Editor's Note

This issue of Scoop includes articles with a common focus on representation of immigrant populations. Although the percentage of foreign-born residents in Minnesota remains relatively low, Minnesota's immigrants include high proportions of refugees and of some population groups, minority populations account for a large percentage of Minnesota's overall population growth in recent years, and the numbers of non-English speakers has grown substantially. Immigrants face some unique legal problems, and lawyers undertaking to represent them face some unique challenges. The challenges can be especially daunting for solo and small firm lawyers.

The Scoop Spotlight features Nelson Peralta, who began his career with a migrant legal assistance project and has developed a successful small firm practice. Mr. Peralta, whose clientele is largely Spanish-speaking, writes about challenges and offers tips for solo and small firm lawyers seeking to develop such a practice. Some of the resources needed to represent immigrants effectively are addressed by Shirlene Perrin, whose practice includes criminal, family and immigrant matters, and Judith Rush, who chairs the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board and practices ethics, appeals and family law. Roy Ginsberg, a solo practitioner and lawyer coach, offers advice on marketing legal services to immigrant populations.

This issue also presents photo highlights of the 2010 Solo and Small Firm Success Conference in Duluth and a reminder to mark calendars for this year's conference on August 7-9. Future issues will give additional information on the conference that has become a summer highlight.

We invite comments on Scoop and on the articles in this issue. Future issues may include a sampling of letters and messages, which can be sent to mcole@minncle.org.

 
     
 

Highlights of 2010...

Also In This Issue...

  • Se Habla Español Aqui
    ("Spanish Is Spoken Here")
    by Nelson L. Peralta
    It was late afternoon when the telephone rang.
    "Hello Nelson, this is Chris Messerly of Robins Kaplan. I'm calling to invite you to be part of a group of lawyers representing survivors of the 35W bridge collapse. We have some Spanish-speaking survivors who need help. Are you interested in joining the group?"
    After speaking with my law partner, Lisa Lodin Peralta, we accepted Chris’s invitation to become part of the pro bono consortium. It was the start of an incredible professional and personal experience that would last three years. 
    Read More »
  • Representing Immigrant Clients: Cautions and Resources
    by Shirlene Perrin and Judith Rush
    Representing clients who are immigrants requires an attorney to appreciate the impact of language, culture, and immigration law on the representation and to know how to use available resources.
    Cultural Competence. Cultural and language barriers often pose challenges for immigrant clients that attorneys should be aware of regardless of their area of practice.
    Read More »
  • Marketing of Legal Services to an Immigrant Population: A Lawyer Coach Answers the Question, "Does It Work?"
    by Roy S. Ginsburg
    Whenever asked by attendees at one of my marketing CLEs or by my lawyer coaching clients whether they should market their services differently because of what they perceive as "unique circumstances," I am always somewhat amused.
    Usually, my answer is no.
    Read More »
 
 

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Nelson L. Peralta
Peralta & Peralta, Ltd.
3009 Holmes Ave.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
nelson@peraltalawfirm.com | (612) 827-3521

Our spotlight this month features Nelson L. Peralta. Nelson practices with Peralta & Peralta, Ltd. in Minneapolis. He began his legal career at Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after which he practiced law at Shutts & Bowen in Miami and at three small firms in Minneapolis before opening his own firm. Nelson was named a "Rising Star" in 2000 and 2003 by Minnesota Law & Politics and has served as President and Board member of the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association as well as receiving its Distinguished Service Award. He received the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "25 on the Rise" award in 2008, and in 2009, Nelson was one of the recipients of the MSBA's President's Award for his firm's participation in the 35W Bridge Collapse Pro Bono Consortium. He is active in numerous bar and community activities and in 2009 was named a member of the Minnesota CLE Board of Directors.

My practice is
Co-owner of Peralta & Peralta, Ltd. with my wife, Lisa Lodin Peralta. My practice areas are plaintiff's personal injury, immigration law and general litigation. At least two-thirds of my practice is representing Spanish-speaking clients.

What else I do
Parent of three children ages 9, 7 and 3; officer of the Parent Teacher Organization for Windom Dual Immersion, a Spanish/English elementary school; play basketball for fun; active member of the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association.

What I would be doing if not practicing law
Play-by-play announcer or sports journalist

A recent achievement
Recently concluded representation of four children and one adult pro bono through the 35W bridge collapse litigation

Read More »

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Since this issue focuses on immigration, we recently did a survey about representation of immigrant clients on our small firm website, www.smallfirmsuccess.org and in an online survey. Here's what we learned:

How much of your practice deals with immigration issues?

  • Represent individuals or businesses in immigration matters (12%)
  • Refer such cases to others (30%)
  • Rarely have clients with immigration issues (58%)
 

What Do You Think?

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or e-mail us your comments.
 

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