Academic institutions are considered to be marketplaces of ideas, and in that role they serve as places of conversation and debate. We believe it is the duty of academic institutions like Mitchell Hamline to host these scholarly conversations, as we do with our Law Journal of Public Policy and Practice symposia, in an attempt to dialogue about important topics.
Spring 2026 Symposium
On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Law Journal of Public Policy and Practice, with sponsorship from the MSBA Public Law Section, hosted its annual Spring Symposium focused on Social Connectedness. The symposium brought together legal professionals, students, and advocates to explore how law and policy can help build connection.
Through a mix of keynote-style presentations, applied-topic focused discussions, and a multidisciplinary professional panel, the symposium:
- Explored social connectedness as a legal, ethical, and professional value
- Examined how isolation impacts clients, communities, and legal systems
- Highlighted how lawyers and legal institutions serve as social connectors
- Shared practical strategies to build connection centered on access to justice, professional well-being, and community impact
For reference, the Symposium included both in‑person and virtual participation, with CLE approval for 1 standard, 2 elimination of bias, 1 wellness, and 1 ethics credit. MHSL students were also eligible to earn three (3) Perspectives in Legal Practice (PLP) credit hours.
Symposium Materials
Symposium Overview and CLE Information
Part 1: Keynote: Social Connectedness: What It Is and Why It Matters
Part 2: Supporting Access, Agency, and Connection for Older Adults
Part 3: Creating Space for Social Connection and Equity in Practice
Part 4: Connection, Belonging, and Access to Legal Health for Immigrants
Part 5: Climate Adaptation & Social Connection
Part 6: From Isolation to Connection – Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
Part 7: Lawyers as Social Connectors, Panel Discussion