News Item

On April 1, 2022, the Supreme Court issued an order establishing a public hearing and promulgating amendments to the Rules governing the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project.  The order follows an Interim Report and Recommendations to the Minnesota Supreme Court filed in December 2021, by the Standing Committee for the Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project. 
 
In the Interim Report, the Committee made five recommendations and requested an extension of the Pilot. The Supreme Court then opened a comment period and received submissions regarding the recommendations.  For the recommendations that received only support, the Court has promulgated the Rule amendments as they were recommended, including extending the Pilot through March 31, 2024.  For those recommendations where there was opposition or concern, the Court has established a hearing that will take place on May 17, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the Supreme Court Capitol Courtroom.  Those recommendations, with noted opposition or concern, are as follows:
 

• Recommendation 1. Amend Rule 12.01(e) to remove the prohibition against providing advice and representation in court or at mediations if the family law case involves allegations of domestic abuse or child abuse.
• Recommendation 5. Add eligibility to provide advice and representation in Order for Protection and Harassment Restraining Order cases to the scope of work in which a legal paraprofessional may provide services.

Those wishing to make a presentation regarding recommendations 1 and or 5 should file a request and a copy of their presentation through the appellate courts’ e-filing system, E-MACS, if required to do so. Requests and materials must be submitted to the Clerk of the Appellate Courts no later than April 26, 2022.