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How well do you understand AI? Do you leverage today’s tools’ full power—or do you open ChatGPT, draft an email, polish a motion, and call it a day? Many lawyers treat AI as a sophisticated autocomplete: Save 20 minutes on a cover letter, make an image, or tighten a brief. That mental model of yesterday’s AI captures a tiny portion of AI’s current capability. Let’s explore the breadth of today’s extraordinary tools. By Damien Riehl
Tone, judgment, and the responsible use of AI in legal email
Every lawyer has sent an email they wish they could pull back. Not because the law was wrong or the words inaccurate, but because the tone missed the mark. Too sharp. Too defensive. Too casual. Too confident. Too something. The substance may have been sound, yet the message landed poorly, creating friction where none was intended. By Kristi Paulson
For public service attorneys, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) remains one of the most important tools for managing student debt. By Dee Baskin and Heather Vlieger
Two MSBA-certified specialists talk about what the designation has meant for them. By Ailana McIntosh and Dane DeKrey
President's Page
We, as the presidents of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association, and Ramsey County Bar Association, are writing this together to help destigmatize these conversations. Each of us has had personal experiences with the intersection of mental health and the practice of law. By sharing our stories and thoughts, we hope to remind others in our profession that they’re not alone—and that it’s okay to be not okay, to acknowledge that reality, and to ask for help. The profession will be better for it.
Professional Responsibility
Interested in the public discipline history of a Minnesota attorney? Have questions regarding the management of your trust account? Curious about the difference between the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board? Three new and greatly expanded websites have you covered! By Susan M. Humiston
Colleague Corner
Featuring Natasha Robinson, Tony Mannella, Adam Revoir, and Mike Schechter.
MSBA in Action
The Minnesota State Bar Association is proud to recognize the 722 North Star Lawyers who certified that they provided at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services to low-income communities in 2025.
In exchange for providing pro bono services, retired attorneys between the ages of 62 and 67 may now qualify for retired-emeritus status, which does not require payment of an annual lawyer registration fee.
These awards recognize both emerging leaders and seasoned professionals whose work has significantly advanced access to justice. This year’s recipients are Mary Rea, Jessica Webster, Peter LaCourse, and Teresa Padrón.
Tom and Denise Kelly encourage attorneys approaching retirement to consider how they can continue to serve their communities.
Attorneys gathered to retake the Minnesota Attorney’s Oath on Friday, May 1, at the Hennepin County Government Center. MSBA President Tom Pack, St. Thomas University President Rob Vischer, and retired U.S. District Judge James Rosenbaum spoke.
The Senior Lawyers and Judges Section seeks nominations for its third annual Mentoring Award.
Notes & Trends
Landmarks in the Law
Tracking new developments in Minnesota and federal case law, administrative law, and legislation across multiple practice areas.
