Senior Lawyers & Judges Section: 2025 Mentoring Award

The Senior Lawyers & Judges Section is delighted to announce that Judith (Judie) Rush is the recipient of its 2025 Mentoring Award. Judie embodies the qualities this award celebrates and has dedicated her career to guiding and shaping generations of lawyers into caring and ethical professionals.

Judie taught Professional Responsibility at Hamline University School of Law from 1996 to 2011, emphasizing the importance of wellness alongside the Rules of Professional Conduct. Her teaching integrated discussions about the personal and professional realms of lawyering, equipping students with a holistic understanding of sustaining a meaningful, ethical, and healthy legal career. Beyond academics, Judie served as a mentor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, eventually leading the Mentor Externship Program to national acclaim. Her passion and dedication transformed the program into a model recognized by Bloomberg Law for its innovative approach.
Judie’s impact extends beyond her students. Her commitment to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and her role as Outreach Manager have furthered her mentorship, offering compassionate support to the broader legal community in Minnesota. Her mentoring is known for being transformational, not transactional. She meets mentees where they are, builds trust, and guides them through their careers. Her influence is enduring, making her the mentor every student and lawyer hopes to find.

The award was presented to Judie Rush (at left) by 2025-2026 Section Chair Marlene Garvis (at right) on October 20, 2025 at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. 

More info on the award.