Attorneys: Trial in Molly Dennis' discrimination lawsuit could be held during the summer of 2026
Apr. 25—ROCHESTER — Attorneys in a former Rochester City Council member's discrimination suit against the city report they will be ready for a potential jury trial by June 1, 2026.
A report filed with the federal court on Thursday outlines the attorneys' expectations ahead of a planned May 1, 2025, pretrial conference related to Molly Dennis' claims that the city denied her access to public services based on her attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder disability.
The report states the attorneys met on April 15, a day after Paul Ostrow of Minneapolis-based Ostrow Law, filed notice that he was representing Dennis. Dennis filed the lawsuit in early 2023 , originally representing herself.
The city is being represented by Minneapolis-based Greene Espel law firm, which is being funded through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
The city denies allegations made by Dennis in the wake of her 2023 censure, stating actions taken were not acts of retaliation but were a response to complaints about Dennis' actions against elected officials and staff.
The new report outlines expectations for the year leading up to the potential jury trial requested by both sides of the case. It also outlines views regarding the potential number of witnesses and the sharing of information.
It also points to potential conflicts related to some information that could be raised during a trial, including how to deal with a city-issued laptop that Dennis has yet to return. The report states Dennis has offered to purchase the device, but the city did not agree to the option.
"The plaintiff's legal counsel will further discuss resolution of this issue with defense counsel," the report states.
The two sides also reportedly disagree on the handling of some information shared by others with City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage. While the city considers some of the material protected under attorney-client privilege, the report indicates Dennis' attorney questions the status in some cases.
The parties were required to discuss potential settlement options ahead of Thursday's hearing, but the report states more time is needed to allow Ostrow time to review the case documents filed so far.
"Because plaintiff's counsel was only recently retained and needs to fully review the matter and consult with his client following that review, the plaintiff is not yet able to make a detailed settlement proposal and the parties are not yet able to conduct a meaningful discussion about possible settlement," it states. "Both parties nonetheless believe that a pretrial conference would be useful at the discretion of the court."
U.S. Federal Court Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko confirmed plans to hold the scheduled hearing on Thursday.
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Judge rules for city in case involving former Statesman site
