ONLINE
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
8:55 AM - 4:30 PM
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS!
What do you need to know about evidentiary concepts to be successful in court? Let the judges tell you! Minnesota judges and expert attorneys will help you learn how to improve your understanding of the rules of evidence and courtroom practice with their knowledge and insight, providing you with practice-based suggestions and real-world examples. This course will help attorneys understand what the judges are looking for when you appear in their courtroom, covering essential evidentiary topics and including analysis of relevant case law and the Minnesota Rules of Evidence.
ALL ATTENDEES RECEIVE A FREE DESKBOOK!
All attendees receive a FREE copy of Minnesota CLE's Minnesota Courtroom Evidence Deskbook! This Deskbook goes beyond the evidence rules to provide thorough explanation and examination of the evidentiary concepts that guide court cases. Written by many of Minnesota’s most distinguished civil, criminal, and appellate practitioners as well as both federal and Minnesota state court judges, this essential Deskbook includes comprehensive case law analysis alongside practice-based insights and practice tips from the authors. Offering all the advantages of a traditional evidence manual—the full text of the Minnesota Rules of Evidence and committee comments is paired with the authors’ expert analyses—this book takes readers further by offering chapter-length examinations of important evidentiary topics involving several rules simultaneously or carrying unique significance in Minnesota, including social media evidence, circumstantial evidence and the associated standards of review, and the different inquiries used to admit expert testimony in both federal and Minnesota state courts. An exhaustive treatment of evidence in both criminal and civil matters, the Minnesota Courtroom Evidence Deskbook belongs on the desk of every Minnesota attorney seeking to have evidence admitted at trial and/or reviewed at the appellate level.
** CURRENT SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT:
Current subscribers to the Minnesota Courtroom Evidence Deskbook hard copy can save $100 on the in-person seminar on January 30, 2026. Use coupon code SUB-26EVID during checkout. Those taking advantage of this special discount will not receive a hard copy of the Deskbook at the seminar. Subscriber status will be verified.
8:30 – 8:55 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:55 – 9:00 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
The Role of the Judge: Scope, Purpose, and Rulings on Evidence
– Judge Edward T. Wahl
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Relevance
– Judge Diane B. Bratvold
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Judicial Notice and Presumption
– Scott M. Rusert
– Judicial Moderator: Judge Martin S. Fallon
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Hearsay
– Matthew D. Forsgren
– Judicial Moderator: Judge Edward T. Wahl
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Opinion Evidence: Lay and Expert Opinion
– Erica Abshez Moran & M. Joseph Winebrenner
– Judicial Moderator: Judge Diane B. Bratvold
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Authentication, Writings, and Social Media Evidence Issues
– Nathaniel J. Ajouri & Jevon C. Bindman
– Judicial Moderator: Judge Martin S. Fallon
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
BREAK
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Privilege
– Samantha F. Carmickle
– Judicial Moderator: Judge Diane B. Bratvold
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Putting It All Together: You Be the Judge!
– Judge Diane B. Bratvold, Judge Martin S. Fallon & Judge Edward T. Wahl
LIVE IN-PERSON
Friday, January 30, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ONLINE REPLAY
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.
$395 MSBA members / $395 paralegals / $445 standard rate
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.
Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 civil trial specialist credits.