A St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney’s Reflections on the Hmong American Bar Association's 2024 Annual Banquet

As someone who has dedicated a significant part of my legal career to representing clients charged with crimes in the Hmong community across the Twin Cities, particularly in Ramsey County, attending the Hmong American Bar Association's Annual Banquet on October 30, 2024, was an incredible experience. The event featured an incredible keynote speech by Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, whose inspiring words truly resonated with everyone in attendance. I also want to express my gratitude to Ramsey County Judge Sophia Vuelo, who did an exceptional job as the emcee for the evening. And truly, I simply had a lot of friends in the room.

“A considerable number of my clients are from the Hmong community, and the more I understand, the better I can serve my clients.”

The presence of numerous Ramsey County District Court judges, Courts of Appeals judges, and additional Justices from the Minnesota Supreme Court added an air of significance to the event, creating a remarkable opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of the Hmong community in the legal field and beyond. It was uplifting to see so many dedicated professionals come together, united in our mission to advocate for justice and representation.

My connection to the Hmong community runs deep. I have been fortunate to work closely with many individuals in this community, from judges and attorneys to police officers and activists. A particularly memorable experience for me was traveling to Thailand with a group of Hmong American elders and legal officials. Those collaborations not only enriched my understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by the Hmong people but also strengthened my commitment to serving this community.

“If you are facing criminal charges in Ramsey County, reach out for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.”

I’m thrilled to attend and reconnect with friends and colleagues from the community. My work with Hmong clients is both a privilege and a responsibility. The more I understand their culture, values, and specific legal needs, the better I can advocate for them within the legal system.

The 2024 Annual Banquet served as an excellent reminder of the vital contributions made by Hmong legal professionals and the importance of networking and community-building. I was excited to celebrate our collective achievements and engage in discussions about the future challenges and opportunities facing the Hmong community in the legal landscape.

“There are times when educating Judges and juries about a particular issue to the community requires insight. My clients and years of experience help me do that.”

As I look back on this special evening, I am reminded of the power of community and collaboration in the pursuit of justice. I am honored to be part of an event that amplifies the voices of the Hmong community, and I look forward to continuing to support this dynamic group in the future.

If you or someone you know is facing serious criminal charges in St. Paul or Ramsey County, I encourage you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation. At Jack Rice Defense, I am committed to standing by your side when your job, career, reputation, and life are on the line. You can contact me at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead.

Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.