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The challenges facing rural America predictably only intensified as the pandemic moved our justice system virtual. The lack of technology, access to broadband internet, and infrastructural poverty became glaring problems in how communities were now expected to access the justice system. However, in this newly published law review article, written by LASNEM staff Jude Schmit and Rachel Albertson, investments in technology to reach rural communities have proven to be a solution with impact that has surpassed expectations. This is an important article that gives real examples of how technology, namely in the forms of justice buses, kiosks, and virtual court, have bridged the divide for those seeking civil legal services in a more meaningful way than decades of other tried solutions. Hundreds of rural Minnesotans would have received no help in their times of crises if these innovative and collaborative solutions had not been there. I am grateful that Jude and Rachel took the time to write this well composed article that provides accounts from the trenches about solutions that may change the way the justice system operates, in our eyes certainly for the better.

Witnessed From the Justice Bus: COVID Drove Equal...

Thirty feet above the marble entrance to the Supreme Court looms the Great American Promise: "Equal Justice Under Law." Chiseled by hand before the building was completed in 1935, the bold pledge-though etched in stone-remains distant and...

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mhlawreview.org

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PAI Volunteer Appreciation Night

In honor of National Pro Bono Week, LASNEM's PAI program is hosting a

FREE trivia night for volunteers and supporters on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Grab a drink, grab your friends, and join us for some virtual fun!

Prizes and a drawing await!

Sign me up!

Kurt W. Porter receives MJF Private Practice Pro Bono Award

Eve Utyro and Kurt Porter

MJF Outstanding Service Awards

September 28, 2022

Kurt W. Porter, of Severson and Porter Law in Brainerd, MN, was awarded the Minnesota Justice Foundation Outstanding Service Private Practice Pro Bono Award on September 28, 2022.

Eve Utyro, LASNEM PAI Manager, nominated Kurt Porter for his pro bono work with LASNEM's Private Attorney Involvement program.

"Kurt Porter is one of our key volunteers in making our service delivery possible in his part of the state. Kurt has volunteered with our program since its inception in 2019 and in just the past year alone he has assisted dozens of clients in real estate, wills, and estate planning matters," Eve says. "Volunteers like Kurt are “legal lighthouses.” Their presence, practice, and dedication provide a beacon for low-income individuals who seek access to lawyers, courts, and legal information all while also navigating vast distances, insufficient (or nonexistent) public transit, and a lack of reliable cell phone service and broadband internet."

Congratulations, Kurt! Thank you for all that you do!

Minnesota Legal Kiosk Project

Find a Legal Kiosk

Legal Kiosks

Legal Kiosks provide the public the ability to apply for civil legal aid services, access legal resources, attend online meetings and remote court hearings, and in some locations, print documents for free.

There are over 230 locations with 269 Legal Kiosks located across Minnesota.

Anyone can use a Legal Kiosk!

Reservations are recommended for virtual meetings or court hearings. You can find a location and instructions on how to reserve the kiosk at LegalKiosk.org

The True Value of Access to Justice

Worth the Read

“This story is simply one of the thousands of stories that show how a tiny amount of help from a lawyer, even in non-disputed cases, can make a world of difference to a person’s life, and save taxpayers immense money.” Eric Osborne writes in a recent piece in Justice Rising.

“The simple fact is that every dollar of legal services provided does multiplies and pays itself forward. This is why the work of LSC, and of the thousands of lawyers working in legal aid, and lawyers in private practice who volunteer time is so important. Their work helps hold the fabric of society together.”

The True Value of Access to Justice

By Eric G. Osborne We often say that each dollar spent on legal aid saves taxpayers three to four dollars, but it may not be immediately obvious to many people how free civil legal services ultimately saves money. Today, I want to share the story ...

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medium.com