2014 Govt. Lawyer of the Year

 

HARRISBURG (Nov. 24, 2014) — Administrative Law Judge Kevin R. Klinkner for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has been named the 2014 Government Lawyer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Government Lawyers Committee.

The award, presented to Klinkner during a ceremony at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East, honors a government lawyer who has made a significant singular contribution or has dedicated his or her career to outstanding service to the profession for the benefit of the public or a government entity.

Klinkner reduced backlogs within the Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Hearings and Appeals by streamlining the handling of Medical Assistance Provider appeals. He worked with providers’ attorneys and Office of General Counsel attorneys to coordinate partial summary judgment decisions on groups of hundreds of appeals with similar issues, saving duplicative work and ensuring consistency in decisions.

In addition, by using his technological expertise, Klinkner created a system to automate production of letters and mailing labels to reduce manual work of support staff within the bureau.

Klinkner holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.