Minnesota State Bar Association

05/26/2026

The practice of law asks a great deal of us. Long hours, high stakes, emotional strain, and constant pressure to perform. Too often, mental health struggles remain hidden behind professionalism and perseverance.

In this month's President’s Page, MSBA President Tom Pack, Hennepin County Bar Association President Jessica Klander, and Ramsey County Bar Association President Maya Missaghi share their personal experiences to help destigmatize mental health discussions in the legal profession. https://mnbars.org/?pg=BenchBarofMinnesota&pubAction=viewIssue&pubIssueID=69276&pubIssueItemID=458335

05/21/2026

Our annual convention is just a month away. Join us Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24 at Minnesota CLE for two days of CLE sessions and networking, exhibitors and prize drawings, and the President's Reception.

9.25 CLE credits, including 1.0 mental health/substance use credit applied for. Just $95 for MSBA members. Reserve your spot today: https://www.minncle.org/seminar/1452292601

05/11/2026

On May 8, we celebrated the admission of the newest members of the Minnesota Bar in three consecutive ceremonies at the Minnesota Supreme Court Courtroom, located in the State Capitol. Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, Justice Paul Thissen, and MSBA President Tom Pack delivered inspiring remarks. Congratulations to our newest MSBA members.

04/30/2026

The 2026 MSBA Convention brochure is here.
Check it out and reserve your spot today for this year's event: June 23-24 in Minneapolis.
9.25 CLE credits applied for. Just $95 for MSBA members. https://www.minncle.org/seminar/1452292601

04/16/2026

Take a moment this Law Day to join Minnesota’s legal community on May 1 at 2:00 PM at the Hennepin County Government Center for a brief and meaningful gathering centered on retaking the attorney’s oath.

This short program offers an opportunity to stand with colleagues and publicly reaffirm a shared commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and the foundational principles of our legal system. After the oath, attendees will hear brief remarks from leaders in the legal community, including Michelle Behnke, Robert Vischer, James Rosenbaum, and Tom Pack.

All are welcome—attorneys, judges, and members of the public—and we hope you will take part in this shared moment of reflection on the importance of the rule of law.

Learn more and RSVP: https://mnbars.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=321776&evSubAction=viewMonth&calmonth=202605

04/08/2026

What bit of legal jargon, or legal euphemism, annoys you the most?
Read what Catlin Hedeman, Bryan Lindsay, and Isaac Manchego had to say in this month's Bench & Bar Colleague Corner: https://mnbars.org/?pg=BenchBarofMinnesota&pubAction=viewIssue&pubIssueID=67370&pubIssueItemID=443160

04/01/2026

“Lawyers are often trained—explicitly or implicitly—to project constant competence and control. Our profession values reliability and steadiness, and rightly so. But that culture can also create the impression that we must always be operating at full capacity, regardless of what else is happening in our lives. That is not healthy. Or possible.”

In this month’s Bench & Bar, MSBA President Tom Pack reflects on extending grace to ourselves and others. Read more: https://mnbars.org/?pg=BenchBarofMinnesota&pubAction=viewIssue&pubIssueID=67370&pubIssueItemID=443158

03/13/2026

We can't wait to see you at this year's MSBA Convention. Register today for the two-day program, June 23-24.

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 MSBA Convention! 🎉

Join us in downtown Minneapolis June 23 & 24 for two days of connection, learning, and fun.

Why register now?
🟨Save on tuition: $95 for MSBA members and just $45 for members of sponsoring sections
🟨Knock out your CLEs: Earn 9.5+ credits in one high‑impact event
🟨Enjoy the experience: Quality networking, engaging sessions, and a collegial atmosphere

Spots will go fast, secure yours today!

🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/K2GfLeA

03/12/2026

Certify as a North Star Lawyer by March 15.

MSBA recognizes members who dedicate 50+ hours of pro bono legal services each year as North Star Lawyers. Certify your pro bono hours from 2025 to be be recognized in the May/June issue of Bench & Bar, on our website, and in other bar communications. Thanks for your pro bono service. https://mnbars.org/?pg=northstar

03/04/2026

It's been one year since MSBA began offering members free trust accounting and billing software through Smokeball Bill. Access is included in your annual MSBA membership. That's a value of $588 per user per year. If you haven’t activated your account yet, this one-year anniversary is the perfect time to sign up: https://mnbars.org/?pg=Smokeball