Details: After nearly three years of hard work, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has formally approved a new, long-term hearing framework for district courts. This new hearing framework builds on all of the lessons learned and feedback received both during and after the pandemic. It aims to bring statewide consistency to how our district courts hold hearings in both criminal and non-criminal matters, while at the same time respecting the need for case-by-case discretion and providing focused local flexibility.
With the MJB’s new hearing framework going into effect on February 3rd, the objectives of this training are to review the framework and answer questions participants may have about the new framework and discuss practices that support remote hearing professionalism and decorum. Join us to learn how you can effectively prepare for these new changes and represent your clients remotely.
Presenters: Chief Judge Michael Fritz was appointed in February of 2014 and is currently the Chief Judge of the 7th District. He is chambered in Becker County but also rotates to Otter Tail County. Prior to his appointment Judge Fritz served as the Becker County Attorney for seven years and Assistant Becker County Attorney for 14 years.
Judge Rachel Sullivan has served as a District Court Judge for just over six years, having been appointed by Governor Mark Dayton in July of 2018. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Sullivan maintained a private practice primarily focused in the area of Family Law. During her time as a private practitioner, she developed an extensive Early Neutral Evaluation and Mediation practice. Judge Sullivan previously worked as an associate attorney at Larkin Hoffman Daly and Lindgren as well as Lockridge Grindal Nauen. Judge Sullivan is chambered in St. Louis County – Hibbing, Minnesota, and currently serves as Assistant Chief Judge of the Sixth District. Judge Sullivan is a graduate of Boston University and Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Senior Judge Kathryn Messerich has served as Co-Chair of the OHI Steering Committee since her retirement in 2021. Judge Messerich was appointed in 2004 to the First Judicial District and served as Assistant Chief/Chief Judge of the District from 2013 to 2021. She currently serves as a Senior Judge and serves on the Clemency Review Commission.
CLE: 1 hour of CLE Credit to be applied for.