Sam Nelson
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Building a Legally Resilient School
It’s not alarmist—it’s realistic. In today’s legal climate, schools and churches face increasing scrutiny, rising liability, and a growing list of compliance responsibilities. Many leaders assume, “That won’t happen to us,” until it does. This session is designed to help Lutheran schools build legal resilience before trouble arises. Participants will explore practical, gospel-minded approaches to strengthening policies, handbooks, and school operations.
Topics include enrollment agreements, discipline procedures, mandated reporting, and risk management practices—all aimed at protecting the people you serve and the ministry you carry out. The goal isn’t fear—it’s clarity. You’ll leave better equipped to recognize legal blind spots, implement protective structures, and support ministry with confidence and care. Whether you’re a principal, early childhood director, board member, or pastor, this breakout offers a framework for preparing wisely—before problems emerge. Because in today’s environment, it’s not just about responding to the lawsuit you see coming. It’s about being ready for the one you didn’t.
Sam Nelson is attorney and owner of Nelson Law. He advises churches, schools, non-profits, businesses, and individuals through the many legal issues they face. Sam is a regular presenter at school and employment law conferences. He advises clients drafting and negotiating legal documents, charting a path through difficult legal circumstances, and meets with families to plan for the future. When the need arises, Sam represents clients in litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
Sam studied history and opera in college and graduated from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities with honors before attending law school at the University of St. Thomas. Prior to founding Nelson Law, PLLC, Sam was a partner at a downtown St. Paul law firm.
Sam lives in Stillwater, Minn., with his wife and six kids. He is a parishioner at St. Michael’s and enjoys reading, playing board games, boating on the St. Croix River, listening to opera, poker night with friends, and taking saunas and cold plunges in the sauna he built in their garage.
