News and Events
Interprofessional Center
Interested in a new, unique clinic opportunity?
This spring semester, a three credit Bankruptcy clinic will be offered for the first time. Students will be supervised by Steve Silton and Tom Wallrich, bankruptcy attorneys with Hinshaw and Culbertson, LLP, and work with the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services. Preference will be given to students who have taken Bankruptcy Law. Professional Responsibility is a co-requisite or pre-requisite. Class will meet formally from 4:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students should expect to put in approximately 10 hours per week, for a total of 124-130 hours over the course of the semester. Students will assist clients in completing and filing bankruptcy pleadings as well as appear in court. Enrollment: 8 students.
Applications are available upon request from Kathy Mann Arnott (klbredesen@stthomas.edu), Legal Services Clinic Office Manager, or you may apply here.
Applications are due electronically to Kathy Mann Arnott (klbredesen@stthomas.edu) by Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at noon. Selection announcements will be made Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Thank you for your interest.
“What’s the Real Story? Racial Profiling in America"
The event, on Oct. 20, 2009, brought together a rich panel of experts who represented the academy, the legal field, human rights, the community, law enforcement and the media. The panel analyzed and explored issues and topics related to racial profiling in America and Minnesota. Co-sponsored by Community Justice Project and moderated by Virgil Wiebe.
Parlez-vous français? ¿Hablas español? Вы говорите Российской?
The Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is looking to create a database of volunteer language interpreters and translators to assist in communicating with IPC clients. Interpreting and translating services are needed on an occasional basis in a variety of languages. Students who volunteer may be eligible to receive public service credit for their services.
If you a proficient in a non-English language and are interested in being included in our database, please email Sarah Brenes at sssolz@stthomas.edu with the following information: a) Your name; b) Your class year; c) The non-English language(s) in which you are proficient; and d) your level of proficiency. Orientation and training will be provided.
Thank you for your interest!
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces Legal Services Clinic Fellow for Fall 2009
The Legal Services Clinic of the UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Sarah Solz Brenes as our Legal Services Clinic Fellow.
A quote that resonates with Sarah is “‘May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace.’ In the Immigration Law Practice Group, we meet our clients during a very difficult part of their life journey. Many have escaped traumatic situations that we ask them to reconstruct on paper for their asylum applications. Remembering these events and worrying about the future can make it difficult for clients to find tranquility in the present and remain positive about the future. This blessing captures the essence of my hope for each of our clients—that they are able to find a little more promise and peace with each new day.” Sarah Solz Brenes reflects on her work as the Clinical Law Fellow in the Immigration Law Practice Group.
Although Sarah is the newest addition to our Interprofessional Center (IPC) staff, she is familiar to us. Sarah spent a semester with the IPC as an Elder Law clinical student in spring 2007 and returned as a summer law clerk for both the Elder and Immigration Law Practice Group in 2007 and 2008. Sarah continues to make an impression on the IPC community.
“In only a few months, Sarah has exceeded our high expectations of her. She’s a natural advocate, fusing together compassion, legal smarts, and an innate sense of what should be done. Sarah sees where we can improve as a training institution and makes concrete suggestions. ,” says Virgil Wiebe, associate professor of law and co-director of the IPC. He adds, “Among Ms. Brenes’ many qualifications which impressed the selection committee were her demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice work, prior experience in immigration law as a paralegal and intern, international experience and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students.”
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Sarah Solz Brenes being sworn in as an attorney by Chief Judge Edward Toussaint Jr., joined by her family |
When asked about what drew Sarah to the IPC as the Immigration Clinical Law Fellow, she states “I saw it as a chance to blend my passion for immigration law with my persistent interest in teaching. The staff and faculty at the Interprofessional Center are exceptional at what they do. The IPC community is extremely family-friendly, something I learned when my son was warmly welcomed while I was enrolled in the clinic as a student. I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve low-income immigration clients, work with students, and receive exceptional support as I begin my own journey as a new attorney.”
Sarah we feel fortunate to have you in the Interprofessional Center as well.
Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law, Co-director of the Interprofessional Center, met with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar regarding the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 that Sen. Klobuchar has vowed to co-sponsor. The bill would restrict the United States’ use of cluster bombs, rendering as many as a half billion stockpiled weapons off-limits.
Read more about it, Klobuchar to back limits on cluster-bomb use, activists say.
Kathy Mann Arnott, 'Unsung Legal Hero' in the Interprofessional Center
Kathy Mann Arnott has been selected as an Unsung Legal Hero by Minnesota Lawyer. She is one of only a handful of persons selected in the category of law firm administrators. Kathy has been the administrative nerve center of the Interprofessional Center since before we opened our doors to clients and students in 2003. Kathy's professionalism and passion have been critical in keeping our efforts on track through thick and thin. Especially noteworthy is that she was nominated for the award by colleagues beyond the IPC. Kathy and her co-recipients will be honored at a lunch in September. An article about her contributions to the IPC will also be forthcoming in the Minnesota Lawyer magazine. This is truly a well deserved honor. Congratulations Kathy!
The University of St. Thomas School of Law welcomes fall 2009 new faculty member, Sarah Solz Brenes, to the Interprofessional Center community on page 7 of the St. Thomas Lawyer magazine, summer 2009 edition.
Kingsley Chigbu receives the Student Leadership Award from the School of Social Work
Kingsley is pictured here with George Baboila, IPC Director of Social Work Services
Each year the BSW and MSW faculty from the
Artika Tyner, Esq., Clinical Law Fellow at the Interprofessional Center, is recognized as a 2009 Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer! Read about Artika as a Up & Coming Attorney.
Kathleen Lohmar Exel, Visiting Clinical Law Professor for the Immigration Law Practice Group at the Interprofessional Center wrote an article for the Minnesota Women Lawyer magazine, May 2009 issue. Read the article.
Artika Tyner, Esq., Clinical Law Fellow at the Interprofessional Center writes an article in the The Law Teacher, Spring 2009, a publication of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning, co-sponsored by Washburn University School of Law and Gonzaga University School of Law. The article, on page 3 and 4, focuses on preparing law students to become servant leaders.
Kathleen Lohmar Exel, Visiting Clinical Law Professor for the Immigration Law Practice Group at the Interprofessional Center wrote an article for the Minnesota Women Lawyer magazine, May 2009 issue. Read the article.
Artika Tyner, Esq., Clinical Law Fellow at the Interprofessional Center writes an article in the The Law Teacher, Spring 2009, a publication of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning, co-sponsored by Washburn University School of Law and Gonzaga University School of Law. The article, on page 3 and 4, focuses on preparing law students to become servant leaders.
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces the Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2009
Announces the Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2009
The Legal Services Clinic of the
Ms. Brenes (Class of 2008, December 2008 graduate) was chosen from an outstanding field of fourteen applicants from UST Law students anticipating graduation in the spring as well as past UST Law graduates now practicing law in the community. "We were once again blessed with the enviable challenge of selecting from an excellent pool of well qualified candidates so clearly committed to the Center’s mission of providing services based on the principles of social justice and Catholic social teaching." said Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center. Professor Wiebe added that “among Ms. Brenes’ many qualifications which impressed the selection committee included her demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice work, prior experience in immigration law as a paralegal and intern, international experience and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students.”
The fellowship is designed for recent graduates of the
The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services houses three programs: Legal Services, Social Work Services, and Psychological Services. The Center is a collaborative effort between the University of St. Thomas Schools of Law, Social Work, and Graduate Professional Psychology. The Legal Services Clinic provides legal representation to working poor and low-income clients in three practice areas; community justice, elder law, immigration law.
Fellows have an opportunity to gain significant legal practice experience, develop ties to other public interest lawyers and organizations, and assist in the supervision of law students. Ms. Brenes will work closely with the Immigration Law Practice Group, under the leadership of Professor Virgil Wiebe. Ms. Brenes will also have the opportunity to work with faculty and students in both the Community Justice Project and Elder Law Practice group. She will also collaborate with staff and students in the Social Work Services and Psychological Services components of the Center.
It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Ms. Brenes to the
Our very own George, Pat and Jennifer are mentioned in Bulletin Today on Dec. 2 for their presentation of "Three Silos and a Skyway" at the 23rd annual Midwest Clinical Conference in Bloomington, Indiana!
In Moving from Law Student to New Lawyer, Many Find Volunteer Work Pays Well
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces the Visiting Clinical Professor
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The Kathleen, originally from |
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While a law student, Kathleen was active in the Minnesota Justice Foundation student chapter, the admission focused Student Ambassadors student group, and was co-founder and co-president of the OutLaw! student group. Kathleen spent three semesters with the Legal Services Clinic as a member of the Family Law Practice Group. Her work focused on Orders for Protection and complex dissolution and custody cases involving domestic abuse. After graduating in May of 2005, Kathleen was selected as the Clinical Law Fellow for the Immigration Law Practice Group (ILPG) in the Legal Services Clinic. As a Clinical Law Fellow, Kathleen worked diligently on behalf of underserved clients, taught immigration law classes and supervised student attorneys in the clinic. In her time with the ILPG, Kathleen has successfully helped clients obtain Violence Against Women Act Petitions, apply for Legal Permanent Residency and obtain Citizenship.
When asked to comment on what drew her to take interest in being a Visiting Associate Clinical Professor with the Legal Services Clinic, Kathleen stated “It’s a natural extension of my work [as Clinical Law Fellow for the ILPG]. The position allows me to handle the immigration practice group entirely on my own and I am excited to continue my work on behalf of our clients and refine my skills at obtaining positive legal outcomes for them.” Kathleen also comes from a long line of educators so she’s always wanted to continue the legacy as an educator. “The position allows me to achieve a life long goal and interest as well as work with the fantastic law students at UST.”
A quote that currently resonates with Kathleen:
“City of sweat, city of tears, city of prayers, livin' in a city of immigrants
[Everyone is everyone, all of us are immigrants]
City of stone, city of steel, city of wheels, livin’ in a city of immigrants
[All of us are immigrants, every daughter, every son]
City of bone, city of skin, city of pain, city of immigrants
[Everyone is everyone, all of us are immigrants]”
–Lyrics of Steve Earle Song, City of
Kathleen says that the song lyrics resonate with her because she is “weekly if not daily confronted by people and/or media accounts that seem to forget that (with the exception of Native Americans) we are a country, not to mention a city, made up of immigrants. Meaning that our ancestors struggled to make a home in this nation of ours, just as many immigrants are trying to do today, and we should not forget to treat everyone, no matter their status, with dignity and respect.”
Future plans for Kathleen include teaching and at some point getting back to her non-profit roots. She hopes to serve on various non-profit boards of directors, work for a non-profit legal organization or work for a charitable foundation.
The perfect Saturday for Kathleen would be breakfast at Victor’s Cuban Café with her husband and daughter, followed by a walk around
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces the New Psychological Services Director
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The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of Patricia Stankovitch, Psy.D. as the new Psychological Services Director. Pat says it is the mission of the |
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Pat began her professional career in the corporate world – serving as Director of Human Resources for three companies in the Twin Cities. She then made a mid-life career change into Counseling Psychology. Prior to working with the IPC, she has provided psychological services to adolescents and adults at three university college counseling centers, a county outpatient mental health center, and a community mental health center. And for the past 4-5 years she has taught undergraduate psychology at three community colleges in the MN State College and University system.
The biggest challenge at the Interprofessional Center for Pat is coming to understand both the similarities and differences among the three professions represented at the IPC - law, social work, and psychology – particularly in the area of the respective ethics codes which each professional is required to follow.
Pat’s perfect Saturday is a warm, sunny morning in spring, summer or fall, where she begins her day by eating breakfast on the patio while reading the newspaper and visiting with her neighbors who also come out to enjoy the beautiful morning. She would then take her dog for a walk around the lake near her home and spend the afternoon reading and practicing piano. Later in the day she would get together with friends for a casual supper and great conversation.
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces New Social Work Services Director
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The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of George Baboila MSW, LICSW as the new Social Work Services Director. George served on the Behavioral Science Faculty at the University of Minnesota/Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program prior to arriving at the IPC Summer of 2007. He has served as adjunct faculty for the School of Social Work for the past 12 years. George received his B.S. from St. John's in Minnesota and his M.S.W. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. |
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George finds it exhilarating working at the IPC and enjoys working full-time with Social Work students as well as collaborating with other professions. His biggest challenge thus far is keeping track of the multiple ethical codes within the IPC.
George's perfect Saturday would be waking up early to walk the dog, picking raspberries from the backyard and making Sour Cream Raspberry Muffins while waiting for his family to awaken.
Drawing of George by his daughter at age seven
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2007
The Legal Services Clinic of the UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Nicholas Halbur as our newest Legal Services Clinic Fellow.
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Mr. Halbur (class of 2006) was chosen from an outstanding field of ten applicants from UST Law students anticipating graduation in the spring as well as past UST Law graduates now practicing law in the community. "We were once again blessed with the enviable challenge of selecting from an excellent pool of well qualified candidates so clearly committed to the Center's mission of providing services based on the principles of social justice and Catholic social teaching." said Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center. Mr. Halbur is our first fellow to have already practiced law for nearly a year. Professor Wiebe added that among Mr. Halbur's many qualifications which impressed the selection committee included his commitment to the role of servant leader, public service and social justice work, experience in elder law, and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students. |
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The fellowship is designed for recent graduates of the University of St. Thomas School of Law who have shown a demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice. Appointments are for one year, with the expectation that appointments will be renewed for up to three years.
The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services houses three programs: Legal Services, Social Work Services, and Psychological Services. The Center is a collaborative effort between the University of St. Thomas Schools of Law, Social Work, and Graduate Professional Psychology. The Legal Services Clinic provides legal representation to working poor and low-income clients in three practice areas; community justice, elder law, immigration law.
Fellows have an opportunity to gain significant legal practice experience, develop ties to other public interest lawyers and organizations, and assist in the supervision of law students. Mr. Halbur will work closely with the Elder Law Practice Group, under the leadership of Professor Jennifer Wright. Mr. Halbur will also have the opportunity to work with faculty and students in both the Community Justice Project and Immigration Law Practice group. He will also collaborate with staff and students in the Social Work Services and Psychological Services components of the Center.
Community Justice Project
Learn more about the Community Justice Project (CJP) in their brochure.
“What’s the Real Story? Racial Profiling in America"
The event, on Oct. 20, 2009, brought together a rich panel of experts who represented the academy, the legal field, human rights, the community, law enforcement and the media. The panel analyzed and explored issues and topics related to racial profiling in America and Minnesota. Co-sponsored by CJP and moderated by Virgil Wiebe.
Additional explorations of the gang database policies in the Pioneer Press article, September 20, 2009. Gang Database: Just how accurate, how far?
Community members speak out against the gang list, an article in the Minnesota Spokeman Recorder on September 2 describes the community's reaction to the gang database in St. Paul, MN. The article describes the Gangs of St. Paul Part II forum, co-sponsored by the Community Justice Project, on Thursday, August 27.
Professor Nekima Levy-Pounds is quoted in a piece describing the gang database in St. Paul, MN. Read more in the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, Gang list criticized as racial profiling. The article on August 5, describes the Gangs of St. Paul forum in the MLK/Hallie Q. Brown Center on July 28, 2009, which the Community Justice Project co-sponsored along with the St. Paul NAACP and many other concerned organizations.
Artika Tyner, Esq., Clinical Law Fellow for the Community Justice Project in the Interprofessional Center, is recognized as a 2009 Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer! Read about Artika as a Up & Coming Attorney.
Artika Tyner, Esq., Clinical Law Fellow at the Interprofessional Center writes an article in the The Law Teacher, Spring 2009, a publication of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning, co-sponsored by Washburn University School of Law and Gonzaga University School of Law. The article, on page 3 and 4, focuses on preparing law students to become servant leaders.
Juvenile justice symposium explores role of restorative justice
“How are the Children? Part II: A Symposium Exploring the Role of Restorative Justice in Addressing the Needs of Youth” will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the Schulze Grand Atrium of the University of St. Thomas School of Law in downtown Minneapolis.
The symposium will bring together community leaders to discuss how the principles of restorative justice can be used to transform the lives of youth in communities. Restorative justice is a theory that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. It focuses on the interrelatedness of human experience, employing many stakeholders. Its holistic practices are especially important when dealing with children because they focus on peacemaking, caring and community building.
The symposium’s keynote speaker is Mary Johnson, whose only child, 20-year-old son Laramiun Byrd, was murdered in 1993 by a 16-year-old in their north Minneapolis
Informed and Engaged: Civil Rights, Social Justice and the 2008 Elections
The University of St. Thomas School of Law October 22, 2008 from 4-6 p.m. in the law school atrium.
The goal of the Forum is to educate the legal community and the public about current civil rights issues and their impact on the 2008 elections. Specifically, the Forum will explore the following topics: education, criminal justice, voting rights, health care, and poverty.
Confirmed panelists include, Barbara Arnwine, Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law (Washington , D.C. ), Professor Thomas Berg, University of St. Thomas School of Law , Professor Mahmoud El-Kati, Macalester College University of St. Thomas School of Law
The Law School Civil Rights Forum will offer an opportunity to help foster dialogue that informs and educates the legal community and the public about current civil rights issues and will aid in the discovery of community-based methods to further social justice.
The Community Justice Project is co-sponsoring the Racial Profiling presentation by the Honorable Judge Kevin Ross, along with the Asian Law Student Association and the Black Law Student Association. See the flier for more details.
The event will be Wednesday, October 1, 2008 from 12:30-2:30pm in MSL 235.
The social justice work of members of the Community Justice Project is featured in the St. Thomas Lawyer, Summer 2008 issue!
Check it out: A New Turf: Building a Future for Ex-Gang Members.
‘How Are the Children?’ Juvenile-Justice Symposium at St. Thomas School of Law, March 5
How the
The public symposium, “How Are the Children? Exploring the Impact of Poverty, Violence and Incarceration,” will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, in the Schulze Grand Atrium at the
The title, “How Are the Children?” comes from the Kenyan tradition of Harambee, a concept that calls for the betterment of each member of the community for the collective interest of all. Harambee is the Swahili word for “pulling together.”
The symposium is hosted by the university’s Community Justice Project which is part of the Legal Services Clinic and will feature keynote speaker Mary Johnson, founder and director of the
The symposium will include lunch and four panel discussions. The panel topics are: Youths and Mental Health Issues, Youth-on-Youth Violence, Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction, and Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Adjudications. Professionals from the legal and youth-services fields will lead the discussions.
The public is welcome. Cost of the symposium is $20, which includes CLE credits for lawyers.
This event is co-sponsored by: Lawyers’ Council on Social Justice, The Mission Advisory Committee, the Criminal Law Association, St. Thomas More Society, Women Law Student Association, ABA Student Division, Native American Law Student Association and Black Law Student Association.
Elder Law Practice
Learn more about the Elder Law Practice Group in their new brochure.
The work of our Elder Law clinical students is highlighted in the St. Thomas Lawyer magazine, summer 2009 edition. Law Students Help Minneapolis Resident Virgina Pilarske Keep her Home
Our very own George, Pat and Jennifer are mentioned in Bulletin Today on Dec. 2 for their presentation of "Three Silos and a Skyway" at the 23rd annual Midwest Clinical Conference in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Elder Law Practice Group is mentioned in the July 30, 2008 Star Tribune article:
Judge calls woman who swindles her father 'a disgrace'
The Elder Law Practice Group is highlighted in the May 8, 2008 issue of the Star Tribune!
Here is the full article: First ripped off; then state tries to deny his benefits.
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2007
The Legal Services Clinic of the UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Nicholas Halbur as our newest Legal Services Clinic Fellow.
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Mr. Halbur (class of 2006) was chosen from an outstanding field of ten applicants from UST Law students anticipating graduation in the spring as well as past UST Law graduates now practicing law in the community. "We were once again blessed with the enviable challenge of selecting from an excellent pool of well qualified candidates so clearly committed to the Center's mission of providing services based on the principles of social justice and Catholic social teaching." said Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center. Mr. Halbur is our first fellow to have already practiced law for nearly a year. Professor Wiebe added that among Mr. Halbur's many qualifications which impressed the selection committee included his commitment to the role of servant leader, public service and social justice work, experience in elder law, and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students. |
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The fellowship is designed for recent graduates of the University of St. Thomas School of Law who have shown a demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice. Appointments are for one year, with the expectation that appointments will be renewed for up to three years.
The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services houses three programs: Legal Services, Social Work Services, and Psychological Services. The Center is a collaborative effort between the University of St. Thomas Schools of Law, Social Work, and Graduate Professional Psychology. The Legal Services Clinic provides legal representation to working poor and low-income clients in three practice areas; community justice, elder law, immigration law.
Fellows have an opportunity to gain significant legal practice experience, develop ties to other public interest lawyers and organizations, and assist in the supervision of law students. Mr. Halbur will work closely with the Elder Law Practice Group, under the leadership of Professor Jennifer Wright. Mr. Halbur will also have the opportunity to work with faculty and students in both the Community Justice Project and Immigration Law Practice group. He will also collaborate with staff and students in the Social Work Services and Psychological Services components of the Center.
Immigration Law Practice
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces Legal Services Clinic Fellow for Fall 2009
The Legal Services Clinic of the UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Sarah Solz Brenes as our Legal Services Clinic Fellow.
A quote that resonates with Sarah is “‘May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace.’ In the Immigration Law Practice Group, we meet our clients during a very difficult part of their life journey. Many have escaped traumatic situations that we ask them to reconstruct on paper for their asylum applications. Remembering these events and worrying about the future can make it difficult for clients to find tranquility in the present and remain positive about the future. This blessing captures the essence of my hope for each of our clients—that they are able to find a little more promise and peace with each new day.” Sarah Solz Brenes reflects on her work as the Clinical Law Fellow in the Immigration Law Practice Group.
Although Sarah is the newest addition to our Interprofessional Center (IPC) staff, she is familiar to us. Sarah spent a semester with the IPC as an Elder Law clinical student in spring 2007 and returned as a summer law clerk for both the Elder and Immigration Law Practice Group in 2007 and 2008. Sarah continues to make an impression on the IPC community.
“In only a few months, Sarah has exceeded our high expectations of her. She’s a natural advocate, fusing together compassion, legal smarts, and an innate sense of what should be done. Sarah sees where we can improve as a training institution and makes concrete suggestions. ,” says Virgil Wiebe, associate professor of law and co-director of the IPC. He adds, “Among Ms. Brenes’ many qualifications which impressed the selection committee were her demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice work, prior experience in immigration law as a paralegal and intern, international experience and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students.”
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Sarah Solz Brenes being sworn in as an attorney by Chief Judge Edward Toussaint Jr., joined by her family |
When asked about what drew Sarah to the IPC as the Immigration Clinical Law Fellow, she states “I saw it as a chance to blend my passion for immigration law with my persistent interest in teaching. The staff and faculty at the Interprofessional Center are exceptional at what they do. The IPC community is extremely family-friendly, something I learned when my son was warmly welcomed while I was enrolled in the clinic as a student. I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve low-income immigration clients, work with students, and receive exceptional support as I begin my own journey as a new attorney.”
Sarah we feel fortunate to have you in the Interprofessional Center as well.
Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law, Co-director of the Interprofessional Center, met with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar regarding the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act of 2009 that Sen. Klobuchar has vowed to co-sponsor. The bill would restrict the United States’ use of cluster bombs, rendering as many as a half billion stockpiled weapons off-limits.
Read more about it, Klobuchar to back limits on cluster-bomb use, activists say.
The University of St. Thomas School of Law welcomes fall 2009 new faculty member, Sarah Solz Brenes, to the Interprofessional Center community on page 7 of the St. Thomas Lawyer magazine, summer 2009 edition.
Kathleen Lohmar Exel, Visiting Clinical Law Professor for the Immigration Law Practice Group at the Interprofessional Center wrote an article for the Minnesota Women Lawyer magazine, May 2009 issue. Read the article.
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces the Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2009
Announces the Legal Services Clinic Fellow for 2009
The Legal Services Clinic of the
Ms. Brenes (Class of 2008, December 2008 graduate) was chosen from an outstanding field of fourteen applicants from UST Law students anticipating graduation in the spring as well as past UST Law graduates now practicing law in the community. "We were once again blessed with the enviable challenge of selecting from an excellent pool of well qualified candidates so clearly committed to the Center’s mission of providing services based on the principles of social justice and Catholic social teaching." said Virgil Wiebe, Associate Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center. Professor Wiebe added that “among Ms. Brenes’ many qualifications which impressed the selection committee included her demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice work, prior experience in immigration law as a paralegal and intern, international experience and demonstrated potential as a teacher and supervisor of clinic students.”
The fellowship is designed for recent graduates of the
The University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services houses three programs: Legal Services, Social Work Services, and Psychological Services. The Center is a collaborative effort between the University of St. Thomas Schools of Law, Social Work, and Graduate Professional Psychology. The Legal Services Clinic provides legal representation to working poor and low-income clients in three practice areas; community justice, elder law, immigration law.
Fellows have an opportunity to gain significant legal practice experience, develop ties to other public interest lawyers and organizations, and assist in the supervision of law students. Ms. Brenes will work closely with the Immigration Law Practice Group, under the leadership of Professor Virgil Wiebe. Ms. Brenes will also have the opportunity to work with faculty and students in both the Community Justice Project and Elder Law Practice group. She will also collaborate with staff and students in the Social Work Services and Psychological Services components of the Center.
It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Ms. Brenes to the
UST Interprofessional Center for Counseling & Legal Services
Announces the Visiting Clinical Professor
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The Kathleen, originally from |
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While a law student, Kathleen was active in the Minnesota Justice Foundation student chapter, the admission focused Student Ambassadors student group, and was co-founder and co-president of the OutLaw! student group. Kathleen spent three semesters with the Legal Services Clinic as a member of the Family Law Practice Group. Her work focused on Orders for Protection and complex dissolution and custody cases involving domestic abuse. After graduating in May of 2005, Kathleen was selected as the Clinical Law Fellow for the Immigration Law Practice Group (ILPG) in the Legal Services Clinic. As a Clinical Law Fellow, Kathleen worked diligently on behalf of underserved clients, taught immigration law classes and supervised student attorneys in the clinic. In her time with the ILPG, Kathleen has successfully helped clients obtain Violence Against Women Act Petitions, apply for Legal Permanent Residency and obtain Citizenship.
When asked to comment on what drew her to take interest in being a Visiting Associate Clinical Professor with the Legal Services Clinic, Kathleen stated “It’s a natural extension of my work [as Clinical Law Fellow for the ILPG]. The position allows me to handle the immigration practice group entirely on my own and I am excited to continue my work on behalf of our clients and refine my skills at obtaining positive legal outcomes for them.” Kathleen also comes from a long line of educators so she’s always wanted to continue the legacy as an educator. “The position allows me to achieve a life long goal and interest as well as work with the fantastic law students at UST.”
A quote that currently resonates with Kathleen:
“City of sweat, city of tears, city of prayers, livin' in a city of immigrants
[Everyone is everyone, all of us are immigrants]
City of stone, city of steel, city of wheels, livin’ in a city of immigrants
[All of us are immigrants, every daughter, every son]
City of bone, city of skin, city of pain, city of immigrants
[Everyone is everyone, all of us are immigrants]”
–Lyrics of Steve Earle Song, City of
Kathleen says that the song lyrics resonate with her because she is “weekly if not daily confronted by people and/or media accounts that seem to forget that (with the exception of Native Americans) we are a country, not to mention a city, made up of immigrants. Meaning that our ancestors struggled to make a home in this nation of ours, just as many immigrants are trying to do today, and we should not forget to treat everyone, no matter their status, with dignity and respect.”
Future plans for Kathleen include teaching and at some point getting back to her non-profit roots. She hopes to serve on various non-profit boards of directors, work for a non-profit legal organization or work for a charitable foundation.
The perfect Saturday for Kathleen would be breakfast at Victor’s Cuban Café with her husband and daughter, followed by a walk around
