Andrew Davis, Tim Griffin Named Attorneys of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for 'Landmark' Transgender Rights Victory

12.20.2021

Stinson LLP Partners Andrew Davis and Tim Griffin are part of an attorney team who have been named Attorneys of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for a landmark victory in a case involving the rights of transgender students.

Davis and Griffin were honored specifically for their work on a case that established the statutory and constitutional rights of transgender students to use public school facilities that align with their gender identity. The case received national attention, with more than a dozen organizations filing amicus briefs in support of the 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 and marks a powerful move forward in the fight for equality in Minnesota.

Attorneys Teresa Nelson and David McKinney of the ACLU of Minnesota, as well as attorneys Jess Braverman and Christy Hall of Gender Justice, were also recognized as part of the team for their outstanding work on the case.

Davis and Griffin were also honored with the Hennepin County Bar Association Excellence Award for this case.

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.