https://www.mnbar.org/
Donald Trump’s assault on the rule of law and American democracy is serious and real. Some may deny it or think such claims are hyperbole. Yet the scope of his rejection of explicit and implicit norms dwarfs even that of Richard Nixon. With Trump we see not just the excesses of an imperial presidency, but a cowering of the institutions—Congress, the courts, law firms, and major corporations—capable of providing checks on his behavior. By David Schultz
Traditional interest-based negotiation exercises—such as the familiar “orange scenario”—teach mediators to uncover interests beneath positions. Yet these frameworks often assume a shared cultural lens. This article explores how cultural dimensions shape the mediation process and outcomes, using case examples from family law and tax controversies as well as personal reflection. By Jenny Starr
Acting on the recommendations of the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners, the Minnesota Supreme Court approved a dual strategy for licensing new lawyers. Minnesota will adopt the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ redesigned NextGen bar exam in 2027. By Thomas H. Boyd
In one of the first major overhauls of the Minnesota Trust Code since it became effective in 2016, Minnesota has made major changes to its trust and estate laws that went into effect last summer. By Serena O’Neil
President's Page
The MSBA is, and must remain, a nonpartisan organization. Our membership includes attorneys with a wide range of political views, lived experiences, and professional perspectives. By Tom Pack
Professional Responsibility
Conflicts of interest are one of the most frequently inquired-about topics on our advisory opinion service. Lately, too, it has been an area where we are seeing more discipline. Because of this, it seems like a primer is in order. By Susan M. Humiston
MSBA in Action
Married lawyers Machen and Danny Bihrle are volunteers with the Minnesota Disability Law Center’s special education clinic, where they advocate for children to receive appropriate educational services.
Did you know there’s a Greater Minnesota Legal Opportunity Map? It’s an interactive tool that includes full-time and part-time attorney positions as well as other opportunities like judicial clerkships, firm buyouts, and mentoring relationships. The map project turned two years old this fall. Only members of the Greater Minnesota Practice Section can view the map, and section membership (for this section only) is free. So what are you waiting for?
Notes & Trends
Landmarks in the Law
Tracking new developments in Minnesota and federal case law, administrative law, and legislation across multiple practice areas.
