2012 Liberty Bell Award

Law Day U.S.A. was established in 1958 for presidential proclamation and reaffirmed by joint resolution in Congress in 1991 as a "special day of celebration by the American People in appreciation of their liberties and to provide an occasion for rededication of the ideals of equity and justice under the laws."

Since 1980 Kleina has been a dedicated lay member of the board of directors of the DuPage Legal Assistance Foundation.  In addition, he has a long history of dedication to the cause of liberty and justice for all Americans.  He served as Executive Director of HOPE Fair Housing Center since the mid 1970's until his recent retirement.  HOPE promotes equal housing, lending and insurance opportunities through education, research, outreach, enforcement, training, and advocacy.  HOPE serves DuPage and Kane counties as well as 29 other counties in northern and north central Illinois.

Kleina is also a founding member of the National Fair Housing Alliance and is past president of the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance.  Beyond his service to the community, Kleina spent time as a photographer, chronicling events such as the Civil Rights Movement. His photos have been displayed throughout the country. 

  

The DCBA presents its Liberty Bell Award annually to a non-lawyer for contributions to the law in observance of Law Day.  Previous recipients include Eddie Wollenburg, retired DCBA Executive Director, Robert Craghead of the ISBA, Sheila Murphy-Russell of the Family Center, and Laurie Bullock of Safe Harbor.