Bar Benefit Raises Funds for Legal Services

For the tenth consecutive year, the Hennepin County Bar Foundation’s annual Bar Benefit set a record for gifts contributed to serve the legal needs of the disadvantaged.  In an increase of 25 percent above 2007 giving, over $123,500 was contributed to the Foundation, while the Volunteer Lawyers Network received almost $20,000 through their silent auction and raffle held in conjunction with the benefit. 

The Bar Benefit, held Tuesday, March 11, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, also afforded opportunity to honor individuals and firms who have distinguished themselves in pro bono work. Recipients of this year’s Pro Bono Publico awards were: Mary Cullen Yeager, of Faegre & Benson (Distinguished Service award, for overall commitment to pro bono service throughout a lawyer’s career); Patricia Siebert, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (Award for Excellence–Public Sector); and Gary Hansen, Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly (Award for Excellence–Private Sector).  Law firms were recognized for successful participation in the HCBA Pro Bono Challenge by providing at least 3 percent of their 2007 billable hours to pro bono work.

Founded in 1968, the Hennepin County Bar Foundation is dedicated to the mission of ensuring the fairness of, and accessibility to, the legal system by promoting public understanding and confidence in our system of justice.