ESCANABA — Michigan Supreme Justice, Honorable Richard Bernstein will speak Friday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Leigh’s Winery, hosted by the Delta County Democratic Party. The public is welcome.

Elected by voters statewide to the Michigan Supreme Court in Nov. 2014, Bernstein began his eight-year term in January 2015. He has been highly successful in his human rights cases, both in private practice and through partnerships with the United States Department of Justice.

Beyond his legal track record, Justice Bernstein, is the only blind State Supreme Court Justice in the U.S. His law practice has concentrated on fighting for the access rights of disabled people. Bernstein’s cases often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.

Justice Bernstein has received many honors, including: “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, one of Crains’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He is a recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 22 marathons, including thirteen New York City marathons, the full Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2008 and the Israman triathlon’s half Ironman in Eilat, Israel in 2011.

“We hope you will join us to welcome Justice Bernstein to Escanaba. The Justice will speak for a few minutes and welcomes your feedback,” organizers said.