TRANSLATING LEGAL EXPERTISE INTO SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

FGB takes great pride in serving and improving our local community.  These values are reflected in the substantial volunteer work to which our attorneys are committed:

PRO BONO SERVICES

We quickly responded to the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge and joined other experienced plaintiff’s trial lawyers in the “Bridge Consortium” in pro bono representation of the victims.  Our expertise in dealing with governmental immunities was utilized by the “Bridge Consortium” to analyze potential claims for all the victims.  We also represent nine individuals, who were either on the bridge at the time it fell or lost loved ones in the tragedy, in their claims against the State of Minnesota.
  
We have represented student loan debtors suffering from severe and pervasive mental illness.

We have represented guardians ad litem for children who are wards of the state.  
  
We have represented individuals who have encountered housing discrimination based on race and familial status.

We have represented organizations needing assistance in obtaining grants.

We have worked with established organizations such as the Volunteer Lawyers Network, the Federal Pro Se Employment Law Panel, and the Federal Public Defender Panel to assist those who cannot afford legal counsel. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE & NON-PROFIT BOARD SERVICE

Our attorneys share their talents and serve on a variety of educational, arts, religious, political and health care related non-profits, including:

• Volunteer Lawyers Network
• Qwest for Excellence
• Sexual Violence Center
• International Spanish Language Academy School Board
• Minnesota Literacy Council
• Annunciation School Board
• National Ataxia Foundation

Others volunteer and serve on their church and synagogue councils and coach children’s sports teams.

Several attorneys teach continuing legal education classes and publish articles, while others lecture at local law schools and mentor law students.  We also volunteer and support the Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program.

SERVICE & LEADERSHIP WITHIN BAR ASSOCIATIONS

Many of our attorneys serve on executive committees, boards and governing assemblies of various organizations including the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association and Minnesota Women Lawyers.   Steve Rau currently serves as the President of the Federal Bar Association, and Sonia Miller-Van Oort just completed her term as President of the Hennepin County Bar Association.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Finally, our firm gives back to the community by donating to numerous local and national organizations that provide for both legal.