between Administrative Closure and Terminating Immigration Proceedings and when they are available to respondents, how to request them, the intersection of requesting administrative closure and pursing other relief, strategies to strengthen the admin closure argument, what to do if not available, current local court practice, etc.
October 9 Presenter: Sam Verner, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC

The series covers relevant topics for today and has a great roster of immigration presenters:

October 2, The Ins and Outs of Master Calendar Hearings and Notices to Appear, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group
October 9, The Ins and Outs of Administrative Closure and Terminating Cases in Immigration Court, Sam Verner, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
October 16, The Ins and Outs of Motions and ICE Check-ins, Kelsey Allen, Attorney, Davis Immigration Lawyers; Eric O’Denius, Freelance Paralegal, Hero Associates MN LLC
October 23, The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench, Ryan Wood, Principal Founding Partner, Emeriti Law PLLC, former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the EOIR
October 30, The Ins and Outs of Asylum Immigration Appeals, Maria Miller, Attorney, Martin Law
November 6, The Ins and Outs of Voluntary Departure, Kelly Clark, Associate Attorney, Heinz Law PLLC
November 13, The Ins and Outs of Screening for Naturalization, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
November 20, The Ins and Outs of Screening for U, T and SIJS, Danielle Hendrickson, Managing Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid; Camila Pacheco-Fores, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ojSflZGRP6XOKMWZrkhAg
Questions: immigration@vlnmn.org
VLN will apply for 1.0 Standard CLE credit for each session.

Volunteer Orientation
2025-10-09 08:00 - 08:45, 2025-09-23 12:00 - 12:45, 2025-09-11 08:00 - 08:45, 2025-08-26 12:00 - 12:45, 2025-08-14 08:00 - 08:45, 2025-07-22 12:00 - 12:45, 2025-07-17 08:00 - 08:45, 2025-06-24 12:00 - 12:45 and 2 more dates | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
VLN is asking all new volunteers to participate in a 45-minute zoom orientation. This engaging and informative presentation will cover the basics of volunteering with VLN, including our different volunteer opportunities, what support we provide to volunteers, and tips for making the most of your volunteer experience.
This training will be offered twice a month. Please sign up for the day and time that works best for you.
Registration is required. Click here to register.
For questions, contact Deputy Director Muria Kruger at muria.kruger@vlnmn.org or by phone at (612) 752-6647.

October Housing Law Chat & Chew
2025-10-06 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The Chat and Chew is a time for VLN housing staff and volunteers to eat a (virtual) lunch together, chat about a housing topic, and socialize with one another. This is an informal event. There will be no power point presentations, but instead a brief introduction to a topic by a VLN staff member, followed by a discussion. Volunteers are encouraged to share stories of their experiences with housing cases with one another, and maybe learn a little – and of course, do some chewing too! This is casual and for all our volunteers – brand new and experienced alike!
Chat and Chew on Monday, October 6 will be about the differences between the common types of eviction cases: non-payment, breach, and holdover. We will discuss the varying complaint requirements and defenses for each of these type of eviction case. If you need a refresher or just an easy run-down of the differences please attend this Chat and Chew at noon on October 6. You can sign up here:

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HNBqfnaeTO2pp_OSYUgxCg

Fall 2025 Immigration CLE Series: The Ins and Outs of Master Calendar Hearings and Notices to Appear
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Join the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) for one or more of this 8-week noon-hour immigration CLE series on Thursdays between October 2 and November 20.
The series covers topics immigration practitioners and advocates address when providing advice, a brief service or pro se assistance in a legal clinic setting. What do we need to know in the fast-changing immigration system environment to better screen and advise clients? What should we advise pro se applicants and respondents? How can we transmit this information in an ethical and meaningful way? Each session includes where and how to refer persons for free legal help and how to volunteer.

October 2nd Description: The CLE presentation will cover local immigration court practice with Master Calendar Hearings (MCH) and how to read and interpret a Notice to Appear (NTA) that includes: preparing pro se clients for a MCH, explaining the legal process and paperwork to non-lawyers; explaining what could happen in the MCH such as pleadings, dismissals, pretermitting cases, arrest/detention, expedited removal, CFIs, etc.
October 2nd Presenter: Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC

The series covers relevant topics for today and has a great roster of immigration presenters:

October 2, The Ins and Outs of Master Calendar Hearings and Notices to Appear, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group
October 9, The Ins and Outs of Administrative Closure and Terminating Cases in Immigration Court, Sam Verner, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
October 16, The Ins and Outs of Motions and ICE Check-ins, Kelsey Allen, Attorney, Davis Immigration Lawyers; Eric O’Denius, Freelance Paralegal, Hero Associates MN LLC
October 23, The Ins and Outs of Immigration Proceedings and Pro Se Respondents: Tips from the Bench, Ryan Wood, Principal Founding Partner, Emeriti Law PLLC, former Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for the EOIR
October 30, The Ins and Outs of Asylum Immigration Appeals, Maria Miller, Attorney, Martin Law
November 6, The Ins and Outs of Voluntary Departure, Kelly Clark, Associate Attorney, Heinz Law PLLC
November 13, The Ins and Outs of Screening for Naturalization, Patrick Hellier, Associate Attorney, Zimmer Law Group LLC
November 20, The Ins and Outs of Screening for U, T and SIJS, Danielle Hendrickson, Managing Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid; Camila Pacheco-Fores, Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ojSflZGRP6XOKMWZrkhAg
Questions: immigration@vlnmn.org
VLN will apply for 1.0 Standard CLE credit for each session.

New Volunteer Eviction Expungement Clinic
2025-09-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
NOTE: The registration deadline for this clinic has passed. If you are interested in participating in a future clinic, please contact Liv.Sayavong@vlnmn.org.

Make a direct impact on housing justice. Volunteer at our Eviction Expungement Clinic and help clients clear their eviction records. Start with a one hour live CLE on eviction expungement and e-filing, then spend time connecting with your assigned client by phone to gather information and draft paperwork. A VLN staff attorney will be available throughout to answer questions.

Riverfront Celebration 2025
2025-09-11 16:30 - 19:00 | Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
Join us on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Nicollet Island Pavilion in recognizing the dedication of our volunteers and the courage of our clients in an evening of food, drink, and celebration. Reception will be followed by our program, highlighting a client and volunteer story, celebrating our 2025 Volunteer of the Year award winner CB Baga and John D. Levine Distinguished Service Award winner Mary Ellen Gallagher, and a keynote speech by Dillon White of Messerli Kramer aka @DadChats. Reception begins at 4:30pm. Program begins at 6:00pm.
Click here for tickets and sponsorships!

September Housing Law Chat & Chew
2025-09-08 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The Chat and Chew is a time for VLN housing staff and volunteers to eat a (virtual) lunch together, chat about a housing topic, and socialize with one another. This is an informal event. There will be no power point presentations, but instead a brief introduction to a topic by a VLN staff member, followed by a discussion. Volunteers are encouraged to share stories of their experiences with housing cases with one another, and maybe learn a little – and of course, do some chewing too! This is casual and for all our volunteers – brand new and experienced alike!
At the September 8, 2025 Chat ‘N’ Chew we will discuss the coming funding cliff for financial assistance, the problems this may cause, what to do when a client becomes extremely upset or lashes out at the attorney, and some resources for clients in difficult situations. Please join us!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2-C7iBAnQyu7B5hfimebLA

August Housing Law Chat & Chew
2025-08-04 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The Chat and Chew is a time for VLN housing staff and volunteers to eat a (virtual) lunch together, chat about a housing topic, and socialize with one another. This is an informal event. There will be no power point presentations, but instead a brief introduction to a topic by a VLN staff member, followed by a discussion. Volunteers are encouraged to share stories of their experiences with housing cases with one another, and maybe learn a little – and of course, do some chewing too! This is casual and for all our volunteers – brand new and experienced alike!
In this Chat ‘N’ Chew we will discuss Emergency Tenant Remedies Actions. What are the prerequisites? What qualifies as an “emergency?” How does the case proceed? This will be especially helpful for volunteers that do phone advice but will also help all volunteers who advise clients on repair issues. Please join us!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6Un2AX9xRsSHeB3Pq2_FZQ

State Support and VLN Present: Legal Tools for Families at Risk of Deportation
2025-07-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Details: This CLE will focus on potential actions that people who are at risk of deportation may wish to take to try to mitigate the disruption to their lives and the lives of family members remaining in Minnesota in the event of detention or deportation. We will not address immigration legal issues but rather will focus on the myriad other legal issues that someone might encounter as a collateral consequence of being taken into detention or deported. We will explore issues that people at risk of deportation may want to consider before they are taken into detention or deported. The CLE will cover an introduction to delegations of parental authority and power of attorney forms, as well as cover topics such as what might happen to someone’s rental unit, personal property, unpaid debts, and automobiles in the event that they are taken into detention or deported.
Presenters: Glen Drew, Program Director, Volunteer Lawyers Network. Glen has been an attorney since 2012 and is currently the director of legal programs and a deputy director at Volunteer Lawyers Network, Ltd., a nonprofit that provides free civil legal services to low-income people in Minnesota. Prior to joining VLN in his current capacity, Glen operated a medical-legal partnership for a legal aid organization and served as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
Mila Roller, Chuck Green Civic Engagement Fellow from Macalester College at Volunteer Lawyers Network. Mila is a rising junior at Macalester College. This summer she is working as a Chuck Green Civic Engagement Fellow with Volunteer Lawyers Network. Through this fellowship, she is working alongside attorneys and completing research about family preparedness for people in Minnesota at risk of deportation.
Location: Zoom
CLE: 1 hour of CLE Credit to be applied for.
Click here to register!

Core Training: Eviction 201
2025-07-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Details:
If you have been volunteering in Housing Court for a while or are just starting, this training will help you spot and work effectively on issues for the benefit of your clients. We will explain defenses to eviction actions for non-payment, breach, and holdover. We will go over the requirements to properly start an eviction action, how to read a ledger, the Fritz defense, shared meter issues, and domestic violence lease terminations.
Presenter:
Sonja Woodward is the Housing Program Manager and Resource Attorney for Volunteer Lawyers Network. She has been with Volunteer Lawyers Network, in various capacities, since 2021. Before that she was a labor attorney with California School Employees Association in San Jose, California for 20 years. With California School Employees Association, she represented school employees who were not teachers or management in their disputes with their employers.
CLE: 1 hour of CLE Credit to be applied for.
Click here to register!

July Housing Law Chat & Chew
2025-07-07 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The Chat and Chew is a time for VLN housing staff and volunteers to eat a (virtual) lunch together, chat about a housing topic, and socialize with one another. This is an informal event. There will be no power point presentations, but instead a brief introduction to a topic by a VLN staff member, followed by a discussion. Volunteers are encouraged to share stories of their experiences with housing cases with one another, and maybe learn a little – and of course, do some chewing too! This is casual and for all our volunteers – brand new and experienced alike!
Join us for the July Housing Law Chat & Chew, where we’ll explore the importance of having an attorney at housing court clinics! We’ll discuss how VLN’s mission aligns with the work at our Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey County clinics, highlight how staff step in to cover when volunteers aren’t available, and showcase the powerful impact attorneys have through advice, brief services, and full representation for clients.

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t3hvhj__SKqVIhG2stQxRA

Core Training: ID Document Corrections in Minnesota
2025-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Details: Join VLN’s LGBTQ+ Legal Clinic for a CLE that will cover everything you need to know to help folks through name changes, gender marker corrections on ID documents, understand the current policy landscape, and correctly identify any the common legal issues that arise. The session will also cover an introduction to skills for trauma-informed lawyering, working with trans and BIPOC clients, and the risk management concerns around legal strategy in today’s landscape. At the end of the session, you will receive written reference materials to assist you in issue spotting and correctly advising clients with potential ID Document issues.
Please note: the views expressed by the panelists are entirely their own and do not express the views or opinions of their employers.
Presenters:
CB Baga is the Public Interest/DEI Counsel at Maslon, LLP. While still in law school, CB founded the Pro Bono Volunteer Lawyers Network Queer/Trans Community Clinic in conjunction with community partners Family Tree Clinic and the Minnesota Trans Health Coalition. For over 9 years, this clinic has been striving to serve the unique legal needs of the queer/trans community in a culturally sensitive manner.
Daniel Wassim is a judicial law clerk at U.S. District Court. He was previously an associate at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
Rocío Iglesias McKenzie specializes in legal work at the intersection of immigration law and human rights. She is also a Legislative Code attorney with Thomson Reuters and was previously a law clerk at Planned Parenthood of the North Central States. Opinions expressed are solely her own and do not express the views or opinions of her employer(s).
Brandon St. Germaine worked as a Suicide Prevention Specialist at Greater Twin Cities United Way for nearly 4 years. They have also worked with trans youth through the Trevor Project and are a dedicated peer support for fellow disabled adults.
CLE: 1 hour of CLE Credit to be applied for.
Click here to register!

June Housing Law Chat & Chew
2025-06-02 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The Chat and Chew is a time for VLN housing staff and volunteers to eat a (virtual) lunch together, chat about a housing topic, and socialize with one another. This is an informal event. There will be no power point presentations, but instead a brief introduction to a topic by a VLN staff member, followed by a discussion. Volunteers are encouraged to share stories of their experiences with housing cases with one another, and maybe learn a little – and of course, do some chewing too! This is casual and for all our volunteers – brand new and experienced alike!
Our June Housing Law Chat & Chew will be about mandatory expungements and the Court of Appeal case: 27-CV-HC-23-9413, Sela Investments, Ltd LLP vs. J. H.

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mRsdez_GQA2Cnge7CvPEPA
