Get an inside look into the job of being a housing lawyer and advocate with today's episode. Lawyers Muria Kruger and Mary Kaczorek join us to discuss the issues that arise when it comes to property rental and what tenants can do when faced with difficult situations.

Muria Kruger works at Volunteer Lawyers Network. Volunteer Lawyers Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to connecting Minnesotans experiencing poverty with some of the top private lawyers in the state at no cost.

These volunteers protect the rights and property of thousands of clients every year by advising them at legal clinics, drafting legal documents, representing them in court or otherwise supporting them in their pursuit of justice.

Volunteer Lawyers Network coordinates these relationships, provides insurance to volunteer attorneys, educates and recruits new volunteers from the legal community, trains law students and lawyers on effectively working with people experiencing poverty and advocates for policies that make our justice system equally accessible to all.

We work with partners in immigrant, refugee, Indigenous, faith and LGBTQ+ communities, and programs that serve previous offenders, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, people experiencing homelessness, youth and many more to ensure our services are available to the people who need them most.

Mary Kaczorek works at Central Minnesota Legal Services. The mission of Central Minnesota Legal Services is to increase access to justice by providing high quality legal services to individuals experiencing poverty, challenging inequities, and empowering community members to participate in our civil legal system. "We believe in a legal system that delivers justice to all. Our vision is for a society free from bias and systemic unfairness in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect and justice is readily available regardless of ability to pay." CMLS helps eligible clients through direct representation, brief advice, and through participating in community legal education programs.

5. Climate and Transportation Justice: Free Fares, Electric Vehicles, and Clean Air

Community Conversations with Rep. Esther AgbajeBy Esther AgbajeSep 24, 2022