Nominations Open for MSBA’s Bernard Becker Awards

Each year, the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) honors those who exemplify the legacy of Bernard P. Becker, a champion of legal rights for the vulnerable and those living in poverty.

Three Becker Legal Services Staff awards are presented annually to attorneys, paralegals, administrators, or other staff employed by a private, nonprofit agency that provides legal services to eligible low-income clients. The Becker Student Volunteer Award is presented to a law student who has demonstrated a commitment to the provision of legal services to people with low-incomes. These awards recognize the dedicated service and notable achievements of four recipients and include an award of $500-$550.

Awards for staff include the Legacy of Excellence for attorneys or support/advocate staff with a career-long commitment to excellence; the Emerging Leader for attorneys with up to 10 years of cumulative legal aid service, and a record of exemplary service and/or extraordinary accomplishments in the field; and the Advocate/Support Award for non-attorney legal aid staff with outstanding service in the legal services field.

For more information and to nominate a legal services champion, submit nominations to the MSBA here by February 28, 2025.