Steve Schleicher to Receive the 2021 Advocate Award from the Minnesota State Bar Association's Civil Litigation Section

Maslon is pleased to announce that Partner Steve Schleicher has been selected to receive the 2021 Advocate Award from the Civil Litigation Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) for his service as pro bono special prosecutor in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The award honors those who have made a significant contribution to improving the system of civil justice in Minnesota. Steve will be recognized alongside fellow pro bono special prosecutors Jerry Blackwell and Lola Velazquez-Aguilu at the Civil Litigation Section Annual Advocate Award Reception. The three honorees will also provide the keynote presentation at the event, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Nicollet Island Pavilion.

In announcing the award, the Civil Litigation Section wrote, "While [the Chauvin trial] was a criminal case, three local attorneys set aside their practices to prosecute the Chauvin case pro bono…. We are honoring these excellent litigators, who answered the call to help serve justice, epitomizing the Section’s theme for 2021 – 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Their participation advanced the cause of under-represented groups everywhere… in the criminal justice system, in the civil litigation system, and most significantly in the realm of social justice."

Steve is a renowned trial lawyer with deep experience in high profile cases. He concentrates his work on high stakes criminal and civil litigation, government and internal investigations, and appellate practice. During the trial of Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Steve received high praise for his prominent role conducting jury selection and witness examination. His devastating cross-examination of the defense use-of-force expert received national acclaim, and his powerful closing was viewed as a pivotal factor in the trial verdict.

This in-person event is open to all, and CLE credit is available. For more information and to register, see Civil Litigation Section Annual Advocate Award Reception.