Minneapolis 'Right to Counsel' Ordinance for Low-Income Tenants in Eviction Gets Pro Bono Help from Maslon Attorney James Long

Upholding Maslon's strong legacy of work to support the legal needs of the disadvantaged, attorney Jim Long volunteered his time to draft language for Minneapolis' new ordinance ensuring low-income eviction defendants have access to an attorney. Jim was assisted in the pro bono work by Partner Julian Zebot and former Maslon Pro Bono Law Clerk Mallory Tarnowski.

According to the city, low-income renters often have no legal representation when facing eviction—making it more challenging to stay in their homes—and the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an eviction crisis. The ordinance was approved by the City Council on Oct. 8, 2021.

Jim has 35 years' experience trying cases and counseling businesses in the areas of antitrust law, franchise law, and dealer/distribution law. He has successfully represented clients in multiple state and federal courts across the country; responded to state AG, DOJ, and FTC investigations; worked on numerous arbitrations; and argued appeals in the 7th and 8th Circuit appellate courts in addition to several state appellate courts.

Julian focuses his legal practice on probate, fiduciary, and trust litigation as well as business and commercial litigation, and chairs Maslon's Trust and Estate Litigation Group. He has counseled and represented individual and business clients in both federal and state courts as well as arbitration proceedings, and he has handled matters for clients at all stages of the litigation process, including mediation, trials, and appeals.