For the first time in its history, the Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA) recognized attorneys from one law firm in two consecutive years with its Attorney Professionalism Award. This year’s recipient is Allen I. Saeks, a shareholder at Leonard, Street and Deinard. 

The Attorney Professionalism Award is presented annually to the HCBA member “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.” Last year the award was given to Thomas F. Nelson, also a shareholder at Leonard, Street and Deinard.

In his letter to Mr. Saeks announcing the award, David L. Sasseville, chair of the HCBA’s Professional and Personal Conduct Code Section, remarked: “To say you are deserving of the award would be a considerable understatement.”

Mr. Saeks accepted his award at a luncheon ceremony in conjunction with the HCBA’s 90th annual meeting on May 21, 2009, at the Graves 601 Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

The Attorney Professionalism Award is the second honor Mr. Saeks has received in the past several months. In February, Minnesota Lawyer presented him with its Outstanding Service to the Profession Award, given for longtime service to the legal community and those whom it serves.