MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 7, 2009) – Gray Plant Mooty is pleased to announce that Robert A Stein, of counsel with GPM and a member of the firm’s Trust, Estate & Charitable Planning practice group, has been named chair of the International Bar Association’s Public and Professional Interest Division (PPID). He succeeds Martin Šolc of the Czech law firm Kocián Šolc Balaštík in a two-year term, which runs through December 31, 2010.

Of his new role as chair of the PPID, Stein says, “I consider the Public and Professional Interest Division to be the heart and soul of the International Bar Association (IBA). The programs and constituents of the PPID represent the values that make the practice of law a profession and not just an occupation. These programs enable lawyers to give back to the profession and improve the administration of justice.”

Stein has a long association with the IBA. His most recent official positions include vice-chair, PPID (2007-2008); assistant treasurer (2004-2006); and deputy secretary-general, North America between 1994 and 2004.

Stein is the immediate past executive director and chief operating officer of the American Bar Association (ABA). Prior to assuming his position at the ABA, Stein was dean of the University of Minnesota Law School and the first William S. Pattee Professor of Law. From 1977-1980, he served as the University of Minnesota’s vice president for administration and planning. Stein was the University’s representative to the NCAA, the Big Ten, and the WCHA from 1981-1993, and subsequently served on the NCAA’s Division I Infractions Appeals Committee.

Currently an Everett Fraser Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota Law School, Stein teaches estate planning, as well as a unique course on the work that American lawyers have done to bring the rule of law to new democracies throughout the world. In addition, he teaches a course to undergraduate students about the notable cases that have shaped our nation over the past 200 years.

Advancing the rule of law worldwide is one of Stein’s key professional objectives. “The legal profession’s constant challenge is to maintain and strengthen the rule of law in every nation,” says Stein. “It is my hope that the rule of law will eventually be taught in all law schools across the globe so that we can continue to improve the administration of justice in every part of the world.”