Attorney Cassie Wolfgram Obtains Complete Reversal at Minnesota Court of Appeals

We are proud to announce a significant legal win by our attorney, Cassie Wolfgram. On October 28, 2024, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a published decision reversing and remanding a disqualification from public employment. This case marks a pivotal interpretation of Minnesota’s Criminal Offender Rehabilitation Act (CORA).

Cassie Wolfgram argued that once an applicant presents competent evidence of rehabilitation as defined by Minn. Stat. § 364.03, subd. 3(a), a hiring authority does not retain discretion to disqualify the applicant based solely on a prior conviction. The Court of Appeals agreed, concluding that Minnesota IT Services—the central IT organization for the State of Minnesota—had misapplied the statute by failing to acknowledge demonstrated rehabilitation.

This reversal emphasizes Minnesota's commitment to second chances and fair consideration of individuals’ rehabilitation efforts. Cassie’s thorough research and analysis, and articulate brief-writing, were instrumental in achieving this outcome, reflecting our firm’s mission to provide outstanding advocacy for our clients.

Congratulations to Cassie for her exemplary work and for setting a notable precedent in Minnesota employment law.