I’m totally humbled to receive the Professional Excellence Award from the Minnesota State Bar Association. To be acknowledged by those in a profession that I simply adore is pretty amazing. I have been privileged to serve first as a prosecutor and then as a criminal defense lawyer for many years. To then be able to teach for the National Institute of Trial Lawyers here in Minnesota and then to teach around the world in places like Russia, Republic of Georgia, Uganda and Kenya is nothing short of mind boggling. This Award will only spur me on to do more. I’m so grateful.

According to the MSBA, this award is presented to commend an attorney who is actively involved in the legal profession and who combines excellence in professional service with outstanding service to and on behalf of the Minnesota State Bar, the legal profession, or the public.  This award recognizes an attorney who strives to meet the many responsibilities of a lawyer, including efforts to improve the administration of justice and practice of law, efforts to promote access to justice, efforts to serve and govern the profession, and service of benefit to the community.  The award may be given annually provided that the nominations adequately meet the award criteria. 

I will receive this Award on June 22, 2020.