Now is the time for all MSBA members who meet the program requirements to certify their 2019 pro bono service, including members who previously participated in the program. Please don’t delay—the deadline for submitting your information is March 13, 2020. Full program information and the certification form can be found at www.mnbar.org/NorthStar.
The North Star Lawyers program recognizes MSBA members who provide essential volunteer legal services to Minnesota’s low-income residents. It celebrates the work of members who meet or exceed 50 hours of pro bono service in a calendar year, as set forth in Rule 6.1(a), (b)(1) and (b)(2) of our state’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
In 2018, 934 MSBA members were certified as North Star Lawyers. North Star Lawyers provided over 110,500 total volunteer hours of pro bono service with an estimated value of $27,600,000. The MSBA recognizes North Star Lawyers with paid advertisements, a listing on its website, and in press releases to news outlets statewide; they also receive a special electronic logo suitable for website, email, or other usage.
If you have questions about the North Star Lawyers program, please contact MSBA Public Service Director Steve Marchese (smarchese@mnbars.org or 612-278-6308).
MEET THE STAFF
Steve Marchese leads the MSBA’s statewide pro bono efforts, provides professional support for the MSBA’s Access to Justice Committee and related initiatives, and develops projects that increase member capacity to meet new and emerging legal needs, such as the Minnesota Unbundled Law Project. A New York native who has called Minnesota home since 2001, Steve joined the MSBA in 2009, is an avid classic car enthusiast and serves as an elected board member on the St. Paul School Board.