FaegreBD Recognized as ‘Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year' by Volunteer Lawyers Network

Faegre Baker Daniels was recently recognized as ‘2017 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year’ by the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) and Jodie Boderman, FaegreBD pro bono manager, was recognized as ‘2017 Volunteer of the Year.’

Established in 1966, VLN is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal services to low-income individuals through volunteer attorneys.

The firm was recognized as being instrumental in the creation of the Housing Court Project in Hennepin County, where it continues to provide attorney and paralegal volunteers to staff the clinic each Monday afternoon. In addition, volunteers have provided outstanding representation to low-income tenants who were renting from some of Minneapolis’ largest slumlords. FaegreBD’s litigation held the landlords accountable and paved the way for better living conditions for affected residents.

Boderman was recognized for her work with VLN’s Housing Committee, which she has chaired since 2010. In this capacity she has made important contributions to other housing-related committees, focus groups and projects on behalf of VLN, such as the Bench and Bar Committee, the Family Housing Fund Northside Collaborative, the Ellison Eviction Forum and many others. Boderman has been a constant presence in making sure the voice and resources of the private, pro bono bar are appropriately brought to the table when addressing housing issues of low-income tenants.

During the awards presentation at the firm’s Minneapolis office on May 8, Minneapolis Mayor (and FaegreBD alum) Jacob Frey, spoke about affordable housing being his top priority.