Blog Posts - Olmsted County Bar Association

Weekly Announcements

9/23/2019

OCBA

The first Bar meeting of the year is this Thursday, September 26, at Rochester Golf & Country Club.
- All members are welcome to join us at 5:30 for the social hour and at approximately 7:00 p.m. for the meeting.
- No reservations are required; we hope to see you there!
Today is the last day to register for the annual OCBA Golf Tournament.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email this account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.
DFO Community Corrections is hosting a discussion and progress report about the pretrial release program launched nine months ago.
- The presentation is at 1:00 p.m. this Friday, September 27, 2019, in Conference Room 4105 of the Government Center.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Tickets are still available for the Fall Tasting Event at Bleu Duck Kitchen on Saturday, October 5.
- Tickets are $75 each on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/fall-tasting-event/.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.
Seats are still available for "A World Series CLE" on Wednesday, November 6.
- Registration is available on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/world-series-cle/.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Weekly Announcements

9/16/2019

OCBA

Only one week left to register for the annual OCBA Golf Tournament on September 26!
- Tee times start at 2:00 p.m.; registration must be completed by next Monday, September 23.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email this account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.
The first Bar meeting of the year is also Thursday, September 26, at Rochester Golf & Country Club.
- All members are welcome to join us at 5:30 for the social hour and at approximately 7:00 p.m. for the meeting.
- No reservations are required; we hope to see you there!
It has been nine months since Olmsted County started using the Minnesota Pretrial Assessment Tool (MNPAT) to make bail and conditions-of-release decisions. DFO Community Corrections has invited attorneys and other stakeholders to join them for a progress report and discussion of the pretrial release program.
- The presentation is at 1:00 p.m. next Friday, September 27, 2019.
- The presentation will be on the Fourth Floor of the Government Center in Conference Room 4105.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Tickets are still available for the Fall Tasting Event at Bleu Duck Kitchen on Saturday, October 5.
- Tickets are $75 each on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/fall-tasting-event/.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.
Seats are still available for "A World Series CLE" on Wednesday, November 6.
- Registration is available on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/world-series-cle/.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Minnesota Judicial Branch

The Honorable Paul Thissen and the Honorable John Rodenberg, Co-Chairs for the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project Implementation Committee, have invited attorneys to respond to the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project survey. The survey is open until September 24, 2019.

The launch of the Third Judicial District's Veterans Treatment Court is this Friday, September 20.
- The Steele County event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Owatonna; the Fillmore County event begins at 1:30 p.m. in Preston.
- Please contact Jessica Berke at Jessica.Berke@courts.state.mn.us for additional information.

Weekly Announcements

9/9/2019

OCBA

Only two weeks left to register for the annual OCBA Golf Tournament on September 26!
- This year we return to Rochester Golf & Country Club.
- Tee times start at 2:00 p.m.; registration must be completed by September 23.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email this account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.
The first Bar meeting of the year is also Thursday, September 26, at Rochester Golf & Country Club.
- All members are welcome to join us at 5:30 for the social hour and at approximately 7:00 p.m. for the meeting.
- No reservations are required; we hope to see you there!

Olmsted County Law Library

The Law Library's free, all-day fall CLE is this Friday, September 13!
- Presentations start at 8:30 a.m. in the Boardroom of the Government Center.
- Five CLE credits have been requested, including one ethics credit and one elimination of bias credit.
- Full course schedule is available at: https://www.olmstedlawlibrary.com/cles/ and on the OCBA website and Facebook page.
- Contact Catherine Anderson Benscoter at Cathy@olmstedlawlibrary.com with questions.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Tickets are still available for the Fall Tasting Event at Bleu Duck Kitchen on Saturday, October 5.
- Tickets are $75 each on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/fall-tasting-event/.
- Email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.
Please join LAOC on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, for the all-day "A World Series CLE."
- Our special guest and keynote speaker is Mary Giesler, Minnesota Twins Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
- Registration is available on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/world-series-cle/.
- The full agenda is available on the OCBA Facebook page.
- Email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Third Judicial District/ Minnesota Judicial Branch

The new amendments to the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure took effect September 1, 2019.
- Among other things, the amendments clarify the procedure for obtaining attorney fee awards and the calculation of time.
- The complete new rules are available here: http://mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/Appellate/Supreme%20Court/Court%20Rules/Rules-of-Civil-App-Proc.pdf.
The launch of the Third Judicial District's Veterans Treatment Court is Friday, September 20!
- The Steele County event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Owatonna; the Fillmore County event begins at 1:30 p.m. in Preston.
- Please contact Jessica Berke at Jessica.Berke@courts.state.mn.us for additional information.

Weekly Announcements

9/3/2019

OCBA

The 2019-2020 calendar of events is live on our website! Check it out here: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html
- Our first meeting of the year is on Thursday, September 26, at the Rochester Golf and Country Club.
- All members are welcome to attend the meeting, which will begin around 5:30 p.m. with a social hour.
Registration for the annual Golf Tournament is open!
- Tee times start at 2:00 p.m.; registration must be completed by September 23.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email this account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.

Olmsted County Law Library

Please join us next Friday, September 13, for the Law Library's free, all-day, fall CLE.
- Presentations start at 8:30 a.m. in the Boardroom of the Government Center.
- Five CLE credits have been applied for, including one ethics credit and one elimination of bias credit.
- Full course schedule is available on the OCBA website and the OCBA Facebook page.
- Please contact Catherine Anderson Benscoter at Cathy@olmstedlawlibrary.com with questions.

Third Judicial District/ Minnesota Judicial Branch

A message from Ann Basta, Court Administrator of Olmsted County District Court:

The Third Judicial District is committed to efficient, effective, and proper administration of justice through collaboration, innovation, and dedication to the people we serve. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has adopted a oneCourtMN vision to provide high quality, consistent, and convenient court administration services anywhere in the state. As a result, districts across the state are embarking on various work sharing opportunities to maximize expertise and efficiencies.

The Third Judicial District is implementing a Districtwide Case Processing (DWCP) model that encompasses all 11 counties. Our goal is to create expert case-processing teams that process court administration work, while sharing knowledge and resources across all county lines to enhance service and improve consistency to those we serve. In addition to the case-processing teams, each courthouse will retain staff that will focus on serving the needs of the justice partners and customers, perform courtroom clerking, and provide judicial support.
What does this mean for you, as our Justice Partner?

Our go live date is scheduled for October 3rd, however that will be dependent on the pre-implementation plan. We anticipate your experience with court staff at your local courthouse will be minimally impacted. However, you may notice experienced staff from across the district reaching out to you in regards to your court business needs, similar to the March 2018 implementation of centralized document acceptance. In an effort to collaborate as we progress toward our DWCP implementation, we welcome any suggestions or feedback that can help us experience shared success.

Please feel free to reach out to me at Ann.Basta@courts.state.mn.us with any questions and please share this information with your staff as needed. We are committed to working together as a team to address any issues that may arise.
Please join Chief Justice Gildea and others on Friday, September 20, to celebrate the launch of the Third Judicial District's Veterans Treatment Court.
- The court will have two locations: the Steele County Courthouse and the Fillmore County Courthouse.
- The Steele County event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Owatonna; the Fillmore County event begins at 1:30 p.m. in Preston.
- Please contact Jessica Berke at Jessica.Berke@courts.state.mn.us for additional information.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Please join us on Saturday, October 5, 2019, for a Fall Tasting Event at Bleu Duck Kitchen.
- Tickets are limited and can be purchased for $75 each on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/fall-tasting-event/.
- Email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Please join us on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, for the all-day "A World Series CLE."
- Our special guest and keynote speaker is Mary Giesler, Minnesota Twins Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
- Registration is available on the LAOC website: http://laocmn.org/world-series-cle/.
- The full agenda is available on the OCBA Facebook page.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Weekly Announcements

8/26/2019

OCBA

Our annual Golf Tournament and Kickoff Meeting is Thursday, September 26, at Rochester Golf and Country Club!
- Tee times start at 2:00 p.m.; registration must be completed by September 23.
- All members are welcome to join us at 5:30 p.m. for the social hour and at 7:00 p.m. for the member meeting; no reservation or response is required if not golfing.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email the OCBA Gmail account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.

Third Judicial District/ Minnesota Judicial Branch

Please join Chief Justice Gildea and others on Friday, September 20, to celebrate the launch of the Third Judicial District's Veterans Treatment Court!
- The court will have two locations: the Steele County Courthouse and the Fillmore County Courthouse.
- The Steele County event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Owatonna; the Fillmore County event begins at 1:30 p.m. in Preston.
- Please contact Jessica Berke at Jessica.Berke@courts.state.mn.us for additional information.

Olmsted County Law Library

Please join us on Friday, September 13, for the Law Library's free, all-day, fall CLE!
- Presentations start at 8:30 a.m. in the Boardroom of the Government Center.
- Five CLE credits have been applied for, including one ethics credit and one elimination of bias credit.
- Full course schedule is available on the OCBA website and the OCBA Facebook page.
- Please contact Catherine Anderson Benscoter at Cathy@olmstedlawlibrary.com with questions.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Please join us on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, for the all-day "A World Series CLE!"
- We'll welcome special guest and keynote speaker Mary Giesler, Minnesota Twins Senior Vice President and General Counsel, to hear about her "Journey to the Front Office."
- Full course description, cost, and other details will follow next week.
- Seven credits applied for, including one ethics.
- Please email Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org with questions.

Weekly Announcements

8/19/2019

OCBA

Our annual Golf Tournament and Kickoff Meeting is Thursday, September 26, at Rochester Golf and Country Club!
- Tee times start at 2:00 p.m.; registration must be completed by September 23.
- All members are welcome to join us at 5:00 p.m. for the social hour and at 6:00 p.m. for the member meeting. No reservation or response is required.
- Additional details are available on our website at: https://www.olmstedbar.com/events.html.
- Please email this account with any questions or to register your golf team for the tournament.

Third Judicial District/ Minnesota Judicial Branch

Please join Chief Justice Gildea and others on Friday, September 20, to celebrate the launch of the Third Judicial District's Veterans Treatment Court!.
- The court will have two locations: the Steele County Courthouse and the Fillmore County Courthouse.
- The Steele County event begins at 10:30 a.m. in Owatonna; the Fillmore County event begins at 1:30 p.m. in Preston.
- Please contact Jessica Berke at Jessica.Berke@courts.state.mn.us for additional information.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Please join veterans and other community members this Thursday, August 22, at the grand opening of the new Rochester VA Clinic!
- The program begins at 11:00 a.m.; tours will be hosted after the program concludes.
- Location is 3551 Commercial Drive, Suite 400, in Rochester.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Interested in helping make the March 2020 annual LAOC fundraiser even bigger and better? Please contact Karen Nath at karen@laocmn.org or 507-287-2036.
- The kick-off planning meeting for next year's fundraiser will be scheduled soon and we would love to have your input.
- Please mark your calendars now for "A Night in Monte Carlo" on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at the Mayo Civic Center.

Weekly Announcements

7/29/2019

Women Attorneys of Rochester (WAR)

WAR is seeking a new co-chair to join Alyssa Jerde in coordinating WAR events. Please email Alyssa at alyssa.jerde@wardoehler.com if you're interested in joining her as co-chair.
Many thanks to Stacy Harper and Michelle Dobson for their service as Alyssa's co-chairs over the past two years.

Olmsted County Drug Court

The Friends of Drug Court kickball tournament and family picnic are August 10, 2019. Kickball starts at 10:00 a.m.; picnic is at noon. Additional details are available on the OCBA website and our Facebook page. RSVP to Joe Vogel at vogel.joe@co.olmsted.mn.us by Monday, August 5, to ensure an accurate headcount for food and beverages.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC)

LAOC would like to recognize and thank the following OCBA members who were named as MSBA North Star attorneys for completing fifty or more hours of pro bono service: Grant Borgen, Aurora DeCook, Mark Delehanty, Steve Dittrich, David Liebow, Melanie Leth, Steve Murakami, Carrie Osowski, Carole Pasternak, Steve Rolsch, Jason Wagner, Michael Walters, Christopher Wendt, and Richard Wright.

Weekly Announcements

7/1/2019

Anderson Law Firm

Anderson Law Firm is seeking an attorney to join their practice in Rochester, Minnesota. The position is focused on representing clients in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning/probate matters. The position involves direct client contact and representation. Competitive salary, retirement and health insurance benefits offered. Reply in confidence to Carl@CarlAndersonLaw.Com.

Dunlap & Seeger

Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. is seeking a commercial litigation attorney with 5+ years of experience. Candidates should have commercial litigation experience, strong academic credentials, excellent writing skills, and the ability to build client relationships. Please send your resume and cover letter to Dunlap & Seeger, P.A., P.O. Box 549, Rochester, Minnesota 55903, or email to info@dunlaplaw.com.
Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. is also seeking associates. Candidates should have strong academic credentials, excellent writing skills, and the ability to build client relationships. Please send your resume and cover letter to Dunlap & Seeger, P.A., P.O. Box 549, Rochester, Minnesota 55903, or email to info@dunlaplaw.com.

Olmsted County District Court

The courts are closed this Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Business will resume as usual on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Olmsted County Drug Court

Mark your calendars! The Friends of Drug Court are hosting a family barbecue and kickball tournament on Saturday, August 10. The fun starts at 9:30 a.m.; lunch starts at noon. Please contact Joe Vogel at vogel.joe@co.olmsted.mn.us for more information.

Weekly Announcements

6/10/2019

Olmsted County Bar Association

We are seeking nominees interested in serving a three-year term as the OCBA representative on the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) Board of Directors. The SMRLS Board will select and appoint an OCBA member from our list of nominees at its September meeting. Please email this account no later than June 21 if you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone else.

Anderson Law Firm

Anderson Law Firm is seeking an attorney to join their practice in Rochester, Minnesota. The position is focused on representing clients in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning/probate matters. The position involves direct client contact and representation. Competitive salary, retirement and health insurance benefits offered. Reply in confidence to Carl@CarlAndersonLaw.Com

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC)

Congratulations to Kayleen Asmus, who will be joining LAOC as a staff attorney. Kayleen has been working as LAOC's volunteer coordinator and part-time staff attorney for the past several months.
Congratulations also to Victoria Ness, a Rochester native and experienced social worker. She will be assuming the role of volunteer coordinator after Kayleen transitions to her new role.

Weekly Announcements

5/28/2019

OCBA

Our final Bar meeting of the season was last Thursday, May 23. Highlights included:
- Appointment of next year's OCBA Executive Board,
- Reappointment of Mary Dunlap and Gerry Weinrich as OCBA's representatives on the Law Library Board,
- Presentation of the first annual OCBA scholarship to our winners, Brittney Gruszynski and Kaylee Mtanous, and
- Donation of $8000 to LAOC.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County

Thank you again to everyone who attended the annual LAOC fundraiser. With your generous contributions, we raised over $33,000!
Congratulations to Aurora DeCook and Steve Dittrich, who were appointed as OCBA's representatives to LAOC's Board of Directors.
Thank you to outgoing LAOC Board members Rick Dold and Jennifer Plante for their service over the last three years.
Mark your calendars for our next Night in Monte Carlo on March 14, 2020, at the Mayo Civic Center!

Olmsted County Law Library

The Law Library is hosting a free CLE on Friday, June 7, in the County Board Room at the Government Center. Please contact Kathy Anderson Benscoter at cathy@olmstedlawlibrary.com for more information: