Volunteer Lawyers Network

Drag Queen Charity Bingo
2024-10-24 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 at roxyscabaret.com.
$10 suggested donation per bingo card to play. Win fun prizes!
Doors open at 6pm, and bingo starts at 7pm.

VLN Tabling at the University of St. Thomas School of Law
2024-10-24 12:30 - 13:30 | University of St. Thomas School of Law, 1101 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Volunteer Lawyers Network will be tabling at the University of St. Thomas School of Law to do outreach to students on pro bono opportunities.

Your Reasons to be Apprehensive About Doing Pro Bono are Wrong - Debunking Pro Bono Myths
2024-10-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Greene Espel PLLP, 222 South Ninth Street, Campbell Mithun Tower Suite 2200, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
In-Person Only Event | Social following 1-Hour Presentation
Many lawyers genuinely want to do pro bono work but avoid it because of various misunderstandings and assumptions about how it actually works. One of the biggest myths is about malpractice coverage. The reality is that virtually every provider carries insurance for volunteers. There are other myths, too. Learn what they are and why they are erroneous from a panel of pro bono service provider leaders.

Presenters/Panelists:
Kim Boche, Supervising Attorney | The Advocates for Human Rights
Marcia Day, Volunteer Attorney Coordinator | Central Minnesota Legal Services
Muria Kruger, Deputy Director | Volunteer Lawyers Network
X. Kevin Zhao , Partner | Greene Espel PLLP

Moderator:
Roy Ginsburg, Attorney Coach | Roy S. Ginsburg, JD

CLE Credits: 1.0 Standard CLE Credits
Cost: Free for ALL
Registration Deadline: October 20, 2024. Click here for registration.
Program Contacts: Dana Miner: dminer@mnbars.org | Geen Mui (registration): gmui@mnbars.org
Accommodations: MSBA is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify Dana Miner (dminer@mnbars.org) with at least a 72 hours notice prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations. Thank you.

VLN Tabling at the University of Minnesota Law School
2024-10-22 12:15 - 13:30 | University of Minnesota Law School, Walter F. Mondale Hall 229 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
Volunteer Lawyers Network will be tabling at the University of Minnesota Law School to do outreach to students on pro bono opportunities.

Volunteer Orientation
2024-10-22 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Starting October 1, 2024, 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.

VLN Tabling at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
2024-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55105
Volunteer Lawyers Network will be tabling at Mitchell Hamline School of Law to do outreach to students on pro bono opportunities.

Taller: La Inmigración y el Cuidado Pastoral para Pastores y Líderes Laicos
2024-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Park Avenue Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55407
¡Inscribase ya! vln.formstack.com/forms/immigration_and_pastoral_care_la_inmigracion_y_el_cuidado_pastoral_

Workshop: Immigration and Pastoral Care for Pastors and Lay Leaders
2024-10-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Park Avenue Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55407
Registration required by October 10. Register here!

October Housing Law Chat & Chew
2024-10-07 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!

Our guest will be Sean Watley, Assistant City Attorney and General Counsel for the St. Paul Public Housing Agency. He will be answering questions about how having a Section 8 voucher affects outcomes in housing court and other important information about Section 8.

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qhpjIoHNTHTyvEiYGlJc-sA5kguSnR

Riverfront Celebration 2024
2024-09-12 16:30 - 19:00 | Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
Join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Nicollet Island Pavilion in celebrating the dedication of our volunteers and the courage of our clients in an evening reception of drinks and dinner. Reception will be followed by our program, highlighting a client and volunteer story, awarding our 2024 Volunteer of the Year and John D. Levine Distinguished Service Awards, and a keynote speech from Associate Justice Gordon Moore. Reception begins at 4:30pm. Program begins at 6:00pm.
For information on our sponsors, visit vlnmn.org/riverfront2024
Click here for tickets. For sponsorship information, email sara.mcclendon@vlnmn.org.

September Housing Law Chat & Chew
2024-09-09 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!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qhpjIoHNTHTyvEiYGlJc-sA5kguSnR

Introduction to Minnesota Criminal Expungement Training
2024-08-30 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
This training is for volunteers interested in taking on clients for criminal expungement. We will go over criminal expungement basics including the types of Criminal Expungements available in Minnesota, eligible offenses, required waiting periods, and the factors courts consider in their decision-making. Volunteers can learn more about criminal expungement and bring any questions they have. This training will be held via Zoom. Please fill out the RSVP form if interested.

Tri-Bar Event: Unpacking the MN Debt Fairness Act - What You Need to Know
2024-08-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Fredrikson & Byron, 60 South Sixth Street, Suite 1500, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402
This CLE is a hybrid webinar and presented in partnership with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office, Volunteer Lawyers Network, and Fredrikson & Byron
This CLE will cover the many changes to Minnesota’s laws on medical debt, bankruptcy, debt collection, and wage garnishment brought about by the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act signed into law in May 2024, inspired by the ATJ Committee’s 2023 Consumer Debt Litigation Report. The CLE will be of interest to advocates for patients, medical providers, anyone collecting medical debt, bankruptcy debtors, consumer debt creditors, and employers who regularly process wage garnishment requests.
Lunch will be provided for those that participate in person.
Panelists:
Jessica Whitney, Deputy Attorney General, Consumer Division
Bennett Hartz, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Division
Glen Drew, Legal Director, Volunteer Lawyers Network
Andrew Knox, Staff Attorney Legal Services Advisory Project
Cost: Free for everyone
CLE Credits: 1.5 Standard CLE Credits applied for
Event Code: TBD
Registration Deadline: Monday, August 5th, 2024. To register after that time, email the program manager.
Accommodations: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify program manager Yajaira Lansiquot (ylansiquot@mnbars.org) with at least 72 hours notice prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations. Thank you.
For registration, click here: https://www.mnbar.org/cle-events/tri-bar-event?EventID=6651

August Housing Law Chat & Chew
2024-08-05 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!
The August Chat n Chew on August 5, 2024, will focus on volunteers and volunteering. We are interested in why you chose to volunteer with VLN and what we can do to encourage more volunteers. Bring your best ideas for recruiting and retaining volunteers. If you have someone who is interested in volunteering with VLN but hasn’t yet, bring them along too!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qhpjIoHNTHTyvEiYGlJc-sA5kguSnR

VLN and State Support Present: How to Determine if Minnesota Criminal Records can be Expunged? An Introduction to Merit-Screening Criminal Expungement Cases for Pro Bono Attorneys
2024-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
Details:
Many people who are convicted of crimes in Minnesota state court suffer collateral consequences of the convictions long after the terms or their sentences are completed. Many former defendants find themselves denied employment and rental housing opportunities as a result of the existence of their criminal records and the increasing availability of information regarding charges and convictions available online. Volunteer Lawyers Network is currently experiencing a surge in potential clients who need free legal help determining whether and when their criminal records might be eligible for expungement. If you are interested in helping with this all-too-common legal problem but don’t know anything about criminal expungement, then this CLE is for you. This introductory CLE will explain the basic differences between statutory expungement, inherent authority expungement, and prosecutor-led expungement. This CLE will cover crime-free waiting periods that former defendants are required to meet in order to be eligible for statutory expungement and will also cover recent changes to the law.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Fowlds is the Criminal Expungement Resource Attorney and Program Manager at Volunteer Lawyers Network, a position she has held since July 2023. Prior to joining VLN, Elizabeth practiced as a public defender in Sonoma County, California; Mendocino County, California; and Hennepin County Minnesota.
Glen Drew is an attorney and the Director of Legal Programs at Volunteer Lawyers Network and previously coordinated operation of VLN’s Conciliation Court Clinic for over a decade. Prior to joining VLN, Glen was a volunteer in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
Click here to register!

VLN and State Support Present: Family Law Legislative Update
2024-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | MN
Details:
Minnesota has had significant changes to family law in the 2024 Legislative Session. Join us to discuss the changes to several important aspects of family law, including parenting time, attorney’s fees, temporary orders, and spousal maintenance.
Presenters:
Samantha J. Gemberling’s litigation practice is focused on helping clients navigate through difficult and emotional legal challenges, including dissolution, child custody disputes, paternity, third party custody and child abuse/neglect. Her dissolution practice includes complex marital estate and spousal maintenance matters. She has argued before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Ms. Gemberling is an active member of the Minnesota family law practice community. She is a frequent speaker and presenter at local and national legal education trainings. She is one of the authors of the Minnesota Divorce Practice Deskbook. She is a co-founder of a local organization to promote collegiality among family law attorneys and was recognized as a Minnesota Rising Star from 2007 to 2013. She has been recognized as a SuperLawyer since 2014. She has also been honored as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Minnesota. Ms. Gemberling is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is presently the co-chair of the AAML legislative committee.
Senator Bonnie Westlin is a family law attorney and ADR provider, offering parenting consultant, ENE and mediation services, in addition to representing individual clients in various family law proceedings. She has had her own solo law practice since 2004 and was elected to her first term in the MN State Senate in 2022. Senator Westlin serves as Vice Chair of the Elections Committee, and is a member of the Judiciary and Public Safety and Education Finance Committees.
Click here to register!

July Housing Law Chat & Chew
2024-07-15 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!
For our July 15, 2024 Chat and Chew, we will be discussing new changes to landlord-tenant laws which come into effect June 23 and August 30. If there is time, we may also discuss other new laws coming into effect January 1, 2025.

Register now:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAodeGtrDksG9z9fouD7CWjuSFYBB9AaUj_

Chapter 7 Bankruptcies for Low-Income Clients (Session 2)
2024-05-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
This is part two of a free two-session series presented via webinar and hosted by Legal Services State Support and Volunteer Lawyers Network.
Agenda
Volunteer Lawyers Network and Legal Services State Support present a two-part webinar on Chapter 7 bankruptcies for low-income Minnesotans. Both sessions are presented by Chapter 7 panel trustee Mary Jo Jensen-Carter and attorney Janine Hedback. The seminar guides participants through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and is designed for attorneys new to the practice of consumer bankruptcy. Topics include how to conduct the initial interview; completing the petition; attending the meeting of creditors; and an overview of the schedules and creditors’ rights.
Trainers
Janine Hedback, Associate Attorney, Hedback Law Firm, PLLC.
Ms. Hedback practices in bankruptcy and estate planning.
Mary Jo Jensen-Carter, Partner, Buckley and Jensen
Ms. Jensen-Carter practices exclusively in bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights. She is a Chapter 7 panel trustee.
CLE Credit
2.5 hours of Standard MN CLE credit.
To register for this free training, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4aHp2PU6TbySWi7BgdeRvQ#/registration

Chapter 7 Bankruptcies for Low-Income Clients (Session 1)
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:15 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
This is a free two-session series presented via webinar and hosted by Legal Services State Support and Volunteer Lawyers Network.
Agenda
Volunteer Lawyers Network and Legal Services State Support present a two-part webinar on Chapter 7 bankruptcies for low-income Minnesotans. Both sessions are presented by Chapter 7 panel trustee Mary Jo Jensen-Carter and attorney Janine Hedback. The seminar guides participants through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and is designed for attorneys new to the practice of consumer bankruptcy. Topics include how to conduct the initial interview; completing the petition; attending the meeting of creditors; and an overview of the schedules and creditors’ rights.
Trainers
Janine Hedback, Associate Attorney, Hedback Law Firm, PLLC.
Ms. Hedback practices in bankruptcy and estate planning.
Mary Jo Jensen-Carter, Partner, Buckley and Jensen
Ms. Jensen-Carter practices exclusively in bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights. She is a Chapter 7 panel trustee.
CLE Credit
2.5 hours of Standard MN CLE credit.
To register for this free training, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4aHp2PU6TbySWi7BgdeRvQ#/registration

Conciliation Court Advice: Everything you Need to Know to Volunteer
2024-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Conciliation Court (aka small claims court) is an extremely important venue for individuals who cannot afford a lawyer to access justice. Learn about how YOU can assist them in the process, whether it be phone advice or helping advise and draft forms at the in-person LAP clinic. Learn about the legal issues and pitfalls commonly seen, including

Debt collection
Security Deposits
Wage Claims

Learn about the existing support structures for volunteers new to conciliation court advice and see the existing ways to volunteer.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6autIo_YT9ygskYOl1wyIA Zoom information will be shared after registration.

New Volunteer Eviction Expungement Clinic
2024-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Are you looking to start volunteering in housing law? VLN is looking for attorneys who are new to eviction expungement and would like to take part in a housing eviction expungement clinic. Click on the registration link below for more information.
Registration: https://VLN.formstack.com/forms/new_volunteer_eviction_expungement_clinic
Please note there is a registration deadline of end of day Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Please email Sonja at Sonja.Woodward@vlnmn.org with any questions.

May Chat & Chew
2024-05-06 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. On May 6, Ann McFarland from Standpoint will join us to talk about Safe-at-Home considerations as they intersect with housing law. 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!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qhpjIoHNTHTyvEiYGlJc-sA5kguSnR

2024 Annual Housing Law Seminar
2024-05-02 12:00 - 18:00 | Stinson LLP, 50 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
PLEASE NOTE: IN-PERSON REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. You are welcome to attend the event via Zoom! Details below.
VLN’s Annual Housing Law Seminar
Thursday, May 2, 2024
12:00-4:30 pm
Stinson/Zoom
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85775286711
3 Standard and 1 Elimination of Bias CLE credits pending
Join us for an afternoon jam-packed with CLEs! Some highlights include:

An Elimination of Bias training on the Intersection of Race and Housing from Shannon Smith Jones, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at the United Way;
A volunteer panel where you can hear from current housing volunteers about their experiences with VLN;
A hot topics in housing law panel which will cover current eviction filing trends, updates from the MN legislature, and newer housing initiatives at the AG’s office.

Register now! https://vln.formstack.com/forms/2024ahls. Agenda below.

Silent Auction at the Hennepin County Bar Foundation Benefit
2024-04-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Mosaic Events Venue, 817 5th Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
A night of fun and fundraising for the Hennepin County Bar Foundation and Volunteer Lawyers Network!
An evening of impact and camaraderie!
Enjoy an opportunity to network and connect with colleagues who share your passion for access to justice. The HCBF Bar Benefit is our most attended event of the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle, participate in games, and promote access to justice in our community.
Hors d’oeuvres from Chef Jamie Malone of Paris Dining Club
Indulge in apero from Malone, a James Beard-nominated chef, including a spread of French cheeses, a shrimp cocktail tower, savory tartlets, a charcuterie display and other Parisian treats.
Improve access to justice
Most importantly, your attendance and contributions support the work of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation and Volunteer Lawyers Network. HCBF’s annual grants support over 25 other legal services organizations working to increase access to justice in our local community.

At Risk Juveniles: From State Court Petition to Green Card
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Join the Advocates for Human Rights and Volunteer Lawyers Network for this free CLE as we dive into the intersection of juvenile court proceedings and immigration law!
Participants will learn about At-Risk guardianships and the I-360 (SIJS) application process for youth aged 18-21, which ensure vulnerable juveniles receive protection while pursuing lawful permanent residency in the United States. This CLE will cover:

Eligibility for At Risk Juvenile Guardianship
Filing the Juvenile Court petition, including seeking SIJS findings
Eligibility for and process to apply for SIJS

Zoom information will be shared after registration. To register, click here!

Nancy C. Dreher Lecture on Bankruptcy Law and Practice
2024-04-16 15:00 - 17:30 | University of Minnesota Law School, Walter F. Mondale Hall 229 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55455
The American College of Bankruptcy, the Law School’s Corporate Institute, the MSBA / HCBA / RCBA Bankruptcy Section, and The Turnaround Management Association invite you to join us at the University of Minnesota Law School on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. for a dynamic presentation, free 1.5 CLE credits for practitioners (requested), and a networking reception immediately following the program. Virtual attendance is available.
For more information, including the itinerary and registration, visit https://events.spencerfane.com/dreher24
This is not a VLN-hosted event, but is hosted by our community partners and may be of interest to our volunteers.

April Chat & Chew
2024-04-01 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. On April 1, we’ll talk about going to trial in an eviction or rent escrow case, including the usual deadlines, getting documents from clients, how to upload them to MNDES and serve the landlord and what a trial looks like and how long it lasts. 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!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qhpjIoHNTHTyvEiYGlJc-sA5kguSnR

March Chat & Chew
2024-03-11 12:00 - 12:45 | Remote Via Webinar, 600 Nicollet Mall,, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
Please Note: The March Chat and Chew will be on the 2nd Monday in March-March 11th!
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!
Please note: our discussion on eviction and rent escrow trials has been bumped to April. This month, we’ll have a more general discussion about housing law.
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwud-2qqTgsHN0-xiypiDSgcte9MtwG78td
