The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) this week honored Minnesota State Representative Jamie Becker-Finn, four attorneys and the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron with awards for increasing access to justice through their critical advocacy or pro bono service.
The awards presentation took place Tuesday at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown hotel .
The awards ceremony came two days before LSC’s 50th Anniversary.
The Minnesota gathering is part of a series of events commemorating LSC’s 50th year by raising awareness of the civil justice crisis and promoting solutions that can expand access to justice for low-income Americans everywhere.
In April, national leaders gathered in Washington D.C. for a forum and gala celebrating the anniversary. Among the speakers at that event were United States Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Attorney General Merrick Garland, who praised LSC’s efforts to make equal justice a lived reality for all Americans.
LSC presented two distinct awards at the ceremony. The first was the Champions of Justice Award, which highlights an individual or firm who has made significant contributions to increasing access to justice in their local community. The Champions of Justice Award recipients were:
• Fredrikson & Byron, PA
Fredrikson & Byron is a historic supporter of civil legal aid in Minnesota. In 2023, its advocacy for the statewide Legal Aid Coalition helped secure an 83% increase in funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. Earlier this year, its advocacy contributed to the establishment of a Minnesota Board of Civil Legal Aid, which will ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of legal aid programs in the state. The firm’s efforts transcend state lines, supporting pro bono efforts in Iowa and providing financial contributions and training opportunities in North Dakota.
• Jamie Becker-Finn, Minnesota State Representative (D-40B)
In 2020, Rep. Becker-Finn was appointed Chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, which oversees state funding for civil legal services. She quickly recognized the importance of civil legal aid and the need to reform the system and close the justice gap. In 2023, she spearheaded an effort that resulted in an 87% increase for civil legal services in the state appropriations bill. That increase in funding has resulted in decreased turnover rate, higher salaries and a nearly 10% increase in capacity for legal services providers.
The second award was the Pro Bono Service Award, which honors individuals for their significant contributions to promoting access to justice through volunteer services.
The Pro Bono Service Award recipients are:
• Jenny A. Covington: partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Covington volunteers with Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS). Recently, she represented a woman in her domestic violence custody case. She won her case, resulting in the client gaining full custody over her child and protections regarding visitation. After her abuser violated the court order, Covington stood by her client and supported her through further legal proceedings. Covington has also encouraged two additional attorneys to volunteer with ALS.
• Jon C. Saunders: managing partner, Anderson Larson Hanson & Saunders PLLP
Saunders is a distinguished attorney who has given back to the legal community in a variety of ways, including more than a decade of pro bono work. He serves on the Board of Directors for Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS), where he helped develop a Medical Legal Partnership with the local hospital in Willmar. He has fostered a longstanding partnership between his firm and CMLS, resulting in a strong pool of Anderson Larson volunteers for legal aid.
• Lee Ann Riehle: attorney, Streater & Murphy, PA
Riehle has volunteered with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) for over 23 years. She is known to take on contested cases for clients in complex circumstances. Her diverse volunteer casework has included successful full representation for a litigated divorce matter and estate planning for a terminally ill client. Previously, Riehle also served on the SMRLS Board of Directors for 16 years.
• Cheryl M. Prince: attorney, Hanft Frida, PA
Prince is a long-time volunteer with Justice North, first through its Volunteer Attorney Program, and now with its Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI). Prince has been an incredible resource for Justice North in family law cases and she consistently staffs the Family Law Clinic. To date, she has accepted nearly 200 cases and has staffed over 60 clinics. Additionally, Prince mentors new PAI volunteer attorneys, advising them in unfamiliar areas of law.
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