In recognition of his pro bono efforts, the Bankruptcy Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association presented Jon Strauss with its Raeder Larson Public Service Award. The award is given annually to an individual who provides exceptional service to the public through pro bono legal services and a demonstrated commitment to justice for all. Jon was nominated for the award because of his defense of a mentally ill debtor, in Reynolds v. Pennsylvania Higher Educ. Assistance Agency, 425 F.3d 526 (8th Cir. 2005).

Jon was not only recognized yesterday by the MSBA for his commitment to pro bono representation, but he was also highlighted in a 2005 Special Legal Issue of the Corporate Board Member magazine in an article entitled, "Lives that Legal Angels Saved," regarding his representation on the same matter referenced above. Jon spent close to 6 years on this pro bono matter. Jon's commitment to his pro bono client, and the Bar's recognition of that, says volumes about the kind of lawyer Jon is.