Ethical Issues for Paralegals (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Topic: Ethical Issues for Paralegals

Ethical Issues for Paralegals will cover common ethical concerns for paralegals that arise under the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, including client communication, confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law, communication with represented parties, and rules governing the relationship between supervising attorneys and paralegals. In addition, the presentation will discuss emerging issues with the use of AI in the practice of law.

Speaker: David Watson

David Watson joined the Office of Lawyer Professional Responsibility as Assistant Director in January 2026. Before joining the OLPR, David practiced in Minnesota as a civil litigator, including prosecuting, litigating large-loss fire and explosion cases from initial investigation through appeal, insurance defense and coverage disputes, and maritime cargo losses. David served as a district court law clerk for two years in the Seventh Judicial District in Minnesota after receiving his JD from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2015.

Remote attendance only.

Member Cost: Free
Non-Member Cost: $15

Ethics CLE credit has been applied for this session via NFPA.

Please RSVP by September 8, 2026.

Sponsored by: Probate & Tax Sectional

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Andrea MacLean at Andrea.MacLean@bravlaw.com.

The Price of Love: Salstrom Calculations Explained (October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Topic: The Price of Love: Salstrom Calculations Explained

This presentation provides a clear and engaging overview of the Salstrom Calculations, explaining the core principles, methodology, and real-world applications behind the model. Attendees will learn how the calculations are structured, what variables influence outcomes, and how the framework can be applied to analyze patterns, decision-making, and measurable results across different scenarios. Designed for both beginners and experienced audiences, the session breaks down complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand insights.

Speakers: Victoria Brenner and Laura Kvasnicka

Victoria Brenner is an experienced and well-respected family law attorney. She provides trusted support to clients and their dependents going through separations and divorces. Victoria has extensive experience handling custody, parenting time, child support, orders for protection, alimony, divorce, divorces involving closely held businesses, and post-divorce matters for high net worth individuals. She also serves as a Rule 17 Guardian ad Litem and a Rule 53 Special Master.

Victoria is also committed to improving the practice of family law. She is an active member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Minnesota Chapter), whose mission is to minimize the negative impact of divorce and separation on parties and their children. This mission mirrors her view and approach to family law.

In addition, she currently teaches the next generation of lawyers Domestic Violence & the Law at St. Thomas School of Law. Prior to that, she taught family law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law for several years. Victoria has written and presented numerous articles and CLE courses on divorces involving closely held businesses, spousal maintenance, family law appeals, attorney ethics, and grandparent rights.

Victoria proudly serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for Twin Cities Diversity in Practice and Wanton Injustice Legal Detail.

Prior to joining Taft, Victoria served as managing partner of a full-service law firm in Minnesota. She currently serves on Taft’s Executive Committee. Among other recognitions, in 2023, she was awarded Top Woman Lawyer by Minnesota Lawyer.

Laura Kvasnicka is a family law attorney whose background in social work helps her provide trusted advice to her clients. She understands that her clients are often going through one of the most difficult times in their lives and are navigating significant life transitions. Laura is a dedicated advocate for her clients and her attention to detail and clear communication allow her to work with her clients to understand and achieve their goals.

Laura focuses her practice on cases involving divorce, high-conflict custody and parenting time, complex financial situations, child support, spousal maintenance, orders for protection, post-separation matters, and appeals. Laura also assists clients in cases involving interstate jurisdictional issues and international child custody involving the Hague Convention.

Laura works with her clients to negotiate comprehensive solutions for them, whether in or out of court. Prior to joining Taft, Laura practiced commercial litigation and she uses that experience when her clients’ cases proceed to trial.

Laura is an active member of her community, serving on the University of St. Thomas School of Law Alumni Association Board, the Hennepin County Bar Association New Lawyers’ Section Board, MSBA Access to Justice Committee, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Legislative and Public Policy Committee. Laura is also actively involved in pro bono work and serves on Taft’s Pro Bono Committee. She currently teaches Family Law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law as an adjunct professor.

Remote attendance only.

Member Cost: Free
Non-Member Cost: $15

CLE credit has been applied for this session via NFPA.

Please RSVP by October 14, 2026.

Sponsored by: Family Law Sectional

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amanda Bean at amandab@hllawfirm.com.

Minnesota Paralegal Association upcoming events

Ethical Issues for Paralegals (September 09, 2026)

The Price of Love: Salstrom Calculations Explained (October 15, 2026)