Kezhaya Law

04/04/2026

Ten years ago, the State of Arkansas threw down the gauntlet and declared that a particular set of religious laws reigned supreme. Eight years ago, it emplaced a literal monument to its hubris, despite a vocal and substantial objection that the First Amendment very clearly prohibited its conduct.

Then, the State changed its rules to prevent a competitor religious monument. The State Senator who ran the bill went on Facebook live and declared it would be a "cold day in Hell" before another religion got the same treatment as the State's preferred doctrine.

Eight years ago, Matt joined the litigation to invite the judiciary to find and declare that every resident of the United States of America is entitled to be free from religious laws, is entitled to a government that does not take sides on questions of religion, and is entitled to equal treatment under the law regardless of their religious affiliation.

After eight long years, on March 31, 2026, the District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas accepted that invitation and rendered judgment in all plaintiffs' favor. The opinion is linked below.

12/24/2025

Minnesota’s newest attorney! After five incredible years living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Sonia finally took the plunge and waived into the Minnesota bar. Her swear-in ceremony was extra special because it was one of only two in-person ceremonies per year, and it was held in the historic courtroom. Here she is making some opening remarks and participating in the tradition of entering her name in the log of attorneys.

08/12/2025

Are you a Minnesota business owner? It's vital to understand how media accountability and defamation laws can impact your reputation. Read our latest blog post where we explore 'actual malice' and what every business should know: https://wix.to/B8z4Bbt

While truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim, establishing defamation liability requires more than proving that the charge was false and defamatory. It additionally requires an element of wrongful intent which varies depending on the nature of the plaintiff, the nature of the defamatory....

08/09/2025

In today's fast-paced world, the line between gossip and defamation can easily blur. Learn how Minnesota law addresses this crucial distinction in our latest post:

In this age of clickbait journalism, distinguishing between public interest and private concern is more critical than ever. Under Minnesota Law, whether a statement is of private concern is the difference between a plaintiff having to prove actual malice to recover presumed damages. Maethner v. Some...

06/04/2025

Celebrating a victorious motion for summary judgment hearing in an employment case. A Catholic hospital claims exemption from employment regulation under a statutory carveout for churches. The hospital was created for non-religious purposes and self-describes its primary purpose as a 'hospital' rather than a 'church' or an 'integrated auxiliary.' They perform no ceremonies, employ no priests, and consider spiritual ailments to be "irrelevant" except as an indicator of mental illness.

We filed this case back in 2020 and will finally get a jury trial in March 2027.

09/14/2024

"They knew this was not a proper use of this money, and they did it anyway," Kezhaya said.

FAYETTEVILLE -- A federal judge won't set any further hearings in a lawsuit challenging Washington County's plan to spend federal covid relief money to expand the county jail.

06/06/2024

https://www.nwahomepage.com/video/arkansas-justice-reform-coalition-files-lawsuit-against-washington-county-over-misuse-of-federal-funds/9756381/

Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition files lawsuit against Washington County over 'misuse of federal funds'

04/22/2024

In this talk, I will provide practical guidance for trial attorneys on how to preserve your issues on appeal, how to overcome common strategies to prevent an appeal, and effective appellate advocacy tactics that should be imported into trial practice.

From the first pleading through post judgment motions, trial lawyers craft the appellate record. This program will discuss common pitfalls and strategies.

10/14/2023

Check out my blog post

Preservation is a critical requirement in appellate practice common to all jurisdictions. If you fail to preserve an issue for appeal, the appellate court will not consider it. Like pickles, preserving your issues for appeal takes some time and forethought but yields a salty, tangy, spicy treat when...

01/13/2023

The City of New Hope seeks to interfere with our clients' State-licensed right to operate an assisted living facility. We will bring them to justice.

The city's decision, which was first reported by 5 INVESTIGATES in December, has drawn public outcry from disability rights and mental health advocates. It's also been referred to as a "loophole" by state lawmakers, who question the city's authority.