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• Chambers: Two Former Clerks' Guide to Family Court

  • When
    February 10, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Remote Attendance via Zoom

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  Topic: Chambers: Two Former Clerks' Guide to Family Court

  Drawing on their experiences as former law clerks in the Hennepin and Ramsey County family courts, attorneys Kyle Edwards and Alexis Bernhardt offer a behind-the-scenes look at what really matters in chambers. In this panel-style presentation, they’ll discuss common pitfalls, practical tips, and concrete ways paralegals can better support their attorneys and clients and navigate family court more effectively.

  Speakers: Kyle Edwards & Alexis Bernhardt

  Alexis Bernhardt is an associate attorney at Heimerl & Lammers in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where she practices family law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During law school, Alexis worked at a small family law firm in Minneapolis. Prior to joining Heimerl & Lammers, she served as a law clerk for Referee Jason T. Hutchison in Hennepin County Family Court.

  Kyle J. Edwards is an associate attorney at Heimerl and Lammers, practicing family, domestic abuse, and harassment law. Kyle brings a unique "inside chambers" perspective shaped by his experience as a judicial law clerk. He earned his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

  Kyle previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jenese Larmouth in Ramsey County, where he worked closely on family law, domestic abuse, and harassment cases. In that role, he drafted district court orders, conducted legal research, and managed case files. This experience gave him a firsthand insight into how judges evaluate filings, arguments, and courtroom advocacy. He also clerked for the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office, handling both civil and criminal matters and further developing his legal writing and analytical skills.

  Drawing on his time inside chambers, Kyle is well situated to help other legal professionals better understand what Courts prioritize and how thoughtful preparation can make a meaningful difference in family court proceedings. He is passionate about practical, efficient advocacy and enjoys sharing lessons learned from the clerk's seat that can help paralegals and attorneys alike better serve clients and the Court.

  Remote attendance only.
  

  • Member Cost: Free
  • Non-Member Cost: $15

  CLE credit has been applied for this session.

  Please RSVP by February 9, 2026.

  Sponsored by: Family Law Sectional

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

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• Trust Accountings

  • When
    February 11, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Remote Attendance via Zoom

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  Topic: Trust Accountings

  This presentation will cover the preparation of trustee accountings and petitioning the court for approval of the accounts. Focusing on court supervised trusts, the presentation will include a high-level overview of the Uniform Principal and Income Act, guidance on how to prepare the Trustee’s Account (Court Form 417.02), and an explanation of the steps to obtain court approval of the account.

  Speaker: David Kula, Esq.

  David Kula is an attorney in Dorsey’s Tax, Trusts & Estates group. His practice focuses on estate planning and trust administration. He counsels his clients on all aspects of estate planning, transfer tax planning, business succession planning, and charitable planning. He also represents individual and corporate fiduciaries in the administration of complex estates and trusts.

  Remote attendance only.
  

  • Member Cost: Free
  • Non-Member Cost: $15

  CLE credit has been applied for this session.

  Please RSVP by February 10, 2026.

  Sponsored by: Probate & Tax Sectional

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

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• How to Prepare Your Case for Mediation

  • When
    March 09, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Remote Attendance via Zoom

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  Topic: How to Prepare Your Case for Mediation

  Melissa will discuss helpful hints to prepare a case for mediation so that each session is as productive and cost-efficient as possible.

  Speaker: Melissa J. Nilsson

  With more than two decades of family law experience, I provide clients with steady, thoughtful guidance during what is often one of the most overwhelming times in their lives. Known for my intellect, civility, and ability to solve complex problems, I am particularly skilled at navigating high-net-worth cases involving business and property valuation, tax analysis, nonmarital interests, and executive compensation.

  My practice spans a wide range of family law matters, including spousal maintenance, retirement benefits, child custody and support, parenting time, paternity, third-party custody and visitation, grandparent visitation, post-decree proceedings, and family law appeals. I approach each case with a focus on crafting practical, sustainable solutions that align with my clients’ long-term goals.

  Clients value my ability to foster a calm, supportive environment while providing clear, realistic guidance. I explain the legal process in understandable terms, address potential challenges, and set reasonable expectations to help clients feel informed and confident in their decisions.

  As both a lawyer and a parent, I understand the importance of preparation and staying one step ahead. My organized, forward-thinking approach ensures my clients are well-prepared and shielded from surprises. While family law litigation can be emotional and stressful, I take pride in being a consistent, unflappable advocate who provides the clarity and stability my clients need to move forward.

  Remote attendance only.
  

  • Member Cost: Free
  • Non-Member Cost: $15

  CLE credit has been applied for this session.

  Please RSVP by March 8, 2026.

  Sponsored by: Family Law Sectional

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

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• Best Practices for Drafting Family Court Orders

  • When
    March 25, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Remote Attendance via Zoom

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  Topic: Best Practices for Drafting Family Court Orders

  Sharpen your drafting skills for stipulations and proposed orders based on a statewide survey of judicial preferences.

  Speaker: Bethany Hurd

  Bethany Hurd is a solo family law attorney and ADR provider based out of Roseville. She taught legal writing at Mitchell Hamline Law School for five years and serves on the MSBA publications committee.

  Remote attendance only.
  

  • Member Cost: Free
  • Non-Member Cost: $15

  CLE credit has been applied for this session.

  Please RSVP by March 24, 2026.

  Sponsored by: Family Law Sectional

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

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