The group of honorees for the 2023 Becker Awards—presented annually to attorneys, paralegals, administrators, or other staff employed by private, nonprofit agencies that provide legal services to low-income clients—is nothing short of inspiring. Nominated by their peers and then selected by a group of volunteers from the Access to Justice Committee, the following individuals have been recognized in the four major award areas.
There were two honorees for the Legacy of Excellence Award, Lynn Marie Mickelson of Rainbow Health and Gregg Trautwein of Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota. Mickelson has played a crucial role in advocacy, mentorship, and supervision across the state of Minnesota. Trautwein has dedicated over 42 years of his career to the field of civil legal aid.
This year’s Emerging Leader Award was presented to Taryn Trujillo Risom of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. She has dedicated her legal career to improving low-income families’ wellbeing through healthcare-legal partnerships.
Lexie Robinson from the University of Minnesota Law School received the Law Student Award. Robinson spent the past year volunteering with the ACLU-MN, aiding women and children affected by rights violations at ICE detention centers.
Rachel Albertson of Legal Aid Service of Northeast Minnesota was honored with the Advocate Award. She has worked to improve the justice system for all individuals, regardless of privilege or location.
This year’s awards included a special posthumous citation for Cindy Jarvi, who worked for the Minnesota Disability Law Center at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. Jarvi, who died last fall at 69, was recognized with an Advocate Award for her tenacity in representing her clients and the legacy of compassion she leaves behind.