Legal Aid - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

05/27/2026

Thanks for joining us at the Law Day Dinner last month! This night of justice was made extra special by our speakers — from Honoree Rick Hagstrom to surprise guest Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Keynote speaker Neal Katyal rounded out the night with his thoughtful remarks, reigniting our shared commitment to justice.

Mark your calendars for our 46th annual Law Day Dinner on May 6, 2027!

05/21/2026

Our offices and intake lines will be closed Monday, May 25, in honor of all who made the ultimate sacrifice for justice. Reminder, we close at noon every Friday.

05/20/2026

Calling attorneys who want to do more! Join Alison Griffith and fellow attorneys from Legal Aid - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, The Advocates for Human Rights and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota for a special training to help clients in bond/custody redetermination hearings. Sign up now and get CLE credit. Training set for June 4, Noon-1:30 pm
https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/Events/A/Index?id=207

05/17/2026

Give this a listen! Legal Aid is grateful to legislative leaders who will work with us to do what's best for kids, even when we intensely disagree about the approach. In this committee hearing, you are witnessing a collegial, respectful exchange, as Legal Aid Attorney Jessica Webster rejects the idea that kindergarteners should be suspended. As she says, "There is no crisis of kindergarteners assaulting teachers..." But there is a crisis of Indigenous kids being suspended at 10 times the rate of white kids, while Black kids are suspended at 8 times the rate."

As the legislative session comes to a close, don't miss your chance to connect with your representatives on this important issue that could forever impact the way children see, accept or reject school.

05/14/2026

Legal Aid is racing the legislative clock, making sure votes concering seclusion are votes that favor the wellbeing of children. If you're a podcast listener, play this! Attorney Jessica Webster explains what it means to isolate kids with disabilities. Time code: 4:23

NSS: Jessica Webster describes the impact that seclusion rooms have on Minnesota children who have experienced the practice. "There's no getting around what this practice is. It is a scary and terrifying experience for the kids who are put in these rooms. They are a traumatic practice."

Thank you to North Star Stories and Producer Jose Ozoria.



https://apple.co/49ll1Pp

Podcast Episode · North Star Stories · May 7 · 29m

05/13/2026

Championed by Legal Aid Attorneys Ron Elwood and Colleen Daly, the HOA Bill of Rights," which passed with bipartisan support, will curb overreach of homeowner associations! Fined for parking in your own driveway? Threatened with foreclosure for trash bin violations? Good news, HOA homeowners can rely on updated consumer protections!

The “HOA Bill of Rights” legislation is the rare example of a bipartisan accomplishment in what’s been an otherwise quiet session.

05/11/2026

How about that! The Minnesota lawyer in “Minnesota Lawyer” is our own, Jessica Webster. In the publication's "Breaking the Ice" feature, the 2026 Becker Award honoree and Legal Aid staff attorney says she "probably has an unhealthy amount of rage at injustice and unfair practices.” Finding a way to channel that is the secret to her success. With permission, bypass the paywall and read the MinnLawyer feature published to our website newsroom! https://mylegalaid.org/news-stories/winning-for-thousands-drives-policy-advocate-minnlawyer/

05/07/2026

With your sponsorships and generosity, The Fund for Legal Aid raised $641,000 and counting! Special thanks to our Platinum Underwriter and Underwriting sponsors! The Law Day Dinner wouldn’t be possible without your generosity. Legal Aid can’t wait for you to join us again next year!

05/07/2026

Look who stopped by our MN Disability Law Center. Teachers Luke, Jazmine and their Transition Plus students from Minneapolis Public Schools! The group ventures out to tie the curriculum they learn in their "Street Law" class to law firms doing the work. The course examines family law, criminal law, housing law, and this day their focus is on disability law. Before they left, we gave them our "Into Adulthood Guide." It's a resource for young adults with disabilities, venturing out on their own for the first time. Need a copy? Read it here! https://mylegalaid.org/disability-law-center/programs/into-adulthood/

05/06/2026

Apply now, the deadline is Friday, May 8! Passionate about disability rights? Join our MN Disability Law Center as our newest Legal Advocate. In this role, you will connect with prospective clients, consult with team leaders and be a trusted resource. Required: One year of intake or case management experience! https://bit.ly/4mJZntg

05/06/2026

Have you or your child experienced seclusion at school? Your story matters. University of Minnesota researchers are seeking people willing to share their experiences with seclusion of children with disabilities, including:

• Parents/caregivers of children secluded within the last 5 years
• Adults who experienced seclusion as a child
• Educators (teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, nurses, paraprofessionals and more)

The study focuses on Minnesota, but participants from other states are welcome. Future participation may include children under 18. Sharing your story can help improve policies and practices.
Sign up! https://tally.so/r/RGZrMJ