Carver County Conciliation Court referee team

A team of twelve Faegre Drinker partners led by business litigation partner Erica MacDonald has provided four years of pro bono service as referees for Carver County Conciliation Court within Minnesota’s First Judicial District, helping the court system address a significant backlog of cases while ensuring community access to justice.

MacDonald established the pro bono program in 2021, creating a structured volunteer system that enables Faegre Drinker partners to serve as referees for small claims court cases. Conciliation court handles disputes where many parties appear without legal counsel, making the volunteer referee program particularly valuable for unrepresented litigants navigating the court system.

Working in partnership with the county’s judicial officers, the team provided crucial support as the courts managed a substantial backlog of cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By volunteering to preside over court calendars, the attorneys enabled district court judges to focus on more complex matters while maintaining fair and timely access to justice for community members pursuing small claims cases.

The referee team includes Minneapolis-based partners MacDonald, Martin Chester, Michael Cockson, Jeffrey Justman, Randall Kahnke, Larry LaTarte, Lauren Linderman, Peter Magnuson, Andrew Murphy, Kate Razavi, John Ursu, and Aaron Van Oort. Legal clerks Jay Kim and Molly Nelson-Regan support the program, along with administrative assistance previously provided by Pamela Jarnberg and currently by Susan Shetty.

The Minnesota First Judicial District selected the referee team to receive the 2025 Amicus Curiae Award, which recognizes individuals and groups who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, or contributions in assisting the courts’ constitutional duties for the administration of justice.

The program represents an innovative approach to pro bono service that directly supports judicial administration while providing volunteer attorneys with meaningful opportunities to serve their community. The sustained four-year commitment demonstrates the team’s dedication to ensuring equal access to justice for all parties in small claims proceedings.