Special thanks to all those who made the event such a success, including MWL leadership and members, FY25-26 MWL Premier Members, our CLE speakers, 54th Annual Meeting Sponsors, MWL’s 2026 Partners, University of St. Thomas School of Law (our host), and University of St. Thomas School of Law's tremendous staff.

As MWL continues to reflect on the past 54years, it is clear that our mission is as relevant and important as ever, and we invite the legal community to join in our collective efforts.

_{^{*Special Thanks to Mary Szondy, our event photographer (More photos to come!)}}

Thank You!

Each year, the MWL Annual Meeting is made possible by the generous support of our legal community. Learn more about MWL’s 54th Annual Meeting sponsors. Click on the sponsor flyer below for links to each sponsor’s website.

MWL Releases Survey Report:
“Why Do Women Attorneys Stay?
A New Approach to the Conversation about Workplace Retention”

In Fall 2025, Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) and its Partner Leadership Council (PLC) conducted a comprehensive survey titled “Why Do Women Attorneys Stay? A New Approach to the Conversation about Workplace Retention." 

VIEW THE SURVEY REPORT HERE.

The PLC survey was designed to explore the priorities of women attorneys in the Minnesota workforce and to identify how legal employers might best support and retain them, moving beyond the often too-late question of “why did they leave?” and looking forward to ask “why do they stay?”

For purposes of this survey, the PLC focused on 4 overarching categories:

• Compensation and Benefits
• Career Advancement and Professional Development
• Work/Life Management
• Workplace Community and Culture

MWL is pleased to share this survey report with its members and the greater legal community. 

Looking forward, the MWL PLC plans to repeat the survey next year, to gather additional insights, with a focus on increasing responses across specific demographic groups.  Doing so will allow MWL to gain a more nuanced sense of the attorney experience across the  profession’s diversity.  Through this continuing effort, an understanding of both the common themes and distinct experiences of our Minnesota women attorneys will foster both conversation and action, helping to inform long-term policies and practices that further facilitate the success of women attorneys, however they may define “success.” 

MWL extends its thanks to women attorneys from across the legal community who took the time to share their professional and personal experiences, and to the MWL Partner Leadership Council for their leadership in turning conversations into action.
 

MORE ABOUT THE MWL PARTNER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

To bring together legal community leaders in an exchange of ideas and best practices related to advancing women attorneys, the PLC has been dedicated to promoting strategies for retention, promotion, and pay equity for women attorneys.  Through their efforts, members have made a lasting impact in our community by sharing strategies, and encouraging policies and practices that impact the professional success of women attorneys.  Learn more HERE.

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For more information about the “Why Do Women Attorneys Stay? A New Approach to the Conversation about Workplace Retention” survey, please contact Executive Director Debra Pexa (612/338-3205; dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

In follow-up to the Annual Meeting, MWL will be pleased to further profile our award recipients, highlighting their tremendous impact in our legal community and beyond!

MWL will present its Myra Bradwell Award to Chief Justice, Natalie Hudson, Minnesota Supreme Court.

This award is presented to an MWL member who expresses the highest ideals of the legal profession and who possesses the qualities exemplified by Myra Bradwell such as courage, perseverance and leadership on issues of concern to women. 

MWL will present its Community Impact Award to Minnesota Habeas Project & Twin Cities Habeas Collective.

Initially established in 2022 to commemorate its 50th Anniversary, the MWL Community Impact Award recognizes individual attorneys, groups of attorneys, organizations, employers, and legal service providers across Minnesota who have made a substantial and positive impact on the legal and/or greater community. 

MWL will present its Service to MWL Award to the MWL Equity Committee, led by Co-Chairs Amy Boyle, MSB Employment Justice & Kelly Clark, Fiddler Clark PLLC

This award is designed to recognize the MWL member, group of members, organization(s), or other individual(s) whose efforts, during the past year or over a period of time, have contributed substantially to advance MWL’s mission.

Congratulations to all 2026 MWL Annual Award recipients and nominees. 

PLEASE JOIN US 

MWL members and the legal community are invited to join us in honoring the 2026 MWL Annual Award recipients at MWL’s 54th Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. 

Complete details and registration are available HERE.

As part of MWL’s Volunteer Connections initiative, MWL is excited to introduce a new "clothing drive" partnership with Dress for Success Twin Cities. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to connecting members with meaningful opportunities to give back to the community.

Dress for Success Twin Cities provides “Confidence Kits” to clients—each including professional clothing, shoes, and accessories designed to help individuals enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence. These kits are provided at no cost and are distributed to clients both within and beyond the metro area, ensuring broad access to essential resources that support career readiness and long-term success.

June 6: MWL Donation Day

MWL members are invited to participate in the upcoming Donation Day on June 6, with donations being accepted at the Dress for Success Twin Cities warehouse in St. Louis Park. Member contributions of workplace-appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories have a meaningful, immediate impact.

TO MAKE YOUR DONATION:

In order to facilitate a streamlined drop-off process, Dress for Success requests that all donors sign-up for a specific drop off time on June 6th.  Sign-ups for drop-off times are now open! To learn more about the Donation Day process and reserve your drop-off time, click HERE. 

In the meantime, start collecting items for your donation! Details about what items are accepted, as well as information on other ways to contribute, are available HERE.

Additional Opportunities to Engage with Dress for Success

For those interested in further involvement, Dress for Success Twin Cities also offers additional opportunities to support its mission:

• EmPower Her 5K: A team-friendly event at Como Lakeside Pavilion that brings the community together in support of women’s economic empowerment. To be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026. 
• Corporate Partnerships: Organizations can explore a variety of ways to engage, from sponsorship opportunities to volunteer initiatives.
  

Questions?  

Feel free to contact MWL Program and Projects Coordinator Tessa Jones. (tjones@mwlawyers.org).

About MWL Volunteer Connections

Each year, MWL partners directly with area organizations to provide featured volunteer opportunities for our members. In particular, these opportunities center around MWL’s current areas of focus: ending violence against women, pay equity, access to justice, and girl empowerment.

As part of the MWL Community Action & Advocacy Committee’s “Volunteer Connections” initiative, the Dress for Success "MWL Donation Day" l is the fourth featured volunteer partnership during FY25-26.

Learn more about MWL Volunteer Connections HERE.

From May 14th to May 22nd, 2026, please join the MWL Community Action & Advocacy Committee in an organization-wide “Week of Service.” This initiative encourages MWL members to serve their own communities across Minnesota by participating in any service project of their choosing. MWL members might take part by volunteering at their favorite nonprofit organization, donating items to a local food bank or shelter, or picking up trash at a local park. The community service project is up to you.

Consider making your service even more meaningful by inviting family, friends and colleagues to join you.

MWL members are also encouraged to share how they participated in the MWL Week of Service, to further inspire one another towards continued service. Please post via social media (using the hashtags #MWLWeekofService and #MWLCommunity). Or feel free to send a photo or two, along with a brief summary of your activities to MWL Program and Projects Coordinator Tessa Jones, for possible inclusion on MWL's social media (tjones@mwlawyers.org).

FEEL FREE TO KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PLANS:  In order to allow us to best gauge how many MWL members will be participating during our Week of Service, feel free to complete this brief survey to confirm your involvement. (Survey is optional!)  

LEARN MORE about other featured volunteer opportunities at MWL Volunteer Connections.

Questions?  

Feel free to contact MWL Program and Projects Coordinator Tessa Jones. (tjones@mwlawyers.org).

MWL extends its sincere thanks to the many MWL members who submitted nominations. 

The MWL Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of candidates for the FY26-27 Board of Directors:

President-Elect (1 year term)
Molly Hough
Sprinklr / JurisConsult   

Treasurer (1 year term)
Laura Bartlow
Zelle LLP

Secretary (1 year term)
Virginia McCalmont
Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP

Board Directors (2-year terms)
Allison Cole
Husch Blackwell

Kelsey Kelley
Anoka County Attorney’s Office

Kayla Kienzle
Saul Ewing

Cassie Merrick
MADEL PA

Maliya Rattliffe
Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

Deborah Autrey, Cody Blades, Amy Boyle, Laura Hammargren and Emily Slagle will serve the second year of their current terms. Karen Opp will assume the role of President and Dionne Blake will serve as Past-President.

The Central Minnesota, Northeastern Minnesota, South Central Minnesota, and St. Croix Valley Chapters will each elect a representative to serve on the Board. Additionally, the women’s law student organizations at Minnesota three law schools will each elect a member to serve as non-voting liaison to the Board.

MWL FY26-27 Board Election and 54th Annual Meeting

From April 27 to May 1, 2026, all current MWL members will have the opportunity to vote online for the  FY26-27  MWL Board of Directors slate of candidates.  An email with complete details for participating in the election will be sent on Monday, April 27. Current MWL members who are unable to participate in the remote election will be mailed a paper ballot upon request.  All requests for a paper ballot must be received by MWL by Monday, April 13.  (Requests may be sent to MWL, 33 South Sixth Street, Suite 4540, Minneapolis, MN 55402 or dpexa@mwlawyers.org.  Please include the mailing address to which the paper ballot should be mailed.)  All completed paper ballots must be received at the MWL office no later than Friday, May 1 in order to be included in the final election tally. 

The results of the FY26-27 Board of Directors election will be announced on the MWL website on Monday, May 4.  The FY26-27 Board of Directors will also be recognized at MWL’s 54th Annual Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, May 20 at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.  All members and the legal community are invited to join us at this event. Event details and registration are available HERE. 

Please direct any questions to MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

The MWL Foundation is seeking nominations to the FY26-27 Board of Directors. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The MWL Foundation Nominating Committee is charged with recommending a slate of candidates to the MWL Foundation Board for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors. The slate will be voted on at the MWL Foundation Annual Meeting on May 12, 2026. Once approved by the MWL Foundation Board of Directors, the slate of candidates must then be approved by the MWL Board of Directors at its June 25, 2026, meeting. All MWL Foundation Board terms commence on July 1, 2026.

Nominations are being sought for the officer positions of President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each are one-year terms. Additionally, nominations are being sought for two (2) MWL Foundation Board of Director positions; each are two-year terms. Further details about the Board role and related expectations is available HERE. Please note that the MWL Foundation Board is a fundraising and development Board. Board members are expected to engage in these activities.

Nominee Qualifications (per the MWL Foundation bylaws): “Directors shall be current MWL members of legal age, but need not be residents of Minnesota. Director qualifications do not include a juris doctor degree or law school attendance.”

If you are interested in serving on the MWL Foundation Board of Directors, or if you would like to nominate another MWL member, please do so by submitting a nomination to MWL Foundation Executive Director Jennifer MacPhail (jmacphail@mwlfoundation.org).

Submissions must include in the below order and preferably combined in one single .pdf:

1) A letter of interest or nomination letter;
2) The MWL Foundation Board of Directors Nomination Cover Sheet; and
3) The candidate’s resume. 

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Please note: most nominations submitted to the MWL Foundation are self-nominations. 

Once confirmed, the FY26-27 slate of candidates will be announced on the MWL Foundation website.

For more information, contact MWL Foundation Executive Director Jennifer MacPhail at jmacphail@mwlfoundation.org.

Minnesota Women Lawyers is Honored to be a Member

of the MN Legal Community Trauma Response Coalition

Register HERE

MWL has joined the Minnesota State Bar Association and several other bar associations in filing an amicus brief in Hussen v. Noem.  Read the amicus brief HERE.

Posted: January 20, 2026

As an association committed to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) recognizes the deep concern and uncertainty felt across our community following the recent Department of Homeland Security and ICE enforcement actions in our State. Such moments test both our legal systems and our shared commitment to fairness, transparency, and the dignity of every person.

MWL’s mission is rooted in strengthening the rule of law and expanding meaningful access to justice. Our commitment does not waver in challenging times. We affirm that lawful enforcement must be carried out with clarity, accountability, and respect for constitutional protections.

MWL calls on its members and the broader legal community to remain vigilant in safeguarding access to counsel, supporting pro bono efforts, and ensuring that accurate legal information is available to those who need it most. We also encourage constructive dialogue with public officials to promote transparency, community trust, and adherence to the highest standards of lawful procedure.

As a demonstration of our commitment, MWL has joined the Minnesota State Bar Association and several other bar associations in filing an amicus brief in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Read the amicus brief HERE.

Furthermore, for MWL members who have expressed interest in learning about related resources and opportunities to get involved, please visit MSBA's "Resources to Support the Rule of Law and Our Communities." (Generously shared with MSBA's permission.)

MWL is currently accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Awards. Specific details for each award are available HERE. Awards will be presented at MWL's 54th Annual Meeting luncheon to be held in May 2026. (Details are forthcoming.)

All Award nominations must be submitted to MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org) by Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Completed nominations for the FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors must be received by MWL (via email) by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. Submissions should be sent VIA EMAIL to MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa at dpexa@mwlawyers.org. (Note: please DO NOT submit nominations via postal mail.)

Members of the MWL Nominating Committee include:
Emerald Gratz (Chair), Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Cody Blades, Blades Law
Dean Camille Davidson, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Katie Graf, Target Corporation
Bridget Nelson, Kennedy & Graven
Karen Opp, Korn Ferry

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS
Nominations are being sought for five (5) Board of Director positions; each are two-year terms. Nominations are also being sought for the positions of President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer; each are one-year terms. Board position descriptions are available HERE.  Further details that guide the work of the MWL Nominating Committee are highlighted in MWL's Bylaws HERE. 

QUALIFICATIONS
As per the MWL Bylaws, Article V: Nominating Committee, Section 3: Qualifications: All nominated individuals shall be current members in good standing of [MWL] and shall meet any other qualifications as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors.  

GENERAL STANDARDS FOR CONSIDERATION
MWL has established general standards to be considered by MWL's Nominating Committee in recommending a slate of candidates for the FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors. Considerations may include, but are not limited to: 

• A candidate's commitment to and engagement with MWL’s mission and strategic goals;
• A candidate's past involvement with MWL;
• A candidate's past experience serving on the board of MWL;
• A candidate's past experience serving on the board(s) of other organizations;
• A candidate's past involvement with other legal and community organizations;
• A candidate's leadership ability and willingness to use it on behalf of MWL;
• A candidate's commitment to the values and standards as described in MWL's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement;
• A candidate's contribution to the overall diversity of the board's make-up;
• A candidate's overall career experience, within and outside of the legal community, as it relates to key areas of expertise (financial, fundraising, marketing, banking, business, strategic planning, etc.);
• A candidate's additional skills, interests and connections that would be beneficial to MWL;
• A candidate's ability to commit the expected amount of time to the specific board position being applied for; and
• A candidate's commitment, timeliness, conscientiousness and sense of responsibility for the specific board role, expectations and tasks. 

MWL PREMIER MEMBERSHIP
MWL Board members are requested to support MWL at one of its Premier Member membership levels. A leader's Premier membership serves as a strong message of MWL support.  However, the intent of this expectation is not meant to inhibit or prevent a members' ability to serve in a leadership capacity. Thereby, exceptions are available, based on individual circumstances. Contact MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa for further information. (dpexa@mwlawyers.org.) 

APPLICATION PROCESS
**All nominations must include the following three items: 

1) Letter of Interest or Letter of Nomination: In the letter, please include a response to the following question, as it corresponds to the position(s) for which you are applying:

• FOR A BOARD DIRECTOR CANDIDATE:  Why did you choose to submit your MWL Board nomination at this time?
• FOR AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE: Why did you choose to submit your  Executive Committee nomination at this time?
• FOR A PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATE: What is your vision for MWL and how would you use the opportunity to serve as MWL President to further that vision?

Furthermore, please use the letter as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the MWL Nominating Committee, and to include any other relevant information that has not been shared elsewhere in the submission. 

2) FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors Candidate Nomination Form 
(Click HERE for a list of the questions on the form, for reference/preparation prior to submission.)

3) Candidate's Resume  

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Most nominations submitted to MWL are self-nominations.

If an individual nominates another MWL member for a Board position, that individual should submit a letter of nomination on behalf of the MWL member. Additionally, the nominated MWL member must submit both the FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors Candidate Nomination Form and a resume, all by the stated deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

At the discretion of the MWL Nominating Committee, incomplete nominations may or may not be eligible for consideration.

Complete nominations for the FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors must be received by MWL by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. 

Submissions should be sent VIA EMAIL to MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa at dpexa@mwlawyers.org. (Note: please DO NOT submit nominations via postal mail. If submitting via email presents any hardship, please contact Debra Pexa to make alternative arrangements. dpexa@mwlawyers.org or 612/338-3205.)

OFFICER CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS 
The MWL Nominating Committee may request a brief interview with board officer candidates. If requested, the MWL Executive Director will contact a candidate shortly after the February 27th submission deadline, to make interview arrangements. Interviews would be held via Zoom in mid to late March; Date TBD.

ANNOUNCEMENT AND ELECTION
The FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors slate of candidates will be announced on the MWL website at www.mwlawyers.org by the end of March 2026.   

The Board election will be held in late April 2026 via an online ballot to be emailed to all current members. A paper ballot may also be requested by contacting the MWL Executive Director (dpexa@mwlawyers.org) BEFORE April 15, 2026. All mail-in ballots must be received at MWL by Monday, April 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., in order to be included in the election tally. 

By the end of April, the FY26-27 MWL Board of Directors election results will be announced on the MWL website and in an email to all current members. MWL will also be pleased to celebrate the FY26-27 Board of Directors at MWL’s 54th Annual Meeting - To be Announced (Further details and registration are forthcoming).  

All Board terms commence on July 1, 2026. 

QUESTIONS?
For more information, contact Nominating Committee Chair Emerald Gratz (emerald.gratz@state.mn.us) or MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (612/338-3205 or  dpexa@mwlawyers.org.)

The MWL Community Action & Advocacy Committee (CAAC) invites MWL members to volunteer at “Girl Scouts at the Capitol” on Saturday March 14th, 11:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.

At this open-house-style event hosted by Girl Scouts River Valleys, Girl Scouts of all ages (K-12) will explore the historic capitol building, learn about civics and government, meet local legislators, and practice their advocacy skills.

 As part of its Volunteer Connections initiative, MWLis pleased to once again partner with Girl Scouts of River Valleys’ "Day at the Capitol" through this volunteer opportunity.

 MWL volunteers will help staff activity tables and assist with other tasks, including registration and check-in. Importantly, having MWL volunteers present will offer Girl Scouts the opportunity to meet women attorneys and ask them questions!

 If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using this link: MWL 2026 Day at the Capitol Volunteer Sign-Up. Please sign up by Friday, February 6, 2026. Further details will be provided to all volunteers after that sign-up deadline. 

Questions?

Feel free to contact MWL Program and Projects Coordinator Tessa Jones (tjones@mwlawyers.org).

About MWL Volunteer Connections

Each year, MWL partners directly with area organizations to provide featured volunteer opportunities for our members. In particular, these opportunities center around MWL’s current areas of focus: ending violence against women, pay equity, access to justice, and girl empowerment.

As part of the MWL Community Action & Advocacy Committee’s “Volunteer Connections” initiative, Girl Scout Day at the Capitol is the third featured volunteer partnership during FY25-26. 

Learn more about MWL Volunteer Connections HERE.

This winter, Tubman is working to bring warmth and comfort to individuals and families rebuilding their lives after fleeing violence and trauma. Many arrive with little or nothing, and a warm coat can make all the difference during a harsh Minnesota winter.

Through its "Coat Corral" initiative from November 5th - 25th, Tubman's goal is to collect 245 new winter coats and jackets for adults and children in their programs.

As part of its Volunteer Connections initiative, MWL is proud to lift up Tubman's "Coat Corral" as a giving opportunity, and invites our members to join in supporting Tubman’s mission. MWL members are welcome to share this opportunity with friends and colleagues! (Feel free to cut and paste the links and flyer below.)

Three ways to give:

1. Shop Tubman’s Amazon Wishlist – Purchase winter items online and have them shipped directly to Tubman.
2. Drop off new winter items in person – Deliver donations to one of Tubman’s locations. (Details for drop-off here.)
3. Give a monetary donation – Contribute funds to help purchase needed winter wear. When you donate there is a comments box - please add Coat Corral in the comments box.

To see full details about items to donate, most needed sizes, and items Tubman cannot accept, see here.

Together, we can help provide warmth, dignity, and hope to families in need this winter.

About Tubman

For nearly 50 years, Tubman has helped people of all ages, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds who are experiencing relationship violence, homelessness, trafficking, mental and chemical health challenges, and other forms of trauma. Throughout the Twin Cities, Tubman provides safe shelter, housing, legal services, counseling, youth programming, violence prevention, community education, and other wraparound services. In 2024, we helped over 18,000 people in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties and the surrounding area get the support and information they need to experience safety, hope, and healing. 

Learn more about Tubman and its work HERE.

About MWL Volunteer Connections

Each year, MWL partners directly with area organizations to provide featured volunteer opportunities for our members. In particular, these opportunities center around MWL’s current areas of focus: ending violence against women, pay equity, access to justice, and girl empowerment.

Learn more about MWL Volunteer Connections HERE.

Thank you for the many ways you support women attorneys in the law throughout the year, including yesterday evening at the annual MWL Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture. It was inspiring to see so many women come together in support of MWL's mission!

Last night at the Wahl Lecture, the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation held its once-per-year annual direct appeal. THANK YOU to all those who donated! 

We are thrilled to announce that we raised $24,275 in pledges from attendees and our Boards last night—WOW!  Now, we'd like to keep that momentum going! We are SO CLOSE  to our goal of $25,000! 

For those of you who could not join us in person at the Wahl Lecture, we invite you to make an end-of-year tax-deductible* annual donation in any amount to the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation.

Why Donate to the MWL Foundation?

The MWL Foundation seeks your partnership to support MWL’s mission and our two strategic funding priorities: to build a more just society and to advance the lifetime success of women lawyers. These two priorities define the charitable activities of MWL and will create positive change. No other organization in Minnesota supports the issues unique to women lawyers like MWL and 2026 will be no exception. Our charitable activities –  MWL Monthly Member CLE Series and events like the Wahl Lecture, Girl Scout Day at the Capitol, the Student to Attorney Mentor Program, the pay equity initiative, the judicial pipeline project, and so much more – all advance some of the most pressing issues for women in the profession. Indeed, our mission has never been more relevant.

We invite you to make a difference with a 2025 charitable donation to the MWL Foundation. Please join us to fund MWL’s future!  

DONATE HERE

Thank you for your continued support!*All year-end gifts may be acknowledged publicly unless the donor specifically requests otherwise. Requests for anonymity should be sent tojmacphail@mwlfoundation.org. 

*The MWL Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are tax-deductible as charitable contributions as allowed by law. (Federal EIN: 47-1403449)

MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship

The 2025 MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship will be presented to Patience Ranjani McHenry, University of Minnesota Law School.

The goal of the MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship is to provide aid to students attending a Minnesota law school who demonstrate an interest in furthering the mission of Minnesota Women Lawyers, "To advance the success of women in the legal profession and strive for a just society.”

MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship

The 2025 MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship will be presented to Rachel Evangelisto, Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

The Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation established the MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship to honor a mentor, colleague, friend and true champion of women lawyers. The scholarship recognizes the accomplishments of Leslie Altman who achieved outstanding recognition as a lawyer and served as an unconditional advocate for women in the profession until her passing in the fall of 2012. Through this scholarship, Leslie’s commitments can continue to encourage others to advocate for the advancement of women attorneys and to open new opportunities for women throughout the profession.

MWL Foundation Hollins-Matchett-Mitchell Law Student Scholarship

The 2025 MWL Hollins-Matchett-Mitchell Law Student Scholarship will be presented to Ikran Noor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

The Hollins-Matchett-Mitchell scholarship honors Athena Hollins and Dana Mitchell, two of Minnesota’s influential women lawyers of color, with generous funding from former MWL Foundation Board Member Amanda Matchett. This scholarship is awarded annually to one woman or nonbinary student of color (self-identified) attending a Minnesota law school who has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women and/or people of color in the legal profession and/or in the community. 

A Sincere Thank You!

The MWL Foundation offers its sincere thanks to the many donors who make its law student scholarships possible, including our lead donors:

Amanda Matchett

Altman Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation 

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Minnesota Women Lawyers (501c6) is an association of over 1,200 attorneys, judges, law students and legal employers, dedicated to advancing the success of women attorneys and striving for a just society. The MWL Foundation (501c3) was formed in 2014 to support the charitable activities and mission of Minnesota Women Lawyers. Donations to the MWL Foundation are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law. (Federal EIN: 47-1403449 )

MWL is pleased to announce that the 2025 MWL Social Justice Writing Award will be presented to Heather Kainz in recognition of her paper entitled “We the People: Ending Subminimum Wage Through Alternative Means Where Legislation Has Failed.” 

This award will be presented at MWL's 31st Annual Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture on October 30, 2025.

Heather Kainz is currently a 3L law student at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.  Additionally, she has been appointed to the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, and has clerked for the Minnesota Disability Law Center. She is passionate about human rights and social justice issues, with a focus on people with disabilities.

Heather lives in northern Minnesota with her husband, three teens, and three dogs, enjoys spending time on the water and in the woods, and developed her interest in disability law after her youngest child was born with a rare disease and she became his primary caregiver.

MWL extends its congratulations to Heather on this well-deserved recognition.

PLEASE JOIN US

MWL members and the entire legal community are invited to join us at MWL’s 31st Annual Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture to be held on Thursday, November 14th.  Complete details and registration are available HERE.  

Learn more and sign-up HERE!

To explore the priorities of women attorneys in the workforce and to identify how legal employers might best support and retain them, Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) and its Partner Leadership Council (PLC) are pleased to announce the launch of a survey focused on “why women attorneys stay.”  In recognizing that the question “why did they leave?” is often too little and too late, this forward-thinking survey will measure the experiences of women attorneys in Minnesota, identify innovative retention opportunities, and help to advance equity in the profession. 

The survey will take approximately 8-10 minutes to complete. Additional time may depend on how much detail is provided in qualitative/open-ended questions. Further details about the survey are below.  (Scroll down).

To fully embody its mission and values, MWL commits to being an intentionally inclusive organization. MWL welcomes people of all gender identities and expressions to complete the survey. 

A survey participant does not need to be an MWL member to complete the survey. 

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

A Few Notes

• To Business Owners, Including Solo Practitioners: We welcome your survey responses.  Please consider your own business as an employer.
• To Those Not Currently Employer or Retired Attorneys: Feel free to answer questions related to your most recent employment position.
• To Law Students: This survey likely won't apply to your experience.  Instead, MWL plans to release a separate survey specific to the law student experience later in the year.  Stay tuned!

The Deadline for Submission is Friday, October 10, 2025.

Please Help MWL Get the Word Out!

Are you interested in sharing the survey with your colleagues and network?  We make it easy!!  CLICK HERE for details, along with "cut and paste" social media and email templates.

About the 2025 Survey

The focus of the MWL Partner Leadership Council’s (PLC) 2025 Survey is the direct result of a recent PLC meeting conversation.  Rather than asking the standard "why did they leave?" question related to women attorneys and retention, PLC members were interested in exploring the specific factors that may lead an individual to remain with their current employer or in their current work setting.

Of course, many factors influence retention. For purposes of this survey, the PLC identified 4 overarching categories:

• Compensation and Benefits
• Career Advancement and Professional Development
• Work/Life Management
• Workplace Community and Culture

The survey seeks to assess what factors in each category are important to the retention of women attorneys. With this more forward-thinking approach to retention, MWL looks forward to sharing its survey findings with the legal community later in the year.

About the MWL Partner Leadership Council

In an effort to engage MWL's 2025 Partners in an exchange of ideas and best practices, each year Minnesota Women Lawyers is pleased to convene its “MWL Partner Leadership Council” (PLC).

All 2025 MWL Partners are invited to appoint an attorney representative to the 2025 MWL Partner Leadership Council . Through their participation, representatives collaborate to advance the success of women attorneys across the legal community, and to network among a diverse group of legal community leaders. The overarching goals of the MWL PLC are threefold:           

• To promote MWL's mission and strategic values by building collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with its legal employer Partners;
• To bring together legal community leaders in an exchange of ideas and best practices related to advancing women attorneys; and
• To make specific recommendations to the MWL Board of Directors on current and potential programs and initiatives, particularly in light of the organization’s mission and values, strategic plan, available resources and current trends in the legal profession.

Led by the PLC, MWL's 2025 Survey is another project that directly engages the legal community and its leaders in collective efforts to advance the success of women attorneys. 

Learn more about the MWL PLC HERE.

Help MWL Get the Word Out: Please Share the Survey

In order to encompass the most inclusive and comprehensive experiences of women attorneys across Minnesota, MWL is relying on the legal community to share this survey with colleagues and contacts.  Feel free to cut and paste the social media post and email text templates below.  Also share this graphic and link it to this webpage (https://mwlawyers.org/news/709903/Participate-in-MWLs-New-Survey.htm) or share this PDF Flyer with the QR code directly to the survey.    

Thank you for helping to get the word out!

Template: Social Media Post

Minnesota Women Lawyers has launched a new survey entitled “Why Do Women Attorneys Stay? A New Approach to the Conversation about Workplace Retention.” Join me in supporting this initiative by completing the survey and then sharing it with your network. Note: A survey participant does not need to be an MWL member to complete the survey.  Learn more HERE.

Feel Free to Tag MWL:
LinkedIn: Minnesota Women Lawyers
Instagram: @minnesotawomenlawyers
Facebook: Minnesota Women Lawyers
X: @MNWomenLawyers

#mwlretentionsurvey
www.mwlawyers.org  

Template: Email Text

Dear ___________,

Minnesota Women Lawyers has launched a new survey entitled “Why Do They Stay? Turning the Tables on the Conversation about Women Attorneys & Retention.”  Join me in supporting this initiative by completing the survey and then sharing it with your network.  Note: A survey participant does not need to be an MWL member to complete the survey.  

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

The deadline for submission is Friday, October 10, 2025.

Share the Survey with Your Network
MWL is relying on the legal community to share this survey with colleagues and contacts. More details are available HERE.

Questions? Contact MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

Do You Have Questions About the Survey?

Feel free to contact MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org) for further information or assistance.

Complete details and registration are available HERE.

Register HERE Today!

Join Minnesota Women Lawyers, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, and Affinity Bar co-sponsors at our Women of Color in the Law Fall Socials.  Make connections, spark engaging conversations, and share your success and challenges in a relaxed setting with others who understand.

All women, gender non-binary, transgender people, and allies are welcome to join us.

This week features a series of casual events focused on building community and lifting each other up. Between September  27 – October 5, small groups of 10 -12 individuals will gather for camaraderie, community and real conversations. Gatherings are hosted by fellow members of our legal community at various locations throughout the Twin Cities, and take place at someone’s home, at a restaurant, or another location. At each Fall Social Gathering, we center the experience of Black, Indigenous and Women of Color. 

Register HERE Today!

Each scholarship award is $2,500. Recipients are required to use the award for educational purposes. NOTE: All law students are welcome to apply for more than one of the MWL Foundation scholarships assuming the eligibility criteria have been met.

The submission deadline for all three scholarships is Friday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. The scholarship recipient will be notified in October and the scholarship will be awarded at the annual Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture, which will be held this fall on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Learn more about each scholarship HERE.

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The MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship, MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship, and the MWL Hollins-Matchett-Mitchell Law Student Scholarship are established as funds of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation. The MWL Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization and donations to  the scholarships are tax-deductible charitable contributions as allowed by law.

Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL), a 1,200-member, statewide women’s bar association, seeks a dynamic and strategic team member to serve as its Membership & Communications Coordinator. 

The MWL Membership & Communications Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating key organizational functions including: 1) member recruitment, retention, and engagement; 2) strategic communications; 3) volunteer relations; and 4) administrative tasks.

The MWL Membership & Communications Coordinator position has the flexibility of a hybrid environment, with the opportunity to work remotely and at the downtown Minneapolis office.  (TBD as determined by ongoing responsibilities.) 

VIEW THE FULL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT HERE.

To Apply 

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Sabina Zeenat, MSBA Placement Services Director (szeenat@mnbars.org). 

The position is open until filled.

Questions?

Feel free to contact MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

The Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation is pleased to announce its 2025-2026 Board of Directors for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.

Kari Jensen Thomas is President of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. After a 30-year career dedicated to developing legal talent, making career connections, and leading innovative programs in the legal industry, Kari made the bittersweet and exiting decision to launch her #encorecareer of assisting those in need through volunteer and philanthropic endeavors. For the past 3 decades, Kari enjoyed cofounding and teaching an innovative client development training curriculum [in collaboration with Deb Knupp at GrowthPlay]; connecting current and former firm members to increase authentic relationship building; made a difference in the professional and career development of many talented high school students, law students, lawyers and consulting professionals. Her true passion connecting and advising professionals of any industry to allow them to thrive in their personal and career growth. As a former Past President of Minnesota Women Lawyers and now President of the MWL Foundation, she collaborates with skilled and passionate boards of directors and executive teams to guide the philanthropic endeavors. The mission is to build a legacy for MWL and make significant impact on the lives of women(x) in law and a just society. Outside of work, she enjoys watching her adult children Olivia and Zac thrive; empty nesting with her husband Kyle and their 12-year old golden doodle Riley. In her third act she plans to volunteer work for causes near and dear to her; pursue her many entrepreneurial dreams; travel; and cheer on their favorite collegiate and international sports teams.

Amy Taber is the President-Elect of Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board. Amy retired as Prime Therapeutics’ AVP, Assistant General Counsel in April 2024. During her four years as AVP, Amy and her team of talented legal professionals led Prime's legal efforts in the areas of litigation and dispute management. Before becoming AVP, Amy served as Prime's Employment Legal Counsel for 6 years. Prior to joining Prime, Amy was in private practice where she focused her practice on advising and counseling clients on employment matters. Amy is an active MWL member who has served in various MWL positions, including President in 2019-2020, and is a current MWL Advisory Board member and co-chair of the Legal Wine Lovers affinity group. Amy also served on the Board of Twin Cities Diversity in Practice from 2022-2024. In retirement, Amy is exploring ways to stay connected with the legal community by volunteering and engaging in pro bono opportunities.

Susan Gallagher serves as Secretary of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board. She is the owner of Gallagher Law Office, L.L.C. and practices exclusively in the area of family law as an advocate, facilitative and evaluative mediator, custody evaluator, arbitrator and as a special master. A registered nurse turned lawyer, Susan earned her Juris Doctor in 1993 from William Mitchell College of Law. Susan is certified in Child and Family Forensics Evaluation through William James College in Newton, MA. Susan serves on the Minnesota Women Lawyers’ Advisory Board. She is an emeritus member of the Minnesota Association for Justice Board of Governors and the executive board of Minnesota Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She is an ABA Fellow. She is Master of the Bench at the Warren Burger Inn of Court and was the 2023-2024 Inn year President. Susan was awarded the John D. Levine Distinguished Service Award in September of 2022 for her representation of clients through the Hennepin County Volunteer Lawyers Network.

Alona Rindal is Treasurer of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board. Alona is Treasurer of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board. She is a dynamic legal executive and trusted advisor with extensive experience leading complex initiatives with broad impact and acting as a key participant in large-scale business planning at large national banks during times of ambiguity and change. Last year, Alona joined Wells Fargo Chief Operating Office Legal Division as the lead counsel supporting Enterprise Business Resiliency and providing centralized legal advice and guidance to the Chief Administrative Office. Prior to Wells Fargo, Alona was an in-house attorney at U.S. Bank, leading a team of legal professionals who provided centralized legal advice and regulatory guidance to all U.S. Bank's Consumer Default Operations divisions. Alona also serves as chair of the MWL Professional Parents Affinity Group and President of the Visitation Parent Association, where her daughter attends high school.

Jan Ballman is the Past President of Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors. Jan is the former President and CEO of Paradigm Reporting & Captioning, which is now a part of the Veritext Legal Solutions family of companies. Jan serves as Principal of their Minneapolis office. Jan started her career as a court reporter in 1981 and reported for 22 years before moving into management and business development of her firm on a full-time basis. She holds the industry distinctions of Registered Professional Reporter, Certified Manager of Court Reporting Services, and Fellow in the National Academy of Professional Reporters. Jan is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Court Reporters Foundation, past President of the Minnesota Freelance Court Reporters Association, and was appointed by Chief Justice Gildea to serve on the Commission on Judicial Selection in 2019. Jan has been active in MWL leadership for over a decade and received the “Service to MWL Award” in 2013. She has been on the MWL Foundation Board of Directors since 2019.

Rebecca Bernhard, Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Sarani Rangarajan Millican, Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Jacqueline Mrachek, Littler Mendelson P.C.; and Pamela Rochlin, Rochlin Law Firm, Ltd., were each appointed to a two-year term on the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors.

Tammie Follett, Lawyers Without Borders, and Marlene Garvis, Marlene S. Garvis LLC, will each serve the second year of their two-year term.

For more information, visit MWL Foundation Leadership.

Incorporated in 2014, the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization created to support the charitable activities of Minnesota Women Lawyers and its efforts to advance the success of women attorneys and strive for a just society. Donations are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law. For more information about the MWL Foundation and its work to "Fund MWL's Future," visit the MWL Foundation.

Contacts

Kari Jensen Thomas, MWL Foundation President
Jennifer MacPhail, Executive Director