Sherburne County has a new law librarian.

 

Julie Pettit took over the position in January.

 

Pettit was an investigator for the federal public defenders for 25 years.  She currently works part-time for the immigration department and the nuclear regulatory commission.

 

“So now I have three part-time jobs,” she says. “My background is more paralegal, so I wanted to get back to doing more legal work.”

 

Since starting in January, she has been busy helping people with legal issues.

 

“It’s mostly been people  coming in for family matters - child support, dissolution, custody matters... That’s what I’ve seen for the most part,” she says. “But we also get questions on probate and quit claim deeds.”

 

Since Pettit is not an attorney, she can’t offer legal advice. But she can help with lots of other resources.

 

“Most people who come in can’t afford an attorney. I can offer them resources to get an attorney or I can help them get information online,” she says. “I can help them get forms they need and direct them on what they need to file, but I can’t help them fill out their forms. I can also help them look up their court cases and court summaries.”

 

The Sherburne County Law Library also has a self-help center where people can get the tools to help them with their legal issues.

 

Each Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., an attorney is on site to answer questions and help people prepare their case.

 

The law library is located on the second floor of the Government Center near the couty attorney’s office. It is open to the public Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Pettit is there afternoons Monday through Thursday.

 

For more information, call 763-765-4800.