CMLS and Hennepin County Establish Full-time Position at Domestic Abuse Service Center

For the past year, lawyers from Central Minnesota Regional Legal Services (CMLS) have provided free legal advice and representation to those seeking orders for protection on three days each week at the Hennepin County Family Justice Center. By meeting with domestic violence victims on the day of their court hearing, CMLS attorneys are able to provide vital support that can make a profound difference.

Beginning in March, funding for a full-time attorney position will allow CMLS and the county attorney’s office to provide wrap-around services to victims and their families on an expanded basis from the current project.  With a lawyer based in the Domestic Abuse Service Center, much more time can be spent at the beginning of the legal process, which according to Lilo Schluender, supervising attorney with CMLS, “…can have a huge impact on whether a victim is going to be believed and get the protection they need.”

SMRLS Attorney Named Rock County's “2018 Face of Hope” by the Southwest Crisis Center

Meghan Maes, supervising attorney with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services - Mankato, has been named Rock County's 2018 Face of Hope by the Southwest Crisis Center (SCC) of Worthington.  

SCC works with people experiencing domestic and sexual violence in Rock, Cottonwood, Jackson, Pipestone and Nobles Counties, and Maes is being honored for her impactful work in helping to support survivors and victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, as well as her dedication to raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence through collaboration, volunteerism, and education.

Maes is a 2011 graduate of Hamline University School of Law, and received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. At SMRLS, she practices exclusively in the areas of family law and obtaining civil protective orders on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. 

“I am privileged to work with survivors. I am drawn to represent survivors because I want to provide a safe space for survivors to explore their legal options. I believe access to the justice system and resources can help survivors put themselves in the best position to make decisions about their safety and the safety of their family. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with survivors and am constantly in awe of their courage,” Maes said. 

She will receive her award at SCC’s Faces of Hope Banquet on April 21st in Pipestone. The banquet brings community members together to increase awareness of domestic and sexual violence and trafficking through supporting the work of the Southwest Crisis Center.

Legal Aid's Legacy of Wraparound Services for DV Victims

In We Arm Them With Lawyers, Attorney at Law magazine generously provides space for a monthly article on Legal Aid’s work. In this issue, We Arm Them With Lawyers reveals Legal Aid’s longstanding commitment to Minnesota’s domestic violence victims.

Using an approach referred to as "wraparound services," Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's domestic violence work includes everything from family law advice and orders for protection, to basic necessities such as food, security, housing, health care, consumer protection, and emergency benefits. More recently, MMLA has collaborated with shelters, medical clinics, and community organizations to make access to a legal services safer and easier.

In 2008, MMLA - St. Cloud joined in the formation of the now nationally recognized Stearns County Domestic Violence Partnership, which advises the Stearns County Felony Domestic Violence Court (DVC). “Before this project, the violent offender had a right to a public defender but the victims had no lawyer they could talk to about anything,” says Legal Aid Deputy Director Ann Cofell. “The DVC gives them that lawyer. It gives them a voice in the system.”  Read more in Attorney at Law magazine.

MMLA Supervising Attorney Honored with Hope for Tomorrow Award

Dan Morris, supervising attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, was honored this month with Safe Avenues' Hope for Tomorrow award.

Safe Avenues, a Willmar organization that provides advocacy, parent-child visitation services, and emergency shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, maintains a strong, symbiotic partnership with Legal Aid's Willmar office. "With most non-profits, resources can be thin," Morris said. "We have to make the most of what we can with what we have. Our partnership serves a similar population in the same community, and we have a lot of the same goals."

Part of the intake process at Safe Avenues is an assessment of potential legal questions or difficulties. Advocates then pass the information to Legal Aid, help gather documentation, and explain Legal Aid's role. The attorneys meet with clients at the shelter at designated appointment times.

The Hope for Tomorrow Award recognizes volunteers and professionals who work tirelessly to bring hope, healing, safety, and justice to the community by providing advocacy and justice to survivors, helping build communities intolerant of domestic and sexual violence, and working to change people’s lives for the better.  It recognizes the courage and strength of these individuals, and the enormous influence they have in developing resources, promoting non-violent, cooperative, and healthy relationships, and facilitating the social change necessary to end violence against men, women, and children. 

As supervising attorney, Morris has arranged for training of all staff on issues such as safety planning, and the realities of life for survivors.  For Safe Avenues, he has provided training on matters related to family law and immigration issues faced by survivors.  In addition to working to improve the systemic response to domestic violence through participation in community programs, he also serves as a role model to other staff in his treatment of victims.  His service to each client is not only professional, but informed, because of his understanding and compassion for the unique struggles of each person. Legal Aid's deputy director Ann Cofell remarked, “through his work, and dedication to building strong and cooperative relationships, Dan multiplies the impact of all.” 

Reflecting on the award, Morris said, "While it might be my name on the award, it truly is an honor I share with the office. I’m not the only one that does outreach, or works with the shelter staff to coordinate services; it's an office-wide effort, and so I see this award as not just a recognition of my work, but rather the office as a whole."

MMLA Deputy Director Presented with 2015 ATHENA Award

Ann Cofell Honored by the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation

St. Cloud, Minn. – The Women’s Fund has named Ann Cofell the 2015 Athena Award recipient. Ann was chosen for the award because of her commitment to improving the lives of others and her dedication to serving members of the St. Cloud community with her creativity and innovation.

Demonstrating excellence in the legal profession for the past 35 years, Ann holds the position of Deputy Director of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA). She manages both the St. Cloud and Willmar offices, continues to represent clients, mentor young attorneys and has established a critical partnership with the Stearns County Domestic Violence Court to provide safety for domestic violence victims. This specialty court was recently recognized by the U.S. Office of Violence Against Women as a “mentor court.” As a leader of this initiative, Ann has dedicated herself to educating individuals and communities about how this court works and how it can be tailored to fit the needs of other areas to see an impact.

Ann leads by example and tirelessly acts as an advocate and mentor to many. She works to ensure that all members of the community can live and thrive here. Ann has served on several area boards including, Anna Marie’s, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Opportunity Matters. Read the full press release.