A Message from the ACTLM Dean Robert P. Christensen
 

It is with great honor that I assume the duties of the Dean of the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota.  The Academy is comprised of the leading trial lawyers in the State of Minnesota who have attained the knowledge and experience to become certified trial lawyers.  This certification process requires that an applicant for certification accomplish the following:

1. Pass a day long written examination on the subjects of evidence admissibility, civil procedure, ethics, and other trial related subjects;
2. Continue with annual continuing education course work focused on trial and substantive law skills;
3. Prove their talent at written advocacy via submission of authored Court briefs as part of the review process;
4. Receive favorable recommendations from other trial lawyers and trial Court Judges;
5. Demonstrate the absence of professional ethics violations; and
6. Show that they have the requisite number of trials and trial related preparation efforts to be considered for board certification.

Membership in the Academy signifies the member’s commitment to excellence, civility and professionalism.  As a member of the Academy, each member proudly exemplifies the commitment to these ideals.  The Academy is a brand of excellence whereby the public and consumers of legal services can rely on the lawyer’s commitment to making a client’s interest the paramount focus of the lawyer’s representation.  Through its spring and annual meetings and social events, lawyers in the Academy develop relationships that not only educate them on the civil justice system in Minnesota but create an environment for execution of access to justice through the court systems and through the constitutionally protected jury trial.

Through its committee work the Academy annually recognizes a distinguished retired jurist, vets judicial candidates through its judicial endorsement committee, engages in public service projects through its public relations committee and through its scholarship committee enables deserving law students to gain assistance with his or her legal education. 

The members of the Academy recognize that it is the great mentors and trial lawyers that taught us the tools of the profession that went before us.  They taught us civility, dedication to hard work and excellence and an unrelenting passion for justice.  It is these teachings of our mentors and predecessors that require us to carry on the lessons into the future for our members and for the public at large.

If you are seeking more information on the Academy please contact our executive director, Kristi Paulson, to learn more about the Academy’s mission.

Dean Bob Christensen

Robert P. Christensen, P.A.
670 Park Place East
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(612) 333-7733
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