Five attorneys honored by Monroe County Bar Association

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Five local attorneys were honored last week during the Monroe County Bar Association’s Law Day reception at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

About 125 people attended the event that featured remarks from Bar Association President Mark Funk and Adolph J. Rodenbeck Award recipient Connie O. Walker.

The Rodenbeck Award recognizes a legal professional who lives and works by the exemplary example of professional and community service set by the Adolph J. Rodenbeck (1861-1960).

Walker retired as law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr. Her distinguished legal career spans more than 30 years, including roles with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, Monroe County Department of Law, private practice, and as a law clerk in Rochester City Court, County Court, and state Supreme Courts.

A past president of the Monroe County Bar Association, she remains active in its leadership and committees and is a Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation.

Walker also is deeply involved in the Rochester community, currently serving on the Monroe Community College Board of Trustees and having held leadership roles with several nonprofit and educational organizations.

She is the recipient of numerous honors, including the MCBA President’s Award for Professionalism, The Daily Record Lifetime Achievement Award, and the MCBA Justin L. Vigdor Senior Award for Service.

David L. Rasmussen and Henry W. Jones IV were presented with William E. McKnight Volunteer Service Awards recognizing volunteer attorneys whose extraordinary pro bono service reflects the legacy and commitment to equal justice exemplified by the late William E. McKnight.

Rasmussen has made a profound impact through his pro bono work in immigration law, particularly in assisting individuals navigating complex and often high-stakes immigration proceedings. He has played a critical role in supporting detained individuals seeking release through bond hearings, as well as guiding clients through immigration processes with care and precision.

His willingness to step into urgent and challenging cases, combined with his ability to provide clear, compassionate guidance, has helped clients move forward with stability and hope.

Jones is an emeritus volunteer who has provided extensive pro bono support to vulnerable, low-income clients. Drawing on his deep expertise as a Family Law Clerk in Monroe County, Jones has been instrumental in assisting unrepresented clients navigating divorce proceedings.

In addition to direct client service, he has mentored volunteers, provided training, and helped guide numerous cases successfully through the legal process.

His commitment to sharing knowledge and expanding access to justice has had a lasting impact on clients and the broader pro bono community, providing more than 500 hours of volunteer service.

Mikal J. Krueger is the recipient of the Raymond J. Pauley Award, which honors the memory of Raymond J. Pauley, an attorney who contributed greatly to the continuing legal education mission of the MCBA, by recognizing an attorney’s dedication and service to the MCBA Academy of Law.

Krueger focuses his practice on bankruptcy, real estate, zoning and land use. He was admitted to practice in 2004, and recently became a partner at McConville, Considine, Cooman & Morin PC.

A long-serving chair of the MCBA Bankruptcy Committee, Krueger received his bachelor’s degree from Canisius University in 2000, and his juris doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 2003.

He tries to be a down-to-earth attorney helping clients find solutions that work for them. Krueger has lived in Irondequoit since 2005.

Joseph P. Crimi was presented with the Charles F. Crimi Memorial Award, which acts as a memorial to Crimi’s father, Charles F. Crimi, and his fearless and unselfish dedication to the principle that the poor and disadvantaged are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Joseph Crmi earned his bachelor of arts degree from St. Bonaventure University. He received a master of arts degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in 1979.

Crimi started his professional career with the Monroe County Department of Human Services, where he worked for five years. He later attended the University at Buffalo School of Law, receiving his juris doctor in 1988.

Early in his legal career, Crimi practiced with his father and brother, and later with his brother, handling assigned cases in various state courts as well as criminal matters in the federal district court.

In 2003, he joined the Monroe County Conflict Defender’s Office. He began in the Family Court Bureau before transitioning to the criminal division, where he remained for the duration of his career, representing indigent clients with dedication and professionalism.