January - February 2003

“Local law students submit amicus brief in ‘Grutter’ case”—Feb. 24, 2003, Minnesota Lawyer
William Mitchell Law student Gena Berglund led efforts on campus to get law students to sign an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to find that there is a compelling interest in a diverse student body. The brief was filed in the case Grutter v. Bollinger.

“Today’s Spotlight: David Hunt”—Feb. 23, 2003, Star Tribune
David Hunt ’92, president and chief executive officer of Critical Measures, a management consulting and training subsidiary of law firm Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel, is profiled.

“Budget cuts to public defenders could trigger constitutional battle”—Feb. 17, 2003, Star Tribune
Prof. Peter Erlinder comments on the need to fund public defenders.

“Affirmative action: A close case for a split court”—February 2003, Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Prof. Ann Iijima authored an article that discusses the background of two cases currently before the U.S. Supreme Court—Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger. The cases involve the affirmative action programs used by the University of Michigan.

“Limited Partnerships: Few minorities rising to partner at Twin Cities law firms”—Feb. 9, 2003, Star Tribune
Gina Sauer, assistant dean of career services at William Mitchell, comments on diversity efforts at area law firms.

“Sex Offender Commitment Challenged”—Jan. 29, 2003, City Pages
Prof. Peter Erlinder is representing James Poole, who contends that is commitment in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program is unconstitutional because he was denied the right to a jury trial.

“Who pays the bill?”—Jan. 25, 2003, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Prof. Mike Steenson discusses how Minnesota’s joint-and-several liability laws compare with other states.

“Legislator-cop Stanek named state public safety chief”—Jan. 24, 2003, Star Tribune
Prof. C. Peter Erlinder comments on the appointment of Rich Stanek to Minnesota state commissioner of public safety.

“Minneapolis law firm in thick of battle on affirmative action”—Jan. 11, 2003, Star Tribune
Lawrence Purdy ’77 and David Herr ’78, attorneys at Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand in Minneapolis, are part of a team of lawyers in an affirmative action case involving the University of Michigan. The case will go before the Supreme Court this year.

“Asbestos toll only mounting for corporate America”—Jan. 6, 2003, Star Tribune
Professor David Prince comments on the payment of claims related to asbestos injuries and how those cases are clogging the court system.

“Ted Mondale reflects, wearily, on term as Met Council chairman”—Jan. 5, 2003, Star Tribune
Ted Mondale ’88 reflects on his four-year tenure as chairman of the Metropolitan Council, including the frustrations in beginning construction on light-rail transit.

“Persistence for judgeship pays off” — Jan. 4, 2003, Post-Bulletin
Terry Walters ’76 was appointed as the new Wabasha (Minn.) District Court judge by outgoing Governor Jesse Ventura.