The Doors are open — Band member legal aid is ready to help

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I need a lawyer?” If the answer is yes, chances are you should at least talk to an attorney to help take the weight off your shoulders and help you assess the situation. There are a variety of reasons one might need an attorney, including legal disputes, complex situations such as child protection cases, divorce, estate planning, or when facing criminal charges. Attorneys provide expertise in navigating legal processes, protecting your rights, and advocating for your interests. Band Member Legal Aid is now open, staffed, and ready to help.

Band Member Legal Aid has been reorganizing and rebuilding, and they are now nearly fully staffed with a complete board of directors. Housed in a charming building on the shores of Mille Lacs Lake in District I, the doors are open for walk-in business, and receptionist Karri Kegg will greet you with a warm smile and a positive attitude. While walk-ins are welcome, it is advisable to call ahead for an appointment to speak with a staff member.

Band Member Legal Aid offers basic legal services for members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. These services are available at no cost to Band members; however, clients may need to cover court filing fees.

Managing Attorney Kerri Johnson has led the Legal Aid team for the past eight years. She says their approach to representation is guided by the seven core values of honesty, humility, truth, wisdom, love, bravery, and respect. These values are woven into every step of their work.

“When we take on a case, we’re not just looking at legal issues — we’re looking at the whole person,” Johnson said. “For example, in cases that involve addiction, we recognize the layers of trauma, family impact, and healing that are often involved. We work closely with our clients to understand their full story and provide guidance that is not only legally sound

Legal Aid offers three types of representation:

1. Full Representation

2. Brief Services – such as letter writing or other paperwork

3. Advice only

Some minor legal disputes do not always require hiring an attorney, and it can be tricky to determine when you need the help of a legal representative. However, more often than not, having a legal professional in your corner can be beneficial. Band Member Legal Aid accepts cases in family law (divorces and custody/visitation), child protection, domestic abuse, housing law, public benefits law (denial or termination of public benefits, social security), consumer law and debt collection, Indian Child Welfare Act, estate planning, and probate. They can also assist in criminal law in Mille Lacs County and a portion of the Urban area.

Band Member Legal Aid is unable to take cases involving disputes between Band members or cases involving a Band member against the Mille Lacs Band government.

Legal Aid can assist clients with guardianship cases when a relative needs help managing their home, finances, or other aspects of daily life. They also provide support with important legal documents such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, wills, and trusts. If a loved one has passed away, Legal Aid can help with the probate process.

In addition, Legal Aid can assist with planning for the transfer of Indian Trust Land, Individual Indian Money (IIM) Accounts, or individually owned land — even if that land is located off the Reservation.

Elder law includes all areas of law that specifically address the unique needs of Elders. As community members age, it’s important they understand their legal options — especially when it comes to medical care, insurance, housing, and planning for the future.

This planning may involve deciding who will help manage their finances or property if they become unable to do so themselves. In addition, Legal Aid can assist Elders with matters such as grandchild adoptions, custody issues, and guardianships.

Legal guidance can bring peace of mind and help Elders make informed decisions that protect their well-being and their families.

Yes, some matters are best handled by a lawyer. While these matters are sometimes hard to recognize, nearly everyone agrees that you should talk with an attorney about major life events or changes.

“We want Band members to know they don’t have to face legal challenges alone,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s a small question or a serious situation, we’re here to listen, offer guidance, and walk with you through it. Our goal is to empower clients to know their rights, protect those rights, and provide support that respects who they are and where they come from.”

Meet the staff

Currently, the staff consists of two full-time attorneys, Kerri Johnson, managing attorney, and Lori Schmidt, staff attorney. Jesse Kegg is the court liaison available to assist Band members with rides to court; Bruce Harrington is the civil administrative assistant; Carrie Boyd is the office manager/paralegal; and Karri Kegg, as mentioned earlier, is the receptionist. Johnson said they will soon be posting positions for two additional attorneys to help handle additional cases.

Board of Directors

The Band Member Legal Aid Board of Directors consists of Band members Aarik Robertson, Stacey Thunder, Sharron Osborn, and Brooke Houle.

Front row: Jesse Kegg, Court Liason, Kerri Johnson, Managing Attorney. Back row: Bruce Harrington, Civil Administrative Assistant, Karri Kegg, Receptionist, and Lori Schmidt, Staff Attorney. Not pictured is Carrie Boyd, Office Manager.