"As students grow into attorneys, we as professors and mentors provide a forum for the students to realize how to make their knowledge of the law blend with their professional aspirations. With the globalization of law, this blending of law and professionalism will increase students' opportunities and allow them to contribute in an international context."

Professor Bakken's diverse background includes business, economics, politics, and scholarly achievement. As one of the founding professors of the School of Law, Bakken has served in various leadership roles. He has been a consultant to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the Administrative Conference of the United States, and the Minnesota Private College Council. Bakken has chaired the Federal Grants Committee of the Urban, State and Local Government section of the ABA and the Administrative Law Section, the Canadian-American Law Section, the Legislation Section of the Association of American Law Schools. He has also edited several journals and newsletters, authored Justice in the Wilderness and co-authored Minnesota Administrative Procedure.

Bakken serves as chair of the International Advisory Committee to the Metropolitan Council and on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities. He has taught and lectured in Canada, China, Germany, Moldova, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Italy.