A Minnesota Court of Appeals senior judge, a fierce disability advocate and former trustee, and an instrumental Robins Kaplan associate have been selected to receive the annual alumni awards presented by Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Alumni Association Board. They will be celebrated at the Alumni Awards Reception on Oct. 10, as part of the Alumni Reunion Weekend celebrating 125 years of Mitchell Hamline on Oct. 9-11.
Senior Judge John P. Smith ’75
Senior Judge John P. Smith ’75 is being honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who demonstrate the highest values and ethical standards in achieving professional distinction or lasting contributions to their field of endeavor, including professional accomplishments of a distinctly creative or challenging nature or outstanding leadership within the profession.
“I have been fortunate over my career to work with many outstanding people who have been dedicated to advancing justice in Minnesota. To be recognized by an exceptional institution such as Mitchell Hamline is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am extremely grateful,” said Judge Smith.
Known for his fairness and innovation, Judge Smith served Minnesota for over 34 years, first as a Ninth Judicial District court judge for 21 years—including four years as chief judge—and then on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where he continues to serve as a senior judge. Judge Smith was instrumental in advancing technology in courts throughout Minnesota and establishing the nation’s first joint jurisdiction court between a state government and Native American Tribe, the Leech Lake-Cass County Wellness Court, which received the United Nations’ Honoring Nations Award.
Prior to joining the bench, Judge Smith spent 15 years as a civil trial specialist. He also served as a faculty member at National Judicial College, an adjunct for Mitchell Hamline, and a frequent speaker and mentor. An active leader in professional organizations, Judge Smith served on the committee that established the Minnesota Judicial Council and as president of the Minnesota District Judges Association (MDJA), among other roles.
The Distinguished Alumni Award will add to the long list of awards recognizing Judge Smith’s community service and professional accomplishments, including MDJA’s Outstanding Judge Award, the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Rosalie Wahl Award of Excellence and David L. Graven Community Service Award, and Concordia College’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Senior Judge Donovan Frank ’77
Senior Judge Donovan Frank ’77 is being honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award, which is reserved for alumni who have demonstrated significant commitment to the law school.
“It is truly a privilege to receive this award. One of the greatest lessons that Mitchell Hamline teaches its students is the same lesson I received: understanding the value of the rule of law,” said Judge Frank. “When you take your oath to follow the Constitution, it includes a promise to provide equal justice under the law to all people. That promise is as important as it has ever been in my career.”
Judge Frank has led a life of service and advocacy in Minnesota’s district court system, on the federal bench, and as an influential Mitchell Hamline trustee from 2015 to 2024.
Judge Frank began his career as an assistant county attorney in St. Louis County, Minn., on the child abuse team. In 1985, he was appointed to Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District, where he served as assistant chief judge (1988-91) and chief judge (1991-96). In 1998, he joined the United States District Court, District of Minnesota, assuming senior status in 2016.
A fierce advocate for disability rights, Judge Frank aims to increase legal representation for those with disabilities and ensure their right to equal justice. He also provides naturalization “house calls,” allowing those unable to attend naturalization ceremonies to experience this milestone. Committed to well-being in the profession, Judge Frank is the chair of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and served on the board of the Range Mental Health Center, which opened a treatment and detoxification center bearing his name.
Judge Frank was recipient of the Paul G. Herne Award for Disability Rights, The Arc Minnesota Luther Granquist Systems Change Award, and Fred Allen Outstanding Service Award, and was named Trial Judge of the Year in 1996.
Rashanda Bruce ’18
Rashanda Bruce ’18 is being honored with the Recent Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, Mitchell Hamline, and the legal profession within the first 10 years following graduation.
“When I was 14 years old, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer so I could help others gain access to justice and have their voices heard in a system that can often feel overwhelming. To now be recognized with the Recent Alumni Award from Mitchell Hamline is incredibly special, as it reaffirms the calling I felt so strongly about as a teenager. This honor inspires me to keep working on behalf of those whose lives and futures depend on strong legal advocacy,” said Bruce.
As an associate in Robins Kaplan’s mass tort and personal injury groups, Bruce has a proven track record across a range of sensitive and complex matters. She was instrumental in obtaining seven-figure verdicts in the first trial of its kind involving the abuse of aerosol dust remover products and the wrongful death of a man fatally shot following a minor fender bender. She is a fierce advocate in the courtroom, delivering justice to her clients.
A 2024 graduate of the American Association for Justice’s Leadership Academy, she utilizes her leadership skills to drive initiatives within the legal profession and broader social causes. She serves on the boards for the Hennepin County Bar Association (HCBA), Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, and Prodeo Academy. Bruce is also on Twin Cities Diversity and Practice’s outreach committee, Books for Africa’s advisory board, and is a co-treasurer and executive committee member for the Warren E. Burger Inn of Court. Additionally, she fosters empowerment and mentors the next generation as a competitive cheerleading coach for girls in grades 1-6 and as a co-founder of LOCUS, which provides community building and leadership for people of color.
In the first decade of her career, Bruce has already been recognized for her accomplishments, including being honored with the Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award by the HCBA, named an Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer, and recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 X – The Next Generation.
This year’s Alumni Award Reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, from 5:30-7 pm in the Mitchell Hamline auditorium and online. Those interested in attending are invited to register online.
Learn more about the alumni awards.