Faculty

Kathleen Knutson, J.D.
Paralegal Program Instructor

Courses Taught
Introduction to Law and Contracts, UCC and Business Organizations, Litigation and Trial Practice, Legal Writing and Analysis, Real Estate, Probate, and Domestic Relations

Background
Experienced, veteran paralegal instructor at Inver Hills
B.A., History, College of St. Catherine
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law
Guest lecturer teaching Business Law at the College of St. Catherine's for 20 years.

Mary McLaughlin, J.D.
Paralegal Program Instructor

Courses Taught
Introduction to Law and Contracts, Real Estate, Probate, Legal Research, and Legal Writing and Analysis

Background
Experienced, veteran paralegal instructor at Inver Hills
B.A., Communication Disorders and Child Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law.

Mary has taught paralegal classes at the Minnesota Paralegal Institute in Minnetonka. In addition to teaching, McLaughlin has been in private practice and served as corporate counsel in the banking industry.

Mary McLaughlin really enjoys the interaction with her students and with other faculty. Not only does she like helping students acquire new skills, but she continually learns from them and her colleagues how to become a better teacher. McLaughlin says her classes increasingly reflect a greater diversity of students, a mix of career changers and younger students as well as students of different backgrounds and heritage.

Roger Ramstad, J.D.
Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Criminal Justice System, Litigation and Trial Practice, Legal Writing and Analysis, Domestic Relations, Interviewing and Investigative Techniques, and Selected Personal Injuries.

Background
Experienced, veteran paralegal instructor at Inver Hills
B.S., Political Science and Economics, St. Cloud State University and University of Minnesota
J.D., Hamline Law School.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Ramstad has been in private practice and works as a Public Defender, and in the areas of family law and personal injury.

Roger Ramstad interests are writing and trial advocacy. He has written many articles on the paralegal profession. Also, Roger enjoys sports, fishing and art.

Carol Schoen, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Domestic Relations, Introduction to Law and Contracts, Litigation and Trial Practice, and Introduction to the Law Office

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.A., University of Minnesota
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Schoen has been in private practice in the family law area and as a court appointed public defender. She has extensive experience working as a managing partner of a law office, acting as a volunteer attorney coordinator in Dakota County, and has experience in public legal services. Also, Carol has trained and supervised paralegals and legal secretaries.

Paul Hark, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Legal Research, and Computerized Legal Research and the Internet

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.A., Political Science/Public Administration, St. Mary's College
J.D., Hamline University School of Law

In addition to teaching, Mr. Hark has been in private practice and has extensive experience in the legal research industry. Paul has trained many paralegals and legal secretaries in Westlaw. Also, he is a “mediation and arbitration qualified neutral”.

Christine Rued
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Criminal Justice System

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
A.A.S., Paralegal Program, Inver Hills Community College
B.A., Psychology, Metropolitan State University

In addition to teaching, Ms. Rued works as a senior paralegal and manager of paralegals, and has extensive experience in the criminal justice area. Chris has trained many paralegals as well as supervised paralegal interns. Also, she attends yearly public defender training on criminal defense issues, evidence and registration of predatory offenders, and life after Blakely case.

Tammie Follett, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Legal Research

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.A., Lawrence University
M.B.A.. University of St. Thomas
J.D., Hamline University School of Law

In addition to teaching, Ms. Follett has extensive experience in the legal research industry. Tammie has trained many attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries across the country in Westlaw. Also, Tammie is a volunteer at Chrysalis: A Center for Women and their Families, and the Ramsey County Guardian ad litem program

Joe Atkins, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Interviewing and Investigative Techniques

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.A., Political Science, University of Minnesota
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

In addition to teaching, Mr. Atkins has been in private practice and has extensive experience in the personal injury, wrongful death and product liability areas as well as legal investigation. Joe has trained and worked with many paralegals and legal secretaries virtually every day. Also, Mr. Atkins was mayor of Inver Grove Heights, and is presently a member of the Minnesota Legislature having been recently re-elected. Joe is an avid volunteer for the Legal Aid Society and Special Olympics.

Bor Yang, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Litigation and Trial Practice, and Domestic Relations

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.A., University of Minnesota
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School

In addition to teaching, Ms. Yang practices as a legal services lawyer, clerked for a juvenile court judge, and has gained previous experience in the criminal prosecution and defense areas. Also, Bor provides valuable pro bono work in the areas of family and immigration law.

Shirley Munson, J.D.
Adjunct Paralegal Instructor

Courses Taught
Employment Law

Background
Experienced adjunct paralegal instructor
B.S., Business Administration, Northeastern State University
M.S., College Teaching & Business Administration, Northeastern State University
J.D., Hamline University Law School

In addition to teaching, Ms. Munson has extensive experience as a senior paralegal in the employment law field. She has taught law courses at Hamline University.