Then and Now: Reflections and New Perspectives from the Minnesota Court of Appeals

The Appellate Practice Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association will be holding their annual meeting, dinner, and CLE on May 20, 2026. The event is titled, “Then and Now: Reflections and New Perspectives from the Minnesota Court of Appeals.”

Kyle Kroll will preside over the meeting as Chair and will introduce the new Chair. He will also provide special remarks commemorating the service of Judges Dovre Bjorkman and Slieter on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

The event will feature a panel discussion featuring a recently retired judge and a newly appointed judge from the Minnesota Court of Appeals and will include Judge Louise Dovre Bjorkman and Judge Rachel Bond, with Judge Jeanne Cochran as the moderator. Judge Dovre Bjorkman will reflect on her years of service, sharing insights on how the court, the practice of law, and the demands of appellate judging have evolved over time. Judge Bond will offer a fresh perspective on stepping into the role, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the court and the legal community today. Together, they will explore continuity and change, institutional values, and the enduring responsibility of ensuring fairness, integrity, and public trust in the appellate process.