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Gallo, Edblad Saluted by the Minnesota Bar

By Eric L. Lipman

I had the great privilege today to participate in the Public Law Section?s annual award ceremony honoring distinguished lawyers in the public sector. I was asked by the Section to present the William E. McGee Public Defender Excellence Award, to this year?s honoree, F. Richard Gallo, Jr.

The award is named for the late William E. McGee, the legendary Hennepin County Chief Public Defender, and is conferred to recognize innovation and special energy in the representation of indigent clients.

Rick Gallo is a very deserving honoree. Among his many credits are his victories in this case here and this one here.

And characteristically self-effacing, Gallo did not to speak of himself, or of his own career in the state public defender?s service, during his accepatnce speech, but rather the challenges that are faced by his organization as agency budgets tighten. (Pictured above is Rick Gallo, center, joined by his workmates and yours truly).

Likewise important, was the fact that Jeffrey R. Edblad, the Isanti County Attorney, received the Julius E. Gernes Prosecutor Excellence Award. Jeff ? who pulls triple-duty as a full-time prosecutor, a lecturer in Government and History at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and the Chairman of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission ? was an inspired selection to receive this year?s award.

Full post as published by Within the Scope on May 16, 2008 (boomark / email).