Bowman and Brooke HR Generalist Amanda Johnson and Trial Paralegal Matthew Fordyce have each been named a 2017 "Unsung Legal Hero" by Minnesota Lawyer magazine. This award is reserved for the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support professionals, and both Amanda and Matt not only meet, but exceed these criteria.
A true trial paralegal, attorneys equate practicing with Matt Fordyce like practicing with another partner. He is the rare paralegal who spends more time in trial than in the office, having been to trial six times in 14 months. Matt has excelled in navigating trial and litigation practice support technology and has extensive knowledge and proficiency of the firm's electronic case management tools. His resulting expertise in trial preparation and best-in-class performance has earned him the reputation as "quarterback of the war room" among his colleagues.
Amanda has been an indispensable member of Bowman and Brooke's HR team since she began her career at the firm in 2011. Quickly excelling in this role, her detail-oriented and ambitious personality earned her a promotion to HR Generalist in 2013. In addition to wearing many hats in the department over the past year, Amanda has also served as a leader in the upgrade and integration of the firm's new HRIS software. Her leadership in the assimilation of the new system will ultimately reduce admin time and clear space for more creative and strategic tasks. She has admirable fortitude, and she was the glue that held the team together through a whirlwind year of HR staff changes, team reorganization and firm expansion.
Amanda and Matthew, along with their "Unsung Legal Hero" honorees will be recognized alongside the "Up & Coming Attorneys" on September 7 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Lawyer will publish a special section in their September issue profiling the honorees.