National advocacy award goes to Minnesota Disability Law Center

Legal Aid staff in business attire, dark blazers, ties, pose for photo.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Minneapolis, Minn.)—Citing “extraordinary leadership” and an “aggressive pursuit of justice,” the National Disability Rights Network awarded its 2023 Advocacy Award to Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Minnesota Disability Law Center.

Executive Director Marlene Sallow of NDRN lauded MDLC attorneys and staff, taking note of Murphy et al. v. Harpstead, “Your diligent legal work is a model for the entire network. For these reasons and more, we’re so happy to be able to honor your work this year.”

Murphy is a federal class action lawsuit. In 2022, the federal court preliminarily approved a settlement agreement that will help increase choice and opportunity for persons with disabilities who currently live in group home settings. “We are grateful that NDRN has recognized our work on this long-standing case,” says Steve Schmidt, Supervising Attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center.

“We are hopeful that if the settlement receives final approval from the court, it will enable people with disabilities the ability to live in homes or apartments of their own.” The NDRN Advocacy Award was announced and presented Feb. 27 at the organization’s annual conference.

Murphy et al. v Harpstead

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Media contact:


Lisa Ramirez
| 612.746.3641
Communications Manager

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

lramirez@mylegalaid.org