Trudy Halla Recognized for Professionalism in the Practice of Law

Minneapolis (5-30-02): -- Trudy Halla was honored by her peers with the 2002 Professionalism Award at the annual meeting of the Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA). The association gives the award annually to a member of the bench or bar who best exemplifies the pursuit of the practice of law as a profession, including a spirit of public service and promotion of the highest possible level of competence, integrity and ethical conduct. The Professionalism Award is granted in the belief that professionalism serves the best interests of clients, fosters respect and trust between lawyers and the public, promotes the efficient resolution of disputes, and improves the administration of justice.

Concentrating her practice since 1978 in public financing, banking, commercial lending and commercial leasing at Briggs and Morgan, Halla has been actively involved in the profession locally and nationally. Writes firm president Richard Mark, "Trudy has been a leader in each organization in which she has participated. Each has grown in strength and accomplishments as a result of her interest, leadership and efforts." Praising both her accomplishments and character as befitting the award, Mark notes Halla’s "adherence to the practice of law as a professional, her pursuit of the practice of law as a public service, her competence, [and] her high degree or integrity and ethical conduct."

A native of Illinois, Halla came to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College before taking paralegal training in Philadelphia and working in New York City. She entered law school two years later at Columbia University, graduating in 1976 and accepted a position in New York City. After two years she left the Big Apple to return to Minnesota, joining Briggs and Morgan’s St. Paul office where she became a member of the Public Finance Department.

Halla has contributed much to the profession through a long list of responsibilities with the Hennepin County, Minnesota State, and American bar associations as well as Minnesota Women Lawyers. She served as president of the HCBA in 1995, designating her term as the year of "Children’s Issues," during which she played a significant role in the expansion of the Children’s Law Center and its programs.

In her own area of practice, she served for five years (three as treasurer) on the board of directors of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and was honored by her peers around the country when elected as a Fellow of the American College of Bond Counsel. At the firm Halla has also been a leader, including serving as vice president of the firm and as a member of the firm’s executive committee. She has been a persistent and persuasive force in encouraging Briggs and Morgan to be proactive in diversity issues.

Halla has also contributed extensively to the community through a variety of organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minneapolis YWCA, Rotary Club, Junior League, Minikahda Club and Blake School.

Halla is sought out by women within and without her own firm as a role model and mentor, not just as a lawyer, but as a business leader. Her daughter, Kate, is among her many admirers. A long list of prominent business people, lawyers and judges supported Halla’s nomination for the award, each drawing from personal experience and describing her professionalism and competence in glowing terms, all agreeing that "she epitomizes the concept of ‘professionalism’."

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Photo available immediately by email.
Contact Duane Stanley, 612-752-6611 or duane@hcba.org

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