Andrew Davis, Tim Griffin Honored with 2021 HCBA Excellence Award for 'Landmark Ruling' on Transgender Rights

05.19.2021

Stinson LLP partners Andrew Davis and Tim Griffin were two of nine attorneys recognized with the Hennepin County Bar Association 2021 Excellence Awards for service to the legal profession, community and bar association.

Davis and Griffin were honored specifically for their work on a case which gave a transgender student the right to use a school locker room that aligned with his gender identity. It received national attention, with more than a dozen organizations filing amicus briefs in support of our client, including the Minnesota State Bar Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association. Called a "landmark ruling" by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, this case affirms rights for transgender and gender nonconforming students across the state.

Both Davis and Griffin have contributed significantly to pro bono and diversity and inclusion efforts over the course of their legal careers. Davis has been honored for his pro bono work by the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Minnesota Supreme Court, while Griffin has also received the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association's Courage in Leadership Award. Stinson's strategic plan notes a commitment to annually donate 3% of total billable hours to pro bono legal services that will have a positive impact on our profession and the communities in which we live.