About MDLA

The initial and formative meeting of what is today the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association was held at the Minneapolis Athletic Club on March 30, 1963. The list of attendees at that gathering read like a "Who's Who" of the Minnesota Defense Bar.  Today, nearly 45 years later, the Association continues to thrive with over seven hundred members specializing in civil defense practice.

MDLA membership means more than just access to services. It embodies a commitment to the principles of the defense community, led by the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association. Membership support is vital to the organization's continued leadership to ensure a balanced, fair approach in Minnesota courts and in the legislature.
 

Our Mission

The Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) is an association dedicated to serving the needs of lawyers engaging primarily in the defense and trial of civil disputes.

MDLA is affiliated with the Minnesota State Bar Association and DRI -- The Voice of the Defense Bar.

Purpose of Organization

• Represent the defense viewpoint in handling problems on legislation, court procedure and practice, either directly or through the Bar Association.
• Exchange information on court decisions, briefs, witnesses, trends and procedures throughout the State.
• Exchange information on expert witnesses and to help defense attorneys obtain expert witnesses in various fields.
• Provide educational and professional development opportunities that benefit the member and civil defense practice.   

Member Benefits and Services

MDLA provides its members with a wide range of benefits and services including a quarterly magazine, Minnesota Defense, CLE seminars, information sharing, amicus curiae and legislative programs, along with active committee participation which supplement the defense attorney's resources.  There are also many opportunities for networking and socializing at events throughout the year including our annual golf tournament.

• Minnesota Defense

  A quarterly magazine published by MDLA, featuring substantive law articles written by MDLA members, news of the Association, event highlights and photos, and notices of up-coming events.  The Editorial Committee oversees the publication process.

• Continuing Legal Education
  

  Provides practical seminars for the education of MDLA members. These include the Annual Trial Techniques Seminar in Duluth in August and Mid-Winter Conference at various locations each February. There are Brown Bag lunch-hour programs for new lawyers as well as an annual Medical Malpractice Seminar and a variety of other defense related programs.

• Information Sharing
  

  Members may obtain copies of recent court decisions, orders, expert witness deposition transcripts, and various other information to assist in dealing with particular cases or particular witnesses.  Members may request this information from the membership via an e-mail message that is distributed weekly. 

• Amicus Curiae
  

  Works to preserve the fairness of the judicial system. Briefs are filed as a friend of the court where the decisions affect how cases are tried and/or the integrity of the fault and jury systems.

• Law Improvement
  

  Acts as the defense lawyer's representative at the legislature. It is the goal of MDLA to see that all litigants are provided with a level and fair playing field, not slanted in favor of one side or the other. Legislation and committee activities are monitored and tracked during each session.

• Professionalism
  

  Promotes a more pleasant and civilized practice atmosphere which allows the advocacy system to function without resort to needless or unreasonable confrontation.

• Membership Development
  

  Seeks to increase member involvement and participation. Defining the services and information needed by members will   establish a framework for setting MDLA's course of action and future planning.

• Defense Law Practice Management
  

  Assists member firms in the economical, efficient and effective integration of people, systems and technology into the delivery of legal services to clients. Membership is open to all members of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association who are interested in law practice management issues.

• New Defense Lawyers
  

  Geared toward meeting the needs of new defense attorneys by providing social/networking opportunities as well as low-cost training seminars covering the basic skills necessary for a successful defense practice. New defense attorneys will begin to develop the contacts and networks necessary to successfully represent clients. Emphasis is placed on making the practice of law more fulfilling and rewarding.

• Additional Committees to supplement the defense attorney's resources
  

           Commercial Litigation                              Insurance Law

           Construction Law                                      Long Term Health Care

           Employment Law                                      Product Liability

           Government Liability                                Worker's Compensation

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NEVER BEEN A MEMBER? JOIN MDLA TODAY AND THE FIRST YEAR'S MEMBERSHIP FEE IS WAIVED. 

Simply click below, complete the application form and mail with your check.

Click here for our membership application in Adobe Acrobat (88 kb file size)

If you have questions, please contact us. Our e-mail address is director@mdla.org
Phone: 612-338-2717 or Fax: 612-333-4927.