The Minnesota State Bar Association is tremendously proud of our members who render free legal services to low-income persons. For hours volunteered in calendar year 2019, the MSBA gave special recognition to members who provide 50 hours or more of legal services as defined in Rule 6.1(a), (b)(1) and (b)(2) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. In 2019, over 884 MSBA members were certified as North Star Lawyers. North Star Lawyers provided over 97,500 total hours of pro bono service with an estimated value of $24.3 million (using a $250/hr. billing rate).
We know many more of you could be recognized for your efforts this year. Members who report their voluntary service will be recognized as 2020 North Star Lawyers and included in the annual roster insert published in the May/June 2021 Bench & Bar edition, as well as in other recognition opportunities. Certification for calendar year 2020 will open in December. For more information, please see the North Star Lawyers website (www.mnbar.org/northstar) or contact MSBA Public Service Director Steve Marchese (smarchese@mnbars.org, 612-278-6308).