Breaking the Ice: ‘Winning for thousands’ drives policy advocate

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For Jessica Webster, staff attorney with the Legal Services Advocacy Project of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, success in her public policy work “means winning for thousands of Minnesotans.”

Webster joined Legal Aid in 2005 and is working her 21st legislative session. She has advocated on behalf of issues including universal free school meals. She’s proudest of championing an ongoing increase, the first in decades, in cash grants under the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

For her efforts, Webster has been named the 2026 honoree of the Bernard P. Becker Legacy of Excellence Award. The award, from the Minnesota State Bar Association, recognizes “a demonstrated, career-long commitment to excellence in the legal services field,” Legal Aid stated in announcing the honor.

“The Becker Award is a big deal in my world,” Webster said. “I was mentored by giants who won the Becker Award. I stand among giants who are still fighting righteous fights.”

Promoting policies that can bring wide-ranging benefits motivates Webster through long, griding legislative sessions.

“I think I’m also a little high strung, and I have probably an unhealthy amount of rage at injustice and unfair practices,” Webster said. “I need a place to fight every day. The challenging pace, the strategy, the ups and downs, the people, I love it all.”

Webster worked as a print journalist before going into public policy and then on to law school.

Name: Jessica Webster

Title: Attorney, Legal Services Advocacy Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Education: B.A., journalism/communication and political science, Purdue University; Master of Public Policy, University of Minnesota; J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Q: Best way to start a conversation with you?

A: “What’s good?” always works. Otherwise, if you frame your weather chitchat in terms of cycling weather, we’ll be fast friends.

Q: Why law school?

A: I went to public policy school and then went to this public interest law center in Chicago. I was working in affordable housing and when we would hit policy roadblocks on racist zoning, I wanted to sue local governments. I didn’t have that tool, and so that’s why I went to law school.

Q: What are you reading?

A: “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kieran Desai. Kieran Desai is an amazing author. I’ve been pining for a follow-up to “The Inheritance of Loss.” It’s about India and history and politics, and just so richly written.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: Weak coffee.

Q: Best part of your work?

A: When I’m successful, thousands of people benefit.

Q: Most challenging?

A: My wins often take several years, and I hate the feeling of letting people down while we’re striving to get there.

Q: What’s one way to deal with political polarization at the Capitol?

A: Kindness is the only word that comes to mind, and seeing the humanity in each other. I sat next to Republican [Sen.] Jim Abeler in a hearing and said, “I hate this bill.” He said, “You’re being harsh.” And I said, “You’re the only person I can sit next to and say, ‘I hate your bill.’” Because he’s kind, and we have a mutual respect for each other. And that is going away at the Capitol, that is eroding.

Q: Favorite activity away from work?

A: I chase my kids on mountain bikes and skis and still play a little pickup ice hockey.

Q: Where would you take someone visiting your hometown?

A: In Rochester, Minnesota, it’s Cantonese Wong’s cafe, the best Chinese food in Rochester. The egg roll is the best in the state.

Q: Legal figure you admire?

A: I’ll go with Ketanji Brown Jackson for the moment, even though there are lots. (Her work is) brilliant and fierce.

Q: Misconception about your work?

A: Some people think Legal Aid is the training ground for better-paying government or corporate or firm work. It’s a wired identity for some of us. I’ve been here a long time and a lot of us will be here for a long time.

Q: Favorite book, movie or TV show about lawyers?

A: I loved “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, book and movie. But I’m never gonna tire of “My Cousin Vinny.” Ever.