May 20: Stress in the Legal Profession — To Breathe or Not to Breathe?

This program explores the impact of stress and mental health challenges within the legal profession. Presenter Kyle White draws on more than 30 years of criminal defense practice, including extensive work with clients experiencing mental illness. He will discuss how stress affects lawyers, why the profession is uniquely vulnerable, and practical strategies for recognizing and managing stress more effectively.

Title:
Stress in the Legal Profession: To Breathe or Not to Breathe?

Date:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT.
Online event; access link provided upon registration.
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar.

Speaker:
Kyle White, Criminal Defense Attorney and former Board President, NAMI‑MN.

Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 Mental Health credit pending.
• Other: You may be able to self‑apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

 

April 15: Tips for Avoiding Common Ethics Violations

Title:
Tips for Avoiding Common Ethics Violations

Date:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 11 AM MT / 10 AM PT
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar

Description:

Most common ethics violations are avoidable with proactive client management and thoughtful office procedures. This presentation examines several frequently violated rules, including those involving communication, diligent representation, and the emerging ethical challenges associated with integrating AI into legal practice.

The presenters will also discuss hypothetical scenarios that illustrate how these rules apply in real‑world situations, offering practical guidance for preventing common missteps and strengthening professional responsibility practices.

Speakers:

• Caitlin Guilford, Assistant Director, Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility
• Amanda Siefman, Assistant Director, Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility

Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

January 21: Helping Clients Get Out of Timeshares

Timeshares can become a financial and legal burden for clients who no longer want or afford them. This session will explore practical and ethical approaches to guiding clients through timeshare exits, including contract review, negotiation with resort companies, potential litigation, and avoiding common scams. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the legal tools available, the pitfalls to watch for, and how to protect clients’ interests while facilitating a clean and enforceable exit. 
Title:
Helping Clients Get Out of Timeshares
Date:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
William G. Cottrell (Bill) has been in private practice for his entire professional career, dedicating decades to a wide variety of legal matters. Over the years, he has litigated several hundred cases to trial and handled thousands of motions. In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Bill has successfully mediated numerous civil lawsuits, achieving favorable settlements for his clients.
While the primary focus of his practice is on consumer and commercial debt collection, Bill also handles cases involving Family Law, Commercial Litigation, Sexual Harassment, and other legal matters. In recent years, he has been particularly successful in helping many clients exit unwanted timeshare agreements, providing them with critical relief from burdensome obligations.
He is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and is well-versed in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), having defended collection agencies as well as representing consumers in related disputes.
Bill served as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, William Mitchell College of Law, for 11 years, where he taught Creditor-Debtor law. His expertise has earned him the preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and Lexis-Nexis for the last 15 years, a testament to his standing in the legal community.
In addition to his practice, Bill has published numerous articles on debt collection and has been a speaker at multiple Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

December 17: Navigating the Minnesota Commitment Appeal Panel: Overview of Practice and Procedures

Experienced Commitment Appeal Panel (CAP) attorneys will provide an overview of the statutory basis, burdens, and practice procedures for hearings before the three Judge CAP Panels. 

The CLE will offer an introduction to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) and the reduction in custody process under Minn. Stat. 253D, including the various forms of reduction in custody, the proceedings before the Special Review Board (SRB), and an overview of the CAP proceedings, including the need for court appointed counsel and what the Panel generally expects from counsel in CAP proceedings.
Title:
Navigating the Minnesota Commitment Appeal Panel: Overview of Practice and Procedures
Date:
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm

Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar

Speakers:

• Jennifer Thon works at the Jones Law Office, a small, general practice law firm in Mankato. She represents clients in all types of civil commitment proceedings and at all stages of the proceedings. She works in numerous counties across the state, but primarily in greater Minnesota. Jen has been doing this kind of work for just over 14 years. She attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and received a B.A. in criminal justice, with an emphasis in psychology and sociology and a minor in sociology. She received her JD from the University of North Dakota School of Law.
• Aaron Winter received his JD from Vanderbilt University Law School and has worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Human Services Division of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office since 2014. Prior to working at the AGO, he worked as a law clerk on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and as an Assistant Attorney General in Tennessee

Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

July 16: The Grieving Attorney: Navigating Loss with Competence and Compassion

We are lawyers, but we are also human and as such, are subject to all the range of experiences that all people face at some point in their lives. Grief is one such experience. 

We may experience multiple types of loss over the course of our professional careers including the loss of health, a job, a marriage, and of those for whom we care, among many others. 

This CLE discusses what and how we grieve together with the types of grief and the grief journey. This is approached through the lens of attorney ethics because grief can significantly affect our diligence, responsiveness, and client communication, to name just a few of attorneys' job responsibilities. 

The applicable ethical rules will be discussed including ways to ethically navigate our many responsibilities as attorneys while grieving. We discuss why lawyers' grief may be compounded by the nature of our professional work and the unremitting demands that often accompany it. Finally, we'll discuss various ways we can hold space for that which we are grieving to give meaning to our changed circumstances.

Title:
The Grieving Attorney: Navigating Loss with Competence and Compassion
Date:
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Sarah MacGillis joined LCL as Outreach Director after a 27-year career in litigation. With a deep-seated compassion and genuine interest in people, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring attorneys receive robust targeted support, providing them with swift and easy access to essential tools when they are needed. Sarah is enthusiastic about spearheading new initiatives at LCL, particularly in the realms of well-being, stress management, resilience and in all other areas where LCL supports legal professionals and their families.
Sarah’s extensive background encompasses both civil and criminal defense litigation. Through these experiences, she navigated the pressures of extensive discovery processes, tight deadlines, trial and motion work, occasionally challenging relationships with opposing counsel, and clients deeply involved in their defense. She empathizes with the demanding nature of legal practice, where attorneys are often called upon to dedicate long hours in furtherance of their clients’ interests. Furthermore, Sarah has advocated for numerous licensed professionals grappling with challenges that impacted their own overall well-being and their professional practice. This advocacy laid the foundation for her current role.
Sarah was recognized as a Super Lawyer every year from 2011-2024. Prior to that, she was recognized by the same publication as a Rising Star from 2000-2008. In addition, she previously acted as a Federal Defender Mentor for the District of Minnesota, and as an Adjunct Professor at both Mitchell Hamline and the University of Minnesota Law Schools. She has sat on multiple professional boards including the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Innocence Project and the Minnesota Board of Criminal Defense.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

May 21: Buying and Selling a Law Practice Online

You can now sell your practice to enhance your retirement portfolio. To do that, you must know what your practice is worth, your optimal buyers, how to find them, and how to structure a fair and balanced deal. You only have one opportunity to exit the legal profession. Do it right.
Title:
Buying and Selling a Law Practice Online
Date:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Roy S. Ginsburg, a practicing lawyer for over 40 years in Minnesota, is an attorney coach and law firm consultant who has helped over one hundred solo and small law firm owners nationwide develop their exit strategies. Learn more about Roy and his services at his website: www.sellyourlawpractice.com.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

January 15: Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES): New Requirements for Exhibits in Evidentiary Proceedings

By Supreme Court directive, on January 1, 2025, parties and attorneys must use MNDES to submit electronic (digital) exhibits including document, photographs, and audio and video files, for all district court cases statewide. This presentation will cover the requirements of the Supreme Court order, the required file types, a live demonstration of uploading, sharing, and viewing exhibits in MNDES, a view of what a jury will see, and tips for best practices.
Title:
Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES): New Requirements for Exhibits in Evidentiary Proceedings
Date:
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
12:00pm Central Time
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speakers:

• Jenifer O'Leary is an attorney in the Legal Counsel Division of the State Court Administrator’s Office and provides legal advice and support to Minnesota Judicial Branch committees, workgroups, and court staff statewide. Jenifer joined the Minnesota Judicial Branch in 2004 as a law clerk in Hennepin County, served as a staff attorney for the Minnesota District Judges Association and Foundation, and now serves as a staff attorney for the Legal Counsel Division since 2022.
• Melissa Perkins is a business process and training specialist in the Fourth Judicial District. Melissa’s primary duties including training staff on the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System, eFile and Serve and the court’s case management system.
• Becca Peterson is a staff attorney for the State Court Administrator's Office where her work encompasses many areas of the law including civil, housing, conciliation, and judgments. Becca is the staff attorney for the Supreme Court Committee for the General Rules of Practice and provides legal support for the development and update of statewide forms and court processes. Prior to working for SCAO she was the staff attorney for the Fifth Judicial District, law clerk for the Honorable Gregory Anderson in Blue Earth and Watonwan Counties, and a private practice attorney.

Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

November 20: Ethical Dangers of Isolation in the Legal Professional

Lawyers are exposed to experiences that can lead to higher stress and greater consequences than those in many other careers. There is a clearly recognized continuum where unresolved chronic stress becomes a predictor for substance use problems and mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety. 

 By understanding this continuum and the facts about addiction and mental illness, lawyers can reduce their risk and, hopefully, get help earlier when there is a mental health, substance use, or related problem. 

This program will present signs, symptoms, risk factors, and recovery regarding these challenges. The presenter will also provide personal examples and information on Minnesota's lawyer assistance program. .
Title:
Ethical Dangers of Isolation in the Legal Professional
Date:
Wednesday, November 20, 2024

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Jon Tynjala, Esq., joined LCL as a Clinical Services Director in 2022. Jon received his B.A. in Business Administration from the College of St. Thomas in 1989, and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995. Prior to his affiliation with LCL, Jon was engaged in private practice serving businesses and their owners at larger and medium sized law firms in Minnesota, and, most recently, at a two-person firm in Maple Grove. In addition to his practice, Jon has been actively engaged in recovery work through LCL, among other organizations, and is a prior Board member and past Treasurer of LCL. Over the years, Jon has been involved in numerous family interventions and other recovery outreach activities in support of recovering attorneys, their families, and others.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 ethics credit applied for.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

July 24: Screening for Crimmigration Issues: Navigating the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Defense

This CLE program is designed for legal professionals who encounter the complex interplay between criminal law and immigration law, known as crimmigration. Participants will gain essential knowledge and practical skills to effectively screen for crimmigration issues, ensuring comprehensive criminal defense strategies for clients who face both criminal charges and immigration consequences.

Title:  
Screening for Crimmigration Issues: Navigating the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Defense 

(RESCHEDULED from June)
Date:
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Lucy Egberg is a Managing Attorney at Davis & Egberg, PLLC. She represents individuals in immigration matters including asylum, U visas, T visas, VAWA Petitions, removal defense, and family-based petitions. Her partner, Erica Davis represents individuals in criminal proceedings. Carrie Peltier is the Owner and Managing Attorney at Peltier Law, PLLC. She has worked both as a prosecutor in Massachusetts and Public Defender in Illinois. In Minnesota she represents individuals charged with crimes as well as in immigration matters including asylum, U visas, T visas, VAWA Petitions, removal defense, and family-based petitions.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

July 17: Improving Outcomes for Families with Structured Co-Parenting Communication

This presentation will advise family law professionals of communication technology designed specifically for divorced and separated families to reduce conflict and improve co-parenting. Attendees will learn how parents and practitioners utilize OFW’s platform to manage and document communication. Each attendee will receive examples of agreements and court orders currently used to specify parent and professional use of OFW, as well as a full demonstration of the available features.
Title:
Improving Outcomes for Families with Structured Co-Parenting Communication
Date:
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Webinar
Speaker:
Elle Barr is an experienced family law attorney with a deep commitment to serving children and families. She has experience representing clients in all family law matters, with an emphasis on serving as a court-appointed GAL in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ms. Barr graduated with high honors from Rutgers University School of Law and began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Lee B. Laskin, J.S.C. in Camden County, New Jersey. Following her clerkship, Ms. Barr represented the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety as a Deputy Attorney General. She also served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender and as a Court Appointed Law Guardian for the state of New Jersey. Following these roles, Ms. Barr represented abused and neglected children as a GAL for KidsVoice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As a Divorce Mediator with collaborative training and certification as well, Ms. Barr has the unique ability to effectively manage the heightened emotions often found in family law matters. She is respected by her peers and recognized for her zealous advocacy. Ms. Barr’s empathizing nature allows her to build a strong trusting relationship with clients, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive understanding of each particular situation. Clients value her logical thinking, kindness, and unwavering commitment.
Currently, Ms. Barr serves as a GAL in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also serves as the Judicial Education Coordinator for OurFamilyWizard. In this role, she educates judges, lawyers, and other family law professionals on the online tools that are used to reduce conflict and increase accountability in high-conflict co-parenting situations. She frequently travels across the U.S. to represent the company and speak at key events such as industry conferences and continuing legal education seminars.
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• The listing does not specify credit, but the content and speaker appear to satisfy requirements in a number of states. You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

February 21: An Introduction to the Copyright Claims Board Online

The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) is an efficient, streamlined way to resolve copyright disputes involving claims seeking damages of up to $30,000 and is designed to be less expensive and faster than bringing a case in a federal court.
Title:
An Introduction to the Copyright Claims Board Online
Date:
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Dan Booth
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

December 20: The Basics of Mechanic's Liens - What Every Lawyer Needs to Know and Understand

A mechanic's lien is a claim for a specific monetary amount that a contractor or material supplier files against the owner's property in the event they haven't been paid for the services or materials they provided on a construction project. 

This CLE will give attendees an overview of how mechanic's liens work and why they can be a very powerful remedy for contractors and material suppliers.
Title:
The Basics of Mechanic's Liens - What Every Lawyer Needs to Know and Understand
Date:
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Caryn Boisen
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

November 15: Challenging the Criminal Justice System to Understand Mental Illness

Title:
Challenging the Criminal Justice System to Understand Mental Illness
Date:
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Kyle D. White
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

August 16: Collaborative Law

Title:
Collaborative Law
Date:
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speaker:
Angela Hart
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

October 18: Thoughts from the Bench: Family Law

Two Washington County judges, the Hon. Douglas Meslow and the Hon. Patrick Flanagan, share practice tips for family law practitioners. Covering a range of topics from attorney fee requests, discovery disputes, motions, trials, and more. Moderated by Lindsey O'Connell, Esq., Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell, PLLC.

Title:
Thoughts from the Bench: Family Law
Date:
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speakers:
The Hon. Douglas Meslow and the Hon. Patrick Flanagan
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

June 21: Family Law

Title:
Family Law - TBA
Date:
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speaker:
Lindsey O'Connell
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 Elimination of Bias credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

September 20: The Return of iPhone Forensics

Title:

Washington County Law Library CLE
Date:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speaker:

John Carney

Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: Typically 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

July 19: An Update on Marijuana laws in Minnesota

Title:
An Update on Marijuana laws in Minnesota
Date:
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speakers:
Keshini Ratnayake; Justin Collins; and Tricia Loehr
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration

April 19: Jurisdiction in Indian Country 101

Title:
Jurisdiction in Indian Country 101
Date:
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Speaker:
Judge Colette Routel
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

More Information And Registration

May 17: Basics of Probate

Title:
Basics of Probate
Date:
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm 

Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar
Maximum Attendance = 75.
Speaker:
Amy Mason
Sponsored By:

The Washington County Law Library and the Washington County Bar Association.

Credit:

• Minnesota: 1 Elimination of Bias credit.
• Other: You may be able to self-apply in your state.

More Information And Registration