Joseph Becker Wins Outstanding Student Award from Clinical Legal Education Association

Earlier this month, Joseph Becker (JD ’18) became the first Northwestern Pritzker School of Law student to win the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA)’s Outstanding Student Award for his work in the Bluhm Legal Clinic’s Civil Litigation Center.

The award is given to a student who demonstrates “excellence in clinical fieldwork and exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying clinical seminar.”

Becker was nominated by Laurie Mikva, a clinical assistant professor with the Civil Litigation Center, who had Becker in her clinic for four consecutive semesters.

“In the Civil Litigation Clinic, Joey has represented dozens of clients threatened with eviction. With enthusiasm, dedication, empathy and boundless hard work, he has helped his clients keep their housing subsidies and maintain their housing at least until they are able to find other places to live,” Mikva said.

“The quality of Joey’s representation has been exceptional. He gets along extremely well and professionally with everybody including his clients, his student partners, opposing counsel and his supervisors. His work is thorough, thoughtful and timely. He has developed unmatched poise and skill in the courtroom.”

Becker graduated earlier this month, and is preparing to take one of his remaining cases to trial next month as he simultaneously studies for the bar exam.