Student News: Haley Van Steenbergh '26 Receives the Minnesota Justice Foundation Outstanding Student Award,  Named to AALS 2024 Pro Bono Honor Roll

Haley Van Steenbergh '26 received the Minnesota Justice Foundation's Plunkett Christenson Law Student Volunteer Award at the Minnesota Justice Foundation's annual awards ceremony in early October. This summer, Haley volunteered for HOME Line, a tenant advocacy organization that offers free legal help for renters. During her time with HOME Line, she advised 346 clients on various issues within landlord-tenant law, including rent escrows, discrimination, and evictions. She plans to continue her work with HOME Line intermittently during her fall semester, and part-time over winter and spring break.

Haley has also been named to the American Association of Law School (AALS) Pro Bono Honor Roll for 2024. AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll highlights the pro bono work of "individuals engaging in, expanding, and/or supporting their law school community in providing pro bono legal services. For this award, 'pro bono' is defined as work that is primarily legal in nature, supervised by a licensed attorney (for law students), not for pay or academic credit, and of service to underserved individuals, groups, or those with barriers to access to justice."

Haley is currently serving as a judicial extern in the Hennepin County District Court. She is also enrolled in the Civil Rights and Liberties Moot Court at the Law School, where she hopes to strengthen her litigation skills so she can effectively advocate for those who need it most.