Topic: Update on Minnesota Family Law Rule Changes

This CLE will address updates to the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure and Practice with regard to family law made in 2019, which will go into effect on January 1, 2020.

Speaker: David Gapen

David brings passion and pragmatism to his practice of family and juvenile law. He has an active practice spanning the gamut of family and juvenile court in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. David approaches each case with fresh eyes and an understanding that every family is unique. He believes in crafting solutions to fit each family, not fitting families into preconceived categories. David has represented clients in challenging cases from northern Minnesota, to the Twin Cities Metro, to rural Wisconsin. He understands that litigation is frequently not the right answer for a family, but will zealously pursue it if no other options exist. David welcomes difficult cases, and enjoys the challenge presented in new or frequently changing areas of law. David is a qualified neutral under Rule 114. He offers mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) services.

Areas of Practice: Adoption, Appellate Law, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Child Custody and Support, Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), Divorce, Third Party Custody, Grandparents’ rights, Foster parents’ rights, International Family Law, LGBT issues, Paternity, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and, Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), Mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation

Professional & Community Activities: David is a member of both the Minnesota and Wisconsin State Bar associations, as well as the Hennepin County Bar Association. He has presented many Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs including at Minnesota’s Family Law Institute and at a national symposium on custody evaluations in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been named a Rising Star every year since 2010 by the Minnesota Super Lawyer’s Organization. He volunteers his time for the Volunteer Lawyer’s Network & is a former board member for Southside Family Nurturing Center. Additionally, David was on the board of the Minnesota chapter of the Gift of Adoption Fund from 2005 to 2012.

Education: David earned his B.A. in philosophy from the UW-Madison in 2000. He graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004 where was recognized by the Minnesota Justice Foundation for his public service. While in law school he was in the International Moot Court, was a member of the Minnesota Intellectual Property Review, and participated in the Child Advocacy Clinic.

Personal: David enjoys living in Roseville with his wife, children, and dog. He likes to visit local restaurants, dog parks, and festivals. David enjoys riding his bicycle, cooking, reading, and doing home and garden projects.

Remote attendance is available.

• Member Cost: Free
• Non-Member Cost: $15

CLE credit has been applied for this session.

Please RSVP by February 21, 2020.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amanda Bean or Jennessa Carlson at amandab@hllawfirm.com or mpa.jennessa@gmail.com.