Pioneering attorney, CEO Rebecca Egge Moos dies

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Rebecca Egge Moos, an esteemed attorney with Bassford Remele who in 2005 became the firm’s first female chief executive officer, died Wednesday. She was 78.

“Becky Moos was our friend, partner, trailblazer, leader, icon, and our glass-ceiling-smashing inspiration,” the firm’s current CEO, Mark Whitmore, wrote in an email to Minnesota Lawyer. “While her success in the courtroom was legendary, we also remember her mentorship, her calming presence, her humor, her perseverance, and her quest to win the right way by never wavering on her commitment to professionalism and civility.

“Whether it was dealing with a difficult case, opposing counsel, or an internal firm matter, she was always the calm in the storm. Becky was the lion that never needed to roar, because everyone waited for her insight, knowing her words would be guided by fairness, honesty, thought, and decency. She will be deeply missed and will remain part of our firm forever.”

In 1977, Moos became the first female attorney at the firm, then known as Richards, Montgomery, Cobb & Bassford. “Over her remarkable career, she defended and counseled leading health care organizations and earned a reputation as one of the most formidable, professional, and effective trial lawyers in the state,” the firm said.

The firm listed some of Moos’ notable accomplishments:

• First woman in Minnesota inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers.
• First female president of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association.
• President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
• Chair of the 4th District Ethics Committee.
• Co-chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Commission on Multidisciplinary Practice.
• Board of Directors, University of Minnesota Law School.

Moos also received Minnesota Lawyer’s Outstanding Service to the Profession Award and the Minnesota ICON Award.

Related: New Bassford Remele CEO is a woman of many firsts