CLE Archive

CLE Course Credit Approval
Click here for a list of RCBA CLE courses approved for credit from July 1, 2002 through the present.

September 2009

ESTATES & TRUSTS SECTION
Thursday, September 10
BACK TO SCHOOL: New Laws, New Procedures & New Fees
The 2009 Legislature made significant changes to the laws affecting Estates & Trusts practitioners. We will review substantive changes to the Probate Code, Guardianships/Conservatorships, Transfer on Death Deeds, Disposition of Body Upon Death, Disclaimers, Health Care Directive Priorities, and time permitting, recent appellate decisions affecting the Estates & Trust Section.
Presented by: John P. Worrell, Hoene & Worrell, P.A.
1 standard CLE credit approved

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Wednesday, September 16
An overview of the 2009 legislative session and the governor’s unallotments, including the impact of the unallotments. Topics of interest to practitioners will be covered, including health law, court fees, business law, probate, criminal law (vulnerable adults, prostitution & sex trafficking, domestic abuse) and more. Extra bonus: Learn about federal stimulus money available for businesses, to advise your business clients.
Presented by: Kathy Hahne, Faegre & Benson; Lloyd Grooms, Winthrop & Weinstine; Phil Carruthers, Ramsey County Attorney's Office and Mary Jo McGuire, Consultant & Director, Learning, Law & Democracy
2 Standard CLE credits approved

OVERVIEW OF CHAPTERS 7 & 13 CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY & SELECT BUSINESS BANKRUPTCY ISSUES FROM THE CREDITOR'S PERSPECTIVE
Friday, September 18
Learn some basics about bankruptcy, to help advise your clients who are considering whether to file, or clients who find themselves as creditors in business bankruptcies. Consumer bankruptcy overview will include Chapters 7 & 13. Business bankruptcy issues will include reclamation rights/claims available to sellers of goods; assumption and rejection of unexpired commercial real estate leases; preferences and fraudulent transfers (the most common bankruptcy trustee avoidance actions); and set-off rights of creditors.
Presented by: Ronald Lundquist, The Law Offices of Ronald J. Lundquist and Rick Salmen, Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt
2 Standard CLE credits approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, September 23
Tax Tips and Traps for the Family Law Attorney
Mr. Lamey, a CPA, will provide tax tips and traps for the Family Law attorney on a wide variety of issues including dependency exemptions, the taxability of the discharge of debts, and the tax issues to consider during settlement negotiations.
Presented by: Thomas C. Lamey, CPA, Sagacity Tax & Accounting
1 standard CLE credit approved

SOLO & SMALL FIRM BREAKFAST CLE
Thursday, September 24
The Employee Free Choice Act. Is It Necessary To Effect Union Goals?
A look at the current status of the EFCA legislation and a review of a real-world unionization effort.
Presented by: Jim Blaney, Blaney & Ledin Ltd.
1 standard CLE credit approved

PRACTICAL IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTS IN THE COURTROOM & TIPS TO MAKE YOUR COURTHOUSE PRACTICE MORE EFFICIENT
Wednesday, September 30
Budget cuts have hit our state and county in all aspects of our lives. But what do these cuts mean for each of us in practical terms? What changes need to take place in an era of decreasing staff? Come hear how the budget cuts are impacting the court system in Minnesota and specifically, in the Second Judicial District. Hear directly from our judicial leadership and from those dealing with the administration of justice in Ramsey County. Learn tips to make your courthouse practice in Ramsey County more efficient, both from courthouse administration personnel and from an attorney with significant Ramsey County practice experience.
Presented by: Hon Eric J. Magnuson, Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court; Hon. Kathleen Gearin, Chief Judge, Ramsey County District Court; Larry Dease, Ramsey County District Court Administration; Susan Segerstrom, Ramsey County Family Court Manager; Lynae Olson, Ramsey County District Court Civil Division Administration; Joe LaPlant, Ramsey County Family Court Assignment Supervisor; Joan Hackel, Kueppers, Hackel & Kueppers
2 Standard CLE credits approved

October 2009

CRIMINAL LAW SECTION
Tuesday, October 6
Forensic Examination of Computers and Cell Phones
Jeff Wold provides expert witness and computer/mobile device forensics services to the legal industry. Wold has over 25 years of experience in information technology and he has been serving the legal industry in the area of computer forensics and electronic evidence analysis since February 2002. He has extensive training in computer forensics, cell phone and PDA forensics, and information assurance.
Wold CSI has been engaged in a wide variety of cases including murder, criminal sexual misconduct, employee law, and many other criminal matters.
Presented by: Jeff Wold, Wold Consulting Services, Inc.
1 standard CLE credit approved

ESTATES & TRUSTS SECTION
Thursday, October 8
Views From the County Probate Court - Meet the Current Ramsey County Probate Court Judges & Referee
Hear views from the bench and have the opportunity to ask questions in this informal setting.
Presented by: Judge Steven D. Wheeler, Ramsey County Probate Court; Judge Marybeth Dorn, Ramsey County Probate Court; Referee Dean M. Maus, Ramsey County Probate Court
1 standard CLE credit approved

EXAMINING MINNESOTA'S NEW BAD FAITH LAW
Friday, October 9
Overview of both first and third party bad faith law in Minnesota through discussion and examples.
Presented by: Chad Hintz, The Law Office of Chad J. Hintz and James Sherburne, Sherburne Law Offices, P.A
2 Standard CLE credits approved

REPRESENTING HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE
Tuesday, October 13
Learn how to get real relief for homeowners in foreclosure. Topics will include rescission under the federal Truth in Lending Act, challenges based on violation of the statutory foreclosure requirements, the new federal foreclosure prevention programs, and how to effectively assert claims based on unfair, deceptive, fraudulent, and unconscionable mortgage lending practices.
Presented by: Amber Hawkins, Mid-MN Legal Assistance and Jane Bowman, Housing Preservation Project
3.5 Standard CLE credits approved

COMPUTERIZED LEGAL RESEARCH - WESTLAW
Monday, October 19
Ms. Hartman will provide an overview of Westlaw computerized legal research programs with an emphasis on the needs of solo and small firm practitioners.
Presented by: Sarah Hartman J.D., Research Specialist, Government & Academic Markets, Thomson Reuters
1 law office management CLE credit approved

REAL ESTATE SECTION
Tuesday, October 20
Legislative Update
Legislative Update areas to be covered include: Real Property Section Bill; Uniform Disclaimer of Property Act; Economic Development Postponement; Marital Liens (HHS); Five Week Redemptions; Foreclosure Technical Corrections; Shoreland Lots; Mediation Veto; and Unmarried Owners Liens
Presented by: Kevin Dunlevy, Beisel & Dunlevy, P.A.
1 standard CLE credit approved

TRIAL AND DEPOSITION OBJECTIONS
Wednesday, October 21
Panel presentation on asserting and defending against objections, and objectionable behavior, at deposition and trial. Do discovery rules regarding objections favor the questioning party, the adverse party, or are they neutral? The most common deposition objections. Talking v. “curing” objections. Instructing a witness not to answer. Taking breaks – the good and the bad. Terminating a deposition. The Bully on both sides of the table. When do you contact the court regarding objections, and who bears the burden? What are “trial depositions”? Most common trial objections. Information not previously disclosed. Opinion evidence. Offers of proof. Does the judge matter?
Presented by: Hon. William Leary, Ramsey County District Court; Patrick W. Ostergren, Lind, Jensen, Sullivan & Peterson and Paul McEllistrem, Hauer, Fargione, Love, Landy & McEllistrem
2 Standard CLE credits approved

SOLO & SMALL FIRM BREAKFAST CLE
Thursday, October 22
The Paperless Office: No More Paper Nightmare
Hear from a frequent presenter on document handling procedures for the paperless office, with real-time examples. Why go paperless? Cost savings and improving work efficiency. How a virtual office improves job satisfaction. How to go paperless. Investment and equipment recommendations. The key to document handling procedures. File management, email retention, and document searchability. Safeguards.
1 law office management CLE credit approved

PURCHASE OF HOMES Before, During and After Foreclosure
Tuesday, October 27
An overview of the issues to consider when advising residential home buyers where foreclosure is involved. Discussion will include some causes and conditions leading to the foreclosure crisis; problems with listing agreements, purchase agreements; importance of inspections, other procedures to protect buyers. Learn about St. Paul’s specific ordinances and the city’s enforcement plans.
Presented by: John D. Rice, Rice Law Firm, Chartered and Jeff Hawkins, St. Paul Department of Safety & Inspection, Vacant Buildings
2 Standard CLE credits approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, October 28
Immigration: What Every Family Lawyer Should Know
Due to globalization and the presence of a diverse, immigrant population in the State of Minnesota, family law practitioners are finding an increasing overlap in the areas of immigration and family law. This CLE is intended to generally assist the family law practitioner, who has little to no knowledge of immigration law, in understanding and assessing the common issues that may arise and cross-intersect with their immigrant clients, partners, and family members. In this one-hour presentation, attendees will be provided a brief overview and course materials on fiance visas; marriage visas; how the immigration status of a client can affect a marriage or dissolution process; affidavits of support; immigration waivers; benefits of obtaining a green card/U.S. Citizenship; conditional residency; domestic abuse; and intra-country adoption.
Presented by: L. Elizabeth Tolzmann, Tolzmann and Hemminger, LLP and Erin Swaab Nordell, Staff Attorney, St. Cloud Area Legal Services
1 standard CLE credit approved

COMPUTERIZED LEGAL RESEARCH: LEXIS
Co-sponsored by the Ramsey County Law Library and the RCBA
Thursday, October 29
Ms. Lahammer will provide an overview of Lexis computerized legal research programs with an emphasis on the needs of solo and small firm practitioners.
Presented by: Peggy Lahammer, Esq., Research Attorney, LexisNexis
1 law office management CLE credit approved

November 2009

BASICS OF PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
Friday, November 6
This CLE will cover basics of preparing a probate administration case and tips to efficiently manage the process.
Preparing Your Case, will be a discussion of the various types of probate proceedings: Informal, Formal Unsupervised, Formal Supervised, Summary Administration, Ancillary Proceedings, and Decree of Descent. The focus will be on what factors to consider when deciding which type of proceeding should be used, and what information is needed to present to the court. Creditors claims and issues unique to claims will also be discussed, along with ethical considerations for attorneys and personal representatives.
Keeping it all Straight will include practical tips on how to conduct the initial interview with your client, determining and docketing important dates and deadlines, creating and keeping checklists of administration tasks, and protecting your client from liability and yourself from malpractice.
Presented by: Dean Maus, Ramsey County Probate Court Referee and Barbara Kristiansson, Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt
3 Standard CLE credits approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, November 18
Effect of Short Sales & Foreclosures on Family Law Matters
Overview of the effect of short sales and foreclosures on people’s credit, and an explanation of the process involved in short sales, with an emphasis on how these situations impact family law matters.
Presented by: Jarrod Peterson, Real Estate Consultant, Edina Realty; Al Coleman, MN Mortgage Specialist, Mortgages Unlimited; and Jeffrey O’Brien, Partner, Mansfield Tanick & Cohen
1 Standard CLE credit approved

HOT TOPICS IN HEALTH LAW
Wednesday, November 18
Hot topics in health law will include:
• Medicare Reimbursement of Nursing Home Expenses and End of Life Issues
• Palliative Care Issues
• Update on Health Reform -- what it means for the consumer and practitioner
Presented by: Lucinda Jesson, Director, Health Law Institute & Associate Professor of Law, Hamline University School of Law; A. Kimberley Dayton, Director, Center for Elder Justice and Policy, William Mitchell College of Law; & Katrina Angela Pagonis, Assistant Professor, Hamline University School of Law
2 Standard CLE credits approved

CUSTODY LAW FROM START TO FINISH
Friday, November 20
The presenters will entertain and inform you with a role-play. A new attorney, played by Ms. Van Ert and Ms. Billings, asks a senior attorney for guidance on a case that presents intricate family law issues. Thomas Tuft and Scott Rodman will play the senior attorney. The role-play will cover various aspects of custody, including the statutory custody factors, custody evaluations and third party custody. Additional topics include temporary relief, relocation, interstate issues, special needs children, modification, probate issues and multiple alternative dispute resolution methods
Presented by: Thomas Tuft, Scott M. Rodman, Letty M-S Van Ert, and Nicole E. Billings, all of Tuft & Arnold PLLC
2 Standard CLE credits approved

December 2009

SOLO & SMALL FIRM BREAKFAST CLE
Thursday, December 3
The 2 a.m. DUI Phone Call: What Do You Do?
1 Standard CLE credit approved

CHILD SUPPORT: UPDATE AND REVIEW OF THE NEW STATUTE
Tuesday, December 8
An updated of developments in the new child support statute that was implemented in 2007. We will discuss case law, magistrates' experinces, and reactions from attorneys thus far.
Presented by: James Brinegar, Child Support Magistrate, 4th & 10th Judicial Districts of Minnesota
2 Standard CLE credits approved

REAL ESTATE SECTION
Tuesday, December 15
Tax Issues Related to Real Estate
This session will focus on basic rules governing life estates, the new debt forgiveness rules relating to the mortgage crisis and other tax-related topics that affect real estate transactions.
Presented by: Bryan Jamison, Jamison & Jamison, PA
1 Standard CLE credit approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, December 16
Understanding Division of Property for Retirement Benefits Awarded from CSRS and FERS Pensions and TSP Accounts
Presented by: Mary Kate Kelley-Scheidler, Carpe Diem Legal Services
1 Standard CLE credit approved

SUPREME COURT & COURT OF APPEALS UPDATE
Wednesday, December 16
Overview and update of the 2008-2009 year at the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Hear about significant cases from the last year across all areas of law and bring your questions for our speakers about the last year at the Minnesota appellate courts.
Presented by: Hon. Paul H. Anderson, Associate Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court and Hon. Edward Toussaint, Chief Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals
2 Standard CLE credits approved

January 2010

REAL ESTATE SECTION
Tuesday, January 19
Conveyances to and from Religious Organizations
Discussion will include statutory and case law governing conveying title in and out of the various forms of religious organizations, and advising client religous bodies. A little time will be devoted to litigation of title to religious real estate.
Presented by: Robert Beutel, Attorney at Law, Retired Ramsey County Examiner of Titles 1985-2005
1 Standard CLE credit approved

PROSECUTOR ERROR AND MISCONDUCT AND INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Wednesday, January 20
Participants will hear from a seasoned prosecutor and a seasoned defense attorney the basics and latest about prosecutor error and misconduct, and ineffective assistance of counsel law in Minnesota. The Prosecutor Error and Misconduct discussion will include the applicable rules from the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC) and relevant cases, including recent ones. The Ineffective Assistance of Counsel discussion will address the current standard for ineffective assistance of counsel and some of the ethical considerations when ineffective assistance of counsel is asserted in state post-conviction and federal habeas corpus actions.
Presented by: Phil Carruthers, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and Charles Clippert, Caplan Law Firm, P.A.
1.5 Ethics CLE credit and .5 Standard CLE credits approved

ESTATE AND SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
Tuesday, January 26
One of the largest issues for business owners is their succession plan. This CLE will highlight many of the estate planning devices and techniques created especially for business owners. Topics will include: the importance of planning, basic estate planning documents, gifting of business interests, sale of business interests, buy-sell agreements, shareholder/member control agreements, private annuities, self-canceling installments notes, grantor retained annuity trusts, sale to defective grantor trusts, defined benefit plans, Family Limited Partnerships, and other methods to transfer ownership. This course will provide a good introduction to those with little familiarity with the topics and a nice refresher course for those who practice in the area.
Presented by: Matthew J. Shea, Gray, Plant, Mooty and Marya Robben, Lindquist & Vennum
2 Standard CLE credits approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, January 27
Understanding and Handling Difficult Visitation Issues
What types of visitation problems are common with teens and other age groups? What does it mean when a child resists visitation and what can you do about it? How do you ascertain when visitation is unsafe? What’s going on with reunification therapy and how can family lawyers assist with reunifications? Receive answers to these questions and yours from two child development experts.
Presented by: Susan De Vries, MA, Licensed Psychologist, St. Paul and Peggy Contrell, Moxie Incorporated, Minneapolis
1 standard CLE credit approved

SOLO AND SMALL FIRM SECTION
Thursday, January 28
Cases for Free — With N.W.2d Citations? The Use and Utility of Internet Legal Research
Over the past 10 years, legal research has slowly but surely migrated from a focus on exclusive, expensive services to the wider availability of cost-effective - and
even free - resources that can be accessed from any desktop. In the past year, several developments have given hope to those who see a future where caselaw and other legal resources are readily available in the public domain. This presentation will discuss some of those developments, explore some of the resources available, and engage in an interactive discussion on its import to small firm and solo practitioners.
Presented by: Damien Riehl, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP
1 Standard CLE credit approved

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
Friday, January 29
A distinguished panel will preview legislation and issues that the Minnesota Legislature will address during the 2010 legislative session. Topics covered will include health law (state and federal), the MSBA legislative agenda, business/consumer issues, energy issues, the political environment, and more.
Presented by: Kathy Hahne, Faegre & Benson; Lloyd Grooms, Winthrop & Weinstine; Phil Carruthers, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and Lucinda Jesson, Director, Health Law Institute & Associate Professor of Law, Hamline University School of Law
2 Standard CLE credits approved

February 2010

CHOICE OF BUSINESS ENTITY
Tuesday, February 9
An overview of the basics in choosing a legal entity for a for-profit enterprise, including C Corps, S Corps, LLC, and limited partnerships, addressing applicable state law and federal tax implications.
Presented by: Jennifer Forbes, Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt and Greg Carlson, Shareholder, CPA, MBT, CFP, Wilkerson Associates
2 Standard CLE credits approved

ESTATES & TRUSTS SECTION
Thursday, February 11
Update from the 44th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning
Marlo W. Turcotte and Michael P. Sampson, both from the law firm Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP, will present the high points of the 2010 Heckerling Institute at the University of Miami School of Law. The Heckerling Institute panel plans to focus on practical planning strategies in light of the many legislative and regulatory developments in 2009. The changes may impact the overall approach to estate planning for many clients, and may impact a wide variety of strategies, including GRATs, FLPs, and Graegin notes, among others.
Presented by: Marlo W. Turcotte, Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP and Michael P. Sampson, Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP
1 standard CLE credit approved

REAL ESTATE SECTION
Tuesday, February 16
Foreclosure Defense Litigation
Discussion of the legal issues, practical obstacles, and new trends in foreclosure defense litigation.
Presented by: Carl Christensen, Christensen Law Offfice PLLC
1 standard CLE credit approved

ADVISING SMALL BUSINESSES ABOUT WORKERS' COMPENSATION / WORKPLACE ISSUES / OSHA LOSS CONTROL
Wednesday, February 17
Learn about the regulatory structure controlling the pricing of a workers compensation policy and how a business owner can take steps to control and reduce the cost of workers compensation insurance. Also learn about OSHA requirements & penalties, loss prevention programs and how these items affect the pricing of a workers compensation policy.
Presented by: Steve Orme and Benjamin Brunn, both of Arges Group, Inc.
2 Standard CLE credits approved

CRIMINAL LAW SECTION
Tuesday, February 23
Statewide Use of Ignition Interlock
Learn about the statewide Ignition Interlock program. Probation officials will cover implementation of the program from pilot to state-wide; a public defender will talk about the specifics of the existing statute and the interlock device provider will cover how it works.
Presented by: Jessica McConaughey, St. Paul City Attorney’s Office; Robert Roeglin, Hennepin County Corrections Unit Supervisor; Emil Carlson-Clark, Hennepin County Probation Officer and Edward Cohen, Smart Start MN
1 standard CLE credit approved

FAMILY LAW SECTION
Wednesday, February 24
Elder Law Issues in Family Law: The Impact of Divorce on Medical Assistance and Estate Planning
Is divorce legitimate or necessary when people want to protect marital assets from being dissipated for nursing home care and medical care? How and when are they structured? When should divorce lawyers refer clients to elder law specialists? How does a divorce affect an estate plan? When should divorce lawyers consult with an estate planning attorney? On what topics? How are living trusts, irrevocable trusts, health care directives and short form durable powers of attorney affected by divorce? How does divorce affect social security benefits?
Presented by: Stuart E. Schmitz, Schmitz & Schimdt, P.A.
1 standard CLE credit approved

SOLO & SMALL FIRM SECTION
Thursday, February 25
Corporate Entity Concerns Beyond Startup
Steve Ledin, a business transactional attorney focused on providing sound economical advise to closely held corporations, will speak to those layers of legal issues that face attorneys representing start up corporations after the business formation and initial corporate formation documents are completed. Issues will include: who is your client, conducting board meetings, how to conduct due diligence for corporate transactions, and providing quality legal services on a start up budget.
Presented by: Steve Ledin, Blaney & Ledin, Ltd.
1 Standard CLE credit approved

CONSUMER PROTECTION IN FINANCIAL MATTERS: BASICS ABOUT FAIR DEBT COLLECTION AND FAIR CREDIT REPORTING
Friday, February 26
The Pearls and Pitfalls of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: A brief overview of the rules and regulations that govern debt collection agencies and debt collection attorneys, an update on current trends, with an emphasis on how to recognize a valid claim from a money pit. "An Introduction to the Fair Credit Reporting Act" will cover the obligations the FCRA places on credit bureaus and the companies that report to them, when there is a private right of action, remedies available under the FCRA, traps for the unwary FCRA litigator, and more.
Presented by: Mark Leon Vavreck, Martineau, Gonko & Vavreck and John H. Goolsby, Goolsby Law Office, LLC
2 Standard CLE credits approved

March 2010

LAYOFFS & REDUCTIONS IN FORCE
Tuesday, March 9
In today's economic climate, layoffs and reductions in force are occurring more often than ever before. Beth Bertelson and Melissa Weldon will offer a practical look at layoffs and reductions in force from both the employee's and the employer's perspective. From the employer's side, topics will include tips for implementing a reduction in force, including the selection process, severance options, and obtaining a valid release. From the employee's side, topics will include possible claims stemming from the loss of a job, including discrimination claims.
Presented by: Melissa Weldon, Larson • King, LLP and Beth Bertelson, Bertelson Law Office, P.A.
2 standard CLE credits approved

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