Access to Justice Subcommittees
Each subcommittee develops a set of goals and objectives at the beginning of the bar year. While the specific goals and objectives fluctuate from year to year, the core purpose of each subcommittee remains constant.
Becker Awards Subcommittee
The Bernard P. Becker Awards are presented annually to recognize exemplary service by legal aid attorneys and staff, and a student volunteer. Subcommittee members are appointed for 3-year terms.
Pro Bono Council
The Pro Bono Council works collaboratively to advance pro bono engagement within the private bar by developing solutions to achieve the goal that all people, and particularly people with lower incomes or limited access to legal assistance, have the legal help they need. To achieve that goal, Pro Bono Council members are expected to attend and participate in the Pro Bono Council committee meetings and other initiatives supported by the Pro Bono Council.
Policy
The ATJ Policy Subcommittee researches, develops and promotes policies and initiatives to support civil legal assistance to those who could not otherwise afford it, with the goal of enacting legislation.
Resource Development
The Resource Development Subcommittee researches, develops and promotes resources, financial and otherwise, to support civil legal aid programs and other organizations providing free or reduced-cost legal services to people who would otherwise be unable to afford to hire a lawyer. This includes articulating the value of civil legal aid to attorneys, the philanthropic community, and the public, in order to sustain and grow financial support for civil legal aid from individual attorneys, private firms, corporate legal departments, various types of foundations, and the broader public.
Committee on Equality and Justice - Civil Justice Subcommittee
The Civil Justice Subcommittee pursues initiatives designed to increase the number of low-income and disadvantaged people receiving civil legal assistance and reduce barriers to access in Minnesota state courts through collaborative projects of the Judicial Branch and MSBA. Subcommittee members are appointed by the Judicial Branch, based in part on recommendations from the MSBA.