Baxter-Kauf, Kitze Collins, Wagner, and Waller Recognized as North Star Lawyers

North Star Lawyers

We are thrilled to announce that LGN attorneys Kate Baxter-Kauf, Rachel Kitze Collins, Arielle Wagner, and Derek Waller have been recognized as 2024 North Star Lawyers. LGN attorneys have been recognized as Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) North Star Lawyers (for providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services) since the North Star Lawyer program began in 2013.

Lockridge Grindal Nauen attorneys, paralegals, and staff dedicate hundreds of hours per year toward pro bono legal representation and volunteer activities coordinated by a committee of partners and associates. We are committed to helping those who otherwise could not afford counsel achieve justice.

We asked each of our North Star Lawyers why pro-bono work is important to them. You can see their responses below.

Kate Baxter-Kauf
Kate Baxter-Kauf, Chair of the Pro Bono Committee and Pro Bono Partner

“Pro Bono work is an integral part of my practice.  It allows me to do meaningful work and help people who might not otherwise have access to the court system navigate their cases while gaining expertise in different areas of the law.  I appreciate the responsibility of making sure that my clients are heard and respected and that I can make sure that they know they have an advocate through what is often the worst experience of their lives.  And the opportunities for mentorship of associates and skill building are immense.”

Rachel Kitze Collins
Rachel Kitze Collins, Partner

“I love having pro bono work as part of my practice because it gives me an opportunity to advocate for issues and clients that I’m passionate about, that don’t fit squarely within my billable practice.  When I was a newer lawyer in particular, doing pro bono work also gave me the opportunity to practice new skills and taught me how to manage a case and client.”

Arielle S. Wagner
Arielle S. Wagner, Associate

“Pro bono work is a way for me to use my skills to support those who might not otherwise find access to justice. It’s incredibly rewarding to resolve an issue and know that we’ve made a meaningful difference in someone’s life!”

Derek C. Waller
Derek C. Waller, Associate

“The legal system can be complex and overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my training and experience to help clients navigate the system. I believe lawyers have a responsibility to use their knowledge to help meet the high need for legal services, and I’m proud that LGN has prioritizes and supports pro bono work!”

You can learn more about LGN’s Pro Bono work HERE. More information about the North Star Lawyers program is available HERE. Congratulations to all recognized attorneys!

North Star Lawyers

LGN Sponsors PFund’s Moxie Awards

LGN was proud to sponsor PFund’s 2024 Moxie Awards earlier this month. The fundraising event helps support PFund’s mission of building community and providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals through grants and scholarships by developing leaders and inspiring giving. The foundation has expanded beyond its modest roots to become the only queer community foundation serving the Upper Midwest.

LGN associate Derek Waller and his partner represented LGN at the event. When asked about the experience, Derek shared:

“It is inspiring to see how a grassroots foundation based in Minnesota has grown to make a difference for queer folks all across the upper Midwest, especially in areas where our community needs more support than ever.  PFund’s grantees are doing critical work for our communities, and scholarships show queer youth who need financial support for education that we’ve got their back. I wouldn’t be where I am today without community support, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward.”

You can learn more about PFund’s important work and how to support the foundation by clicking below:

LGN Attorneys Score Victory for a Class of Minnesota Insureds

LGN attorneys David Asp, Kristen Marttila, Derek Waller, Jennifer Jacobs, and Stephen Owen scored a victory for a class of Minnesota insureds yesterday when a federal court ruled that Farmers has been operating in violation of state law by limiting the health care providers with whom its insureds may use medical benefits provided through No Fault insurance policies. The district court barred Farmers from continuing the practice, and ordered that a number of issues, including those relating to the recovery of damages, would proceed to trial. Read more here.

LGN Sponsors WithAll Golf Tournament

LGN was proud to sponsor a WithAll’s golf event on June 5 at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis! WithAll provides resources and education to parents, teachers, coaches, and health providers so they can help kids develop a positive body image and relationship with food. WithAll also provides recovery support grants to folks in treatment for an eating disorder. 

We are honored to be a partner in this important work. LGN associate Derek Waller serves on the board of WithAll and he attended the event with colleagues from LGN’s health law practice, including David Asp, Jennifer Jacobs, and Kristen Marttila.

LGN Associate Derek Waller to Present a CLE at MN Lavendar Bar Association Annual Conference

At the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association annual conference on Saturday, February 11, 2023, hosted at the University of Minneosta Law School, LGN associate Derek Waller will present a CLE entitled “Mental Health Parity and LGBTQ Health.” The presentation will discuss the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, its requirements for health insurance coverage of mental health and substance use treatment, and recent trends in enforcement of the Act, with a focus on how the law affects LGBTQ communities. Access to mental health and substance use treatment is especially critical for LGBTQ individuals, who are disproportionately likely to experience a mental health condition.

Details about the conference are available here: https://mnlavbar.org/22nd-annual-mlba-conference/#!event-register/2023/2/11/22nd-annual-mlba-conference

Learn more about LGN’s health care practice area here.