We are the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and we are unique and strong. Our Chapter’s uniqueness stems from the remarkable relationship between our federal bench and bar, as we share the common goal of enhancing the practice of law in federal courts. And our Chapter’s strength derives the award-winning programs we’ve created – programs that make FBA membership meaningful, that increase access to justice for litigants, and that benefit our federal bench and bar.
As a result of this strength and uniqueness, the Minnesota Chapter – chartered in 1940 and active since 1962 – has grown from a fledgling chapter with a handful of members into one of the largest and most innovative FBA chapters in the country. We are now pushing toward 900 members, who come to us as private practice lawyers, inhouse counsel, government lawyers, law students, judges, and court staff.
For all of these constituencies that make up the FBA Minnesota Chapter, we take seriously our pledge to make FBA membership meaningful. It may sound trite, but it’s true and reflected in our ambitious programs. Our programs include:
- The Federal Practice Seminar (full-day CLE seminar each June at a great venue);
- The Mason Memorial Lunch (annual luncheon series with renowned keynote speakers);
- The Pro Se Project (program designed to provide all civil pro se litigants in federal court with a volunteer lawyer);
- The FBA Monthly Lunches (monthly federal practice speakers – usually judges – at the Minneapolis Club);
- The Prisoner Transport Program (busing Minnesota children to see their incarcerated mothers in Pekin, Illinois);
- The Newer Lawyer Lunches (brown bag lunches with federal judges);
- The Federal Judges’ Dinner Dance (spring dinner event at Minikahda with tulips in bloom); and
- The FBA golf tournament (FBA golfers ranging from great to not so great playing at Midland Hills).
Each year, these programs win awards, and this year is no exception, as our Pro Se Project won the ABA’s prestigious Harrison Tweed Award.
Our programs have also expanded into publication. Specifically, Bar Talk enters its fifth year, and our members continue to fill the pages of this publication with insightful articles concerning the people, places, and things impacting federal practice in Minnesota.
We’re also involved in other initiatives and committees that benefit our members, as we have an active Diversity Committee (leading the charge on diversity issues), a Practice Groups Committee (enhancing IP practice in federal court), a Law School Liaison (supporting FBA student groups at local law schools), a Grant Committee, a Long-Range Planning Committee, a National Council Delegate, an Eighth Circuit Delegate, and an MSBA Liaison.
In addition to these ongoing initiatives and committees, the FBA answers the call from the bench and bar in so many other ways – everything from hosting delegations of international judges, to promoting diversity, to leading disability initiatives, to welcoming Eighth Circuit and district court judges to town, to encouraging mentoring through the Page Foundation, and much, much more.
So that’s who we are. And that’s how we make FBA membership meaningful. The Minnesota Chapter of the FBA is diverse, dynamic, and strong. We remain committed to enhancing the practice of law in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Throughout 2011-2012, we will continue to find new ways to make FBA membership meaningful.
If you have not already done so, I invite you to join the FBA and the Minnesota Chapter.
Pat Martin
FBA Minnesota Chapter President