Merchant & Gould was honored by the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota (CLC) with the Distinguished Service Award at its 26th Anniversary Virtual Benefit on Oct. 7.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to one law firm or corporation whose work on behalf of CLC’s clients exemplifies the commitment and dedication to pro bono representation that is the foundation of CLC’s mission.  According to Amanda Finman-Palmer, Development Director, and the CLC team, Merchant & Gould was especially recognized for its “dedication and commitment to representing children and youth in foster care,” as well as the firm’s “immense impact on Minnesota children in need.”

Over the years, Merchant & Gould attorneys and staff have engaged with CLC in many ways, including CLC board and committee leadership; philanthropy by employees and volunteers; sponsorship support for CLC’s Annual benefit; in-kind donations for CLC clients and operation; and hundreds of pro bono hours representing children and youth in foster care.

Minneapolis partner Tony Zeuli, CLC board member, accepted the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of Merchant & Gould in a video while applauding the firm’s robust team of pro bono volunteers, including Karen Beckman, Eric Chad, Julie Daulton, Lindsay Hartman, Rachel Hughey, Bradley Kuxhausen, Anneliese Mayer, Elisabeth “Bette” Muirhead, Ryan Smith, Rachel Zimmerman Scobie, and Tracey Skjeveland.

CLC provides free legal advocacy for foster care youth in Minnesota.  The organization advocates for foster children through systemic reform and provides free legal representation services to foster children.  CLC also trains volunteer attorneys to represent foster children in court.  Currently, CLC represents over 800 children per year.