Becker Awards

2013 Bernard P. Becker
Legal Services Staff and
Volunteer Law Student Awards

Nominations for the 2013 Bernard P. Becker Awards
have now closed.

These awards recognize the dedicated service and outstanding achievements of legal services staff and volunteer law students. The awards include $1000 for each legal services staff recipient and $350 for each law student recipient. Each recipient will also receive free MSBA membership for the next bar year.

Eligibility

Legal Services Staff: The Bernard P. Becker Legal Services Staff award is presented to attorneys, paralegals, administrators or other staff employed by a private, nonprofit agency that provides legal services to low-income and disadvantaged eligible clients. Recipients must have a demonstrated commitment to provision of zealous and skilled legal representation for low-income and disadvantaged clients. The Awards Committee may consider direct client representation, work in support of direct client representation, and other activities in the client or legal communities. Nominees who have not received past recognition from the MSBA or other organizations will receive preference.

Law Student Volunteers: The Bernard P. Becker Law Student Volunteer Award is presented to law students who have demonstrated a commitment to the provision of legal services to low-income and disadvantaged persons. Nominees should have engaged in substantial volunteer work, including activities in the client or legal communities, and law school work beyond the minimum requirements for academic credit. Nominees who have not received past recognition from the MSBA or other organizations will receive preference.

Nominations and Selection

Nominations may be received from any source. The nomination should describe specifically how the nominee has demonstrated a commitment to the provision of zealous and skilled legal representation for low-income and disadvantaged clients, including direct client representation, work in support of direct client representation, and other activities in the client or legal communities. Feel free to attach supporting materials that speak to the nominee's relevant activities.

The MSBA Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged Committee will screen nominations and make recommendations to the MSBA Council. The MSBA Council selects the recipients.