Topic: Courtroom Basics for Paraprofessionals

This CLE will go over the Minnesota rules of court regarding decorum, procedure, evidentiary rules and offer some tips on appearing before a judicial officer. This class is intended to be approachable and interesting for paraprofessionals who are expanding their practice into court appearances under the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project.

I have been an attorney for over 30 years, and have spent the vast majority of my career concentrating in the area of family law. Like most family law attorneys, I entered this practice area because I care deeply about children and families. Unlike many attorneys, however, I understand what my clients are going through on a very personal level having been a child of divorce and having experienced my own divorce 30 years ago.

I am deeply aware of how the choices we make during and after divorce can help or hinder our children. My philosophy is that "Children are not a prize to be won." They deserve the love and support of both parents throughout their lives. My job is to guide and support my clients through the complex legal system, advocating for them so that their focus can be on healing themselves and their children, and on laying a solid foundation for the future.

In addition to helping Minnesota individuals and families through my practice, I also consider it a priority to volunteer my legal services. As a sign of this commitment, I offer a two-hour free session on the basics of divorce, custody, and parenting time, and answer all your legal questions about divorce once a month at my office. I am proud to have been recognized as a volunteer attorney in association with Central Minnesota Legal Services, and I also volunteer regularly at the Law Clinic located in the Wright County Law Library. This is part of my commitment to helping parents who need to understand the legal process and who want to develop child-friendly parenting plans. Family law disputes and their aftermath are hard, as I know from both personal and professional experience, but I take great satisfaction in giving my clients hope for a brighter future.

Areas of Practice

• Divorce
• Custody/Parenting Time
• Child Support
• Post-Dissolution
• Family Law
• Mediation

Admissions to Practice

• Minnesota (1988)

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D. (1988)
• Northwestern College, St. Paul, Minnesota, B.A., summa cum laude (1984)

Additional Qualifications

• Minnesota Statewide ADR Rule 114 Neutral Roster

Professional Associations And Memberships

• Minnesota State Bar Association, 2000 - present
• Family Law Section Member
• Small and Solo Board Chair
• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Minnesota Chapter, 2015 - present
• Biz2Biz, South Maple Grove Chapter, 2018 – present

Honors and Awards

• Attorney of the Year from Central Minnesota Legal Services, 2008
• Attorney of the Year from MN Bar Association Tenth Judicial District., 2008

Published Works

"Did You Hear What Opposing Counsel Did Today?" Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Forum, Spring/Vol 17, No 3 (2009).

Various Blog posts through the Minnesota Bar Solo/Small Soapbox. 2015 - present.

Classes/Seminars

Legal Process Section of Parenting Through Divorce, University of Minnesota Extension, 2006 - 2015.

What Does "Reasonable Preference of the Child" Mean for Custody Purposes? Minnesota CLE, 2014.

Basic Housing Law for Battered Women's Advocates, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, 1998 - 2000

Remote attendance only.

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

CLE credit has been applied for this session.

Please RSVP by May 17th, 2021.

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