President-Elect (1 year term)
Dionne Blake     
Target

Treasurer (1 year term)
Karen Opp
Korn Ferry

Secretary (1 year term)
Molly Hough
JurisConsult / Prime Therapeutics

Board Directors (2-year term)
Allison Cole
Chestnut Cambronne PA

Kelsey Kelley
Anoka County Attorney’s Office

Virginia McCalmont
Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP

Cassie Merrick
MADEL PA

Maliya Rattliffe
Fredrikson & Byron P.A. 

Deborah Autrey, Laura Bartlow, Cody Blades, Amy Boyle and Kristen Larson will serve the second year of their current terms. Emerald Gratz will assume the role of President and Poonam Kumar 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 FY24-25 Board Election and 52nd Annual Meeting

The FY24-25 Board of Directors will be recognized at MWL’s 52nd Annual Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Westminster Hall (1200 South Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis).  All members and the legal community are invited to join us at this event, however, the event is now sold out. Some tickets may become available closer to the event, and a waitlist is available. Event details and waitlist are available HERE. 

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

MWL will present its Community Impact Award to Maslon LLP and the UPLIFT Legal Institute for Teens. 
To commemorate its 50th Anniversary in 2022, MWL established this award to recognize those across Minnesota who have made a substantial and positive impact on their communities by inspiring hope; embodying leadership, inclusiveness, and civility; and striving for a just society.

MWL will present its Service to MWL Award to the Minnesota State Bar Association, with special recognition to Paula Schulze, MSBA Senior Director of Administration.
This award is designed to recognize the MWL member, group of members, organization(s), or other individual(s) whose efforts, during the past program year or over a period of time, have contributed substantially to advance MWL’s mission.

MWL will present its Myra Bradwell Award to Ellen Sampson, Stinson LLP (retired). 
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. 

Congratulations to all 2024 Annual Award recipients and nominees. 

PLEASE JOIN US 

MWL members and the entire legal community are invited to join us in honoring the 2024 MWL Annual Award recipients at MWL’s 52nd Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.  Complete details and registration are available HERE.  

The MWL Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of candidates for the FY24-25 Board of Directors:

President-Elect (1 year term)
Dionne Blake     
Target

Treasurer (1 year term)
Karen Opp
Korn Ferry

Secretary (1 year term)
Molly Hough
JurisConsult / Prime Therapeutics

Board Directors (2-year term)
Allison Cole
Chestnut Cambronne PA

Kelsey Kelley
Anoka County Attorney’s Office

Virginia McCalmont
Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP

Cassie Merrick
MADEL PA

Maliya Rattliffe
Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

Deborah Autrey, Laura Bartlow, Cody Blades, Amy Boyle and Kristen Larson will serve the second year of their current terms. Emerald Gratz will assume the role of President and Poonam Kumar 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 FY24-25 Board Election and 52nd Annual Meeting Celebration

From April 8 to April 11, 2024, all current MWL members will have the opportunity to vote online for the FY24-25 MWL Board of Directors slate of candidates.  An email with complete details for participating in the election will be sent on Monday, April 8, 2024.

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 1st.  (Requests may be sent to MWL, 600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 390B, 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, April 19, 2024 in order to be included in the final election tally. 

The results of the FY24-25 Board of Directors election will be announced on the MWL website no later than Monday, April 29th.  The FY24-25 Board of Directors will also be recognized at MWL’s 52nd Annual Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Westminster Hall (1200 South Marquette Avenue 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 FY24-25 Board of Directors. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 5 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 2024-2025 Board of Directors. The slate will be voted on at the MWL Foundation Annual Meeting on May 14, 2024. 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 meeting on May 16, 2024. All MWL Foundation Board terms commence on July 1, 2024. 

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 four (4) MWL Foundation Board of Director positions; each are two-year terms. Further details about the Board role and related expectations is available HERE.

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 5 at 5:00 p.m.

Please note: most nominations submitted to the MWL Foundation are self-nominations. 

Once confirmed, the FY24-25 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.

MWL is currently accepting nominations / submissions for its Annual Awards. Specific details for each award is available HERE. Awards will be presented at MWL's 52nd Annual Meeting luncheon on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024.

Awards include:

The Community Impact Award: Established in 2022 to commemorate its 50th Anniversary, this award recognizes individual attorneys, groups of attorneys, legal employers, or legal service providers across Minnesota who have made a substantial and positive impact on the greater community by inspiring hope; embodying leadership, inclusiveness, and civility; and striving for a just society. MWL is accepting nominations that reflect these efforts over the course of the past 50 years, as well as those making a current community impact. 

The Myra Bradwell Award: 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. 

The Service to MWL Award: This award is designed to recognize the MWL member, group of members, 100% club member, or other individuals whose efforts during the past program year have contributed substantially to advance MWL’s mission.

Nominations should submitted electronically via email to the attention of MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).  Prior to the deadline, feel free to contact Debra with questions.

All submissions must be received at the MWL office by Friday, March 15, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, MWL is not accepting nominations/submissions for The MWL Leadership Award, which recognizes legal employers, or the Equal Justice Award, MWL’s law student writing competition.  Both awards are currently being reviewed and updated by MWL’s Awards & Recognition Committee.  Please stay tuned for more details in the near future!

Completed nominations for the FY24-25 MWL Board of Directors must be received by MWL (via email) by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Submissions should be sent via email ONLY 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:
Jenny Robbins (Chair), MADEL PA
Lisa Bayley, Hennepin County Health and Human Services 
Judge Helen Brosnahan, Tenth Judicial District 
Autumn Gear, Barnes & Thornburg
Emerald Gratz, MN Department of Public Safety (and MWL President-Elect)   
Laura Hammargren, Greenberg Traurig 
Katie Lichty, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Amanda Matchett, Workday 

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 available in the MWL 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 FY24-25 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 may relate to areas of expertise needed on the board (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 possible, 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 this nomination for an MWL Board position at this time?
• FOR AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE: Why did you choose to submit this nomination for an Executive Committee position at this time?
• FOR A PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATE: What is the vision for MWL and how would the candidate use the opportunity to serve as MWL President to further that vision?

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

2) FY24-25 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, in order to complete the submission process, the nominated MWL member must also submit the  FY24-25 MWL Board of Directors Candidate Nomination Form and submit a resume, all by the stated deadline of Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Incomplete nominations may not be considered by the MWL Nominating Committee.

Complete nominations for the FY24-25 MWL Board of Directors must be received by MWL by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

Submissions should be sent via email ONLY 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 29th submission deadline, to make interview arrangements. Interviews would be held in early to mid-March via Zoom. Tentative meeting details are forthcoming. 

ANNOUNCEMENT AND ELECTION
The FY24-25 MWL Board of Directors slate of candidates will be announced on the MWL website at www.mwlawyers.org by late March, 2024.   

The Board election will be held during the week of April 22, 2024 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) between April 1 and April 15, 2024. All mail-in ballots must be received at MWL by Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., in order to be included in the election tally. 

During the week of April 29, 2024, the FY24-25 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 FY24-25 Board of Directors at MWL’s 52nd Annual Meeting to be held on May 15th, 2024.  (Details and registration are forthcoming).  

All Board terms commence on July 1, 2024. 

QUESTIONS?
For more information, contact Nominating Committee Chair Jenny Robbins (jrobbins@madellaw.com) or MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (612/338-3205 or  dpexa@mwlawyers.org.)

MWL was honored to host Justice O’Connor as its 2001 Annual Meeting keynote speaker.  Past MWL President Judge M. Jacqueline Regis reflected on Justice O’Connor’s remarks at that event: "We were privileged to have Justice O'Connor deliver the most memorable and inspiring keynote address at that year’s MWL Annual meeting where, for the first time, she announced to the world her profoundly evolved perspective on the death penalty.  Justice O’Connor’s impact on our organization with just that one address was transformative, and I feel honored to have been MWL President during that very special moment in MWL history." 

Thank you, Sandra Day O’Connor.  We celebrate and honor your life and legacy. 

-------------

MWL is pleased to share this article written for its publication With Equal Right, Summer 2001

MWL Annual Meeting Featured in the National Spotlight

By Nicole N. Morris

On July 2nd, 2001, Minnesota Women Lawyers hosted their 29th Annual Meeting, with a keynote address by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.  Although the Annual Meeting promised to be a tremendous event, no one could have predicted that it would have such a national and international impact.

Upon her arrival to Minnesota, MWL welcomed Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and her husband John O’Connor, at a luncheon at the United States District Court in Minneapolis. The noontime event featured a brief program, with welcoming comments by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James Rosenbaum, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz, and U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Susan Richard Nelson. Later in the day, Justice O’Connor was also present at an afternoon tea, attended by MWL’s past and present leadership, and at a private reception for event sponsors and MWL guests.

With over 1,200 in attendance, the 2001 Annual Meeting began with the presentation of the MWL annual awards. Barbara Frey, an international human rights advocate and former Executive Director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, was presented with the Myra Bradwell Award. Kristin Jones Pierre accepted the Leadership Award on behalf of Halleland Lewis Nilan Sipkins and Johnson. 2000-2001 Endorsements Committee members Helen Brosnahan, Karen Cole, Marie Failinger, Judith Oakes and Mary Vasaly received the Service to MWL Award. The Equal Justice Award was presented to University of Minnesota law student Nicole Saharsky. 2001-2002 President Lisa Brabbit also presented a special award to St. Paul Companies for their support during M. Jacqueline Regis’ term as MWL President.

After video remarks by U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Diana E. Murphy and a warm introduction by M. Jacqueline Regis, Justice O’Connor stepped to the podium amidst a standing ovation.  She began her remarks by recounting memories of growing up in rural Arizona.  However, her comments quickly moved from private remembrances to personal views on several issues of national significance.

“Serious questions are being raised about whether the death penalty is being fairly administered in this country,” Justice O’Connor said.  MWL members and guests applauded as Justice O’Connor noted, “Minnesota doesn’t have it, and you must breathe a big sigh of relief every day.”  According to Justice O’Connor, the number of death row inmates nationwide has increased from 856 to 3,711 last year and there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of executions since she joined the Supreme Court.

In her remarks, Justice O’Connor pointed out that last year, six death row inmates were exonerated.  She also deplored the fact that only a few states allow for post-conviction DNA testing.  Justice O’Connor’s concern over the administration of the death penalty also extends to the access defendants have to capable attorneys.  “Perhaps it’s time to look at minimum standards for appointed counsel in death penalty cases and adequate compensation for appointed counsel when they are used,” she said.

Such candid comments about controversial moral and legal issues are a rarity for Supreme Court Justices.  But Justice O’Connor’s speech contained more than her views on the death penalty.  She also shared her position on contingency fees and what she referred to as “the over-legalization of everyday life.” In her concluding remarks, Justice O’Connor asked, “Is it just possible that we women judges and we women lawyers might put forward a hearty dose of common sense?” asked Justice O’Connor.

Following the Annual Meeting, Justice O’Connor’s frank remarks made news headlines across the nation and put Minnesota Women Lawyer’s name on the national stage.  In the days and weeks since July 2nd, dozens of national and international media sources, social justice organizations and law firms have contacted MWL for comment or a transcript of the event.*  As suggested by the New York Times, Justice O’Connor’s remarkable statements to MWL should further energize the nation’s continuing re-examination of capital punishment.

MWL extends a special thanks to all those who made the 2001 Annual Meeting a tremendous success, particularly the Annual Meeting Steering Committee, MWL Board of Directors, countless volunteers and the many event sponsors.  

*To date, Justice O’Connor’s office and the U.S. Supreme Court have not released a transcript; MWL will not be releasing a transcript.

Nicole Morris will be a second year student at the University of Minnesota Law School and is currently a law clerk for Guidant Corporation at Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth.

MWL Essentials Drive for Tubman

Please join the MWL Community Action & Advocacy Committee in supporting our communities through the MWL Essentials Drive for Tubman.

Now through November 22nd, we invite MWL members and the entire legal community to donate to Tubman, a multi-service organization with over 40 years of providing support for individuals and families, so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.

Since many families arrive at Tubman in crisis and without having been able to pack a bag, these necessary items help welcome them to safety and provide them with a fresh start.

Donate Today:

Donations may be made using MWL’s Donation Drive Amazon Wishlist, which can be found HERE.

You can also donate directly to Tubman through their GiveMN Page, which can be found HERE.

Thank you for your generosity!  Together, our collective efforts can make a tremendous difference.  

Inspire Your Community

Make your donation even more impactful by sharing this opportunity with family, friends and colleagues.  Post your participation in this essentials drive on social media using the hashtags #MWLCommunity and #MWLEssentialsDrive. 

About Tubman

“Tubman is a multi- service organization with more than 40 years of experience serving individuals and families. Formed from the union of four separate organizations, Tubman continues the work of our namesake, Harriet Tubman, by leading the way to hope and honoring Harriet’s personal motto to “Keep going.”

Each year, Tubman helps an estimated 25,000 people in Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties and the surrounding areas get the services, support, and information they need after experiencing trauma-including relationship violence, sexual assault and exploitation, trafficking, addiction, mental health issues and more. They serve people of all ages and genders and offer a broad continuum of services to help people find the support and information they need.”  Learn more at www.tubman.org.

Questions?

Contact MWL Program and Projects Coordinator Tessa Jones (tjones@mwlawyers.org). 

Click HERE for complete information!

MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship

The 2023 MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship will be presented to Anisa Omar, University of St. Thomas School of Law Student.

Anisa Omar’s path to becoming a lawyer didn’t begin in 2022 when she started law school at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. It started in elementary school, where she advocated for her Somali immigrant parents at doctor’s appointments, in court, or with bill collectors. Her decision to pursue law was further cemented during her time as a K-5 Dean of Students at Minnesota Math and Science Academy, where she worked with first-generation Somali American students and their parents. This experience reinforced her commitment to her “bulshada” (community) and the importance of advocacy in the legal field.

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 Scholarship

The 2023 MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Scholarship will be presented to Rachel Emendorfer, University of Minnesota Law School Student.

Rachel Emendorfer is a 3L at the University of Minnesota Law School, seeking a career in litigation. As a first generation law student, Rachel is passionate about creating opportunities to empower young women and educate them on the possibilities of a legal career. After graduation, Rachel will serve as a judicial clerk in the District of Wyoming. 

The Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation established the MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship (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.

-------

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

Altman Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation  

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.

Please join us at Women of Color in the Law Week: Fall Social Gatherings, a series of casual events focused on building community and lifting each other up. Between October 5 - 13, small groups of 10 -12 individuals will gather for camaraderie, community and real conversations.  At each Fall Social Gathering, we are pleased to center the experience of Black, Indigenous and Women of Color. All women, gender non-binary, transgender people, and allies are welcome to join us.

To Register:

Simply visit our registration page and sign-up for one of the gatherings on a date and location convenient to you. This year we are hosting several small-group gatherings throughout the Twin Cities metro.

Then, approximately 1 week before your selected event, we will email attendees with the exact location for their selected event, along with other related details.  

Light refreshments will be provided at all events. If the event you attend is hosted at a restaurant, guests may be asked to cover individual tabs beyond the initial amount covered by our sponsors. 

A Few Notes:

Registration is limited and available on a first-come basis.  All individuals MUST register in order to attend an event. Given limited space, please register for only one event. 

On the registration page, please note the intended audience for each gathering and register accordingly. 

Email addresses of all registrants for a specific gathering will be shared with one another, via the final confirmation email, in order to further facilitate connections with one another. 

Questions?

Please contact info@diversityinpractice.org

Click here to learn more and register!

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 29th Annual MWL Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture. Details are available HERE .  Feel free to contact MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa for more information. (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

Justice Hudson is a longtime member of MWL and served on its Advisory Board from 2006 to 2018. Through the years, Justice Hudson has offered remarks at MWL events and programs, including "A Celebration of Women on Minnesota’s Highest Court" in September 2018, along with her colleagues: Chief Justice Lorie Gildea, Justice Margaret Chutich, and Justice Anne McKeig.

In commemoration of MWL’s 50th Anniversary, Justice Hudson was interviewed by MWL Board Member Deborah Autrey for a special edition of With Equal Right. In the interview, Justice Hudson shared her optimism about the future of the Minnesota legal community:

“I’m encouraged by the state of the legal profession. I continue to think the law is a change agent, and thus we as lawyers play a pivotal role in bettering our society and community. By virtue of our education and training, we understand the levers and mechanisms of the legal system, and thus have an obligation to use that knowledge for the betterment of our society. Minnesota lawyers have historically fulfilled that obligation and I am confident they will continue to do so.”

Read the full With Equal Right interview with Justice Hudson HERE, beginning on page 11.

Read the Minnesota Judicial Branch news release: Gov. Walz names Natalie Hudson Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice.

As a champion of fairness, equal justice and accessibility, Justice Hudson exemplifies MWL’s mission and values.  MWL joins the Minnesota legal community in celebrating this historic appointment. 

Congratulations Justice Hudson!

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 both the MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship and the MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Scholarship. 

Applications must be received by Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm.

Learn more and apply to the MWL Foundation Law Student Scholarship HERE.

Learn more and apply to the MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Law Student Scholarship HERE.

----

The MWL Foundation Leslie Altman Memorial Scholarship and the MWL Foundation Scholarship are established as funds of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation.  The MWL Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization, and therefore donations to either scholarship are tax-deductible charitable contributions, as allowed by law.

Please join us for this monthly opportunity to engage with Minnesota Women Lawyers and its members, learn from legal community leaders, and build connections across the profession. To be held on the 2nd week of each month (unless noted otherwise) either from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. for remote events, or from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for in-person events, MWL Member Monthly CLE Series (formerly known as Member Mondays) will provide a consistent opportunity for MWL members and the statewide legal community to connect on topics of common interest, all in support of MWL's mission and values. 

Each month's gathering will offer a dynamic and relevant program in a variety of remote and in-person formats. MWL Member Monthly CLE Series will also provide members and non-members alike with the opportunity to learn more about MWL and its benefits, as well as opportunities to volunteer and further engage with the association. 

Even more good news!
Most programs will offer 1.0 CLE credit and MWL Member Monthly CLEs are FREE to MWL members!! (Non-Members are welcome to join us for a $15 registration fee.)  

IN-PERSON Tuesday, September 26, 2023: MWL Community Fair & Social

REMOTE Monday, October 16, 2023 (Third Week): Wealth-Building for Women Attorneys

IN-PERSON Thursday, November 9th, 2023: Law Student Mentoring Event

REMOTE Monday, December 11th, 2023: Rising to the Challenge: Stories of Success

REMOTE Monday, January 8th, 2024: Public Policy Advocacy Seminar

REMOTE Monday, February 26th, 2024: The Crown Act: Impact in the Workplace 

REMOTE Monday, April 15th, 2024: Pay Equity for Women of Color Attorneys: Recognizing the Disparities and Working Towards Solutions

REMOTE Monday, June 10th, 2024: MWL's Diversity & Inclusion Seminar (Topic TBD)

*No MWL Member Monthly in May 2024. (Please join us at MWL's 52nd Annual Meeting. Details TBA.)

Please share MWL Member Mondays with friends and colleagues.  

In support of its mission to advance the success of all women attorneys, several MWL members expressed interest in creating an opportunity for its Black women lawyers to connect, gather, flourish and grow.  With the MWL Board approving formation of this group earlier this year, the goal of the MWL Black Women Attorneys is to create a safe space where Black women lawyers can regularly network, discuss issues that impact them and their communities, and collaborate on actionable steps to perpetuate change.

During FY2023-2024, BWA@MWL: Black Women Attorneys Affinity Group will be led by Co-Chairs Deborah Autrey (Nilan Johnson Lewis) and Maliya Rattliffe (Fox Rothschild). 

Please Note: During the first year of its formation, BWA@MWL's activities will be open to those who identify as Black women. This initial focus will allow the group to create a space that best centers the experience of Black women attorneys and law students.

BWA@MWL: Black Women Attorneys Inaugural Social Gathering

Date: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Time: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Nilan Johnson Lewis (250 South Marquette Avenue, Suite 800, downtown Minneapolis)

Please Register HERE by Tuesday, August 15th.

BWA@MWL’s first gathering will be a social open to all Black women attorneys and law students.  Join us to connect with MWL leaders and members, hear brief remarks from BWA@MWL Co-Chairs, and add your voice to the group’s future activities. 

(Attendees do not need to be an MWL member to attend this inaugural gathering.)

BWA@MWL: Black Women Attorneys on The MWL Exchange

Black women attorneys and law students who are MWL members are invited to sign up for the BWA@MWL group on the MWL Exchange.  BWA@MWL will use the MWL Exchange to post announcements about the affinity group, share other resources and opportunities, and simply chat among its members.  

To join the BWA@MWL Exchange community, please reach out to Katie Gunaratne (kgunaratne@mwlawyers.org). 

For more information about BWA@MWL: Black Women Attorneys Affinity Group, feel free to reach out to Co-Chairs Deborah Autrey (dautrey@nilanjohnson.com), Maliya Rattliffe (MRattliffe@foxrothschild.com) or MWL Executive Director Debra Pexa (dpexa@mwlawyers.org).

Jan Ballman is the President of Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. 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.

Kari Jensen Thomas is President-Elect of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors. She is the Senior Manager of Business Development Training and Alumni Engagement at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath. Kari leads the firm’s business development training programs, provides individual coaching, and fosters connections between Faegre Drinker and its alumni. Before joining Faegre Drinker, Kari led firm-wide attorney and law student talent acquisition strategies, internal and external diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and professional development programming and coaching at another large Minneapolis law firm. She also served as the Associate Director of Career Services at Mitchell Hamline Law School and the Director of Marketing and Operations at a legal placement company. Kari is a graduate of William Mitchell School of Law and Augustana University. In 2007-2008, Kari served as the President of Minnesota Women Lawyers and is a current member of the MWL Advisory Board.

Sunny Beddow serves as Treasurer of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors. Sunny is a mom, a commercial real estate attorney with Doran Companies, and a chronic over-participator. However, MWL has always been worth the time commitment for her – she has participated on and off for close to a decade in the book club, volunteered doing Girl Scout Law Day for many years, and this year got her first mentee. She is glad to have joined the MWL Foundation Board.

Rachel Cleary Utter is the Secretary of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board. In her alternative legal career as a Senior Manager of Product & Editorial at Thomson Reuters, Rachel leads teams responsible for publishing accurate, timely, and intelligently annotated Administrative Codes and Statutes in the US, including the United States Code Annotated and the Code of Federal Regulations. When she isn't working closely with her staff and state contacts, she can be found supporting the Warren E. Burger Inn of Court and the Eagan First Robotics team.

Chelsea A. Walcker is the Past President of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation. Chelsea is an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota. In her role as Assistant United States Attorney in the Fraud and Public Corruption Section, Chelsea prosecutes crimes involving financial fraud and public corruption. Chelsea also serves as the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator and oversees initiatives to combat human trafficking. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chelsea was a litigator at Robins Kaplan LLP and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Donovan W. Frank of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Chelsea has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for nine years. Chelsea is also actively involved in the Federal Bar Association, and currently serves on the FBA-National Committee on Diversity & Inclusion, the FBA-MN Diversity Committee, and the FBA-MN Mentorship Committee. Chelsea also serves on the Infinity Project’s Board of Directors.

Susan Gallagher, Gallagher Law Office, L.L.C.; Amanda Matchett, Workday; Sarani Rangarajan Millican, Fourth Judicial District law clerk; and Pamela Rochlin, Rochlin Law Firm, Ltd., were each appointed to a two-year term on the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors. Bridget McCauley Nason, LeVander, Gillen & Miller, PA, and Alona Rindal, U.S. Bank, were each appointed to a one-year term on the Board.

Lisa Beane, University of Minnesota, and Angela Brandt, Larson • King LLP, will each serve the second year of their two-year term.

For more information about the MWL Foundation's leadership, visit FY23-24 MWL Foundation Board of Directors.

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.

Contacts

Jan Ballman, MWL Foundation President

Jennifer MacPhail, Executive Director

For more information about the MWL Foundation and its work to "Fund MWL's Future," visit The MWL Foundation.

Minnesota Women Lawyers is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 Board of Directors for the fiscal year which began July 1, 2023. 

Poonam Kumar assumed the role of MWL President on July 1st, 2023. Poonam Kumar is a partner in the corporate practice at DLA Piper LLP (a large global law firm) and is based in their Minneapolis office. Poonam has extensive experience working on a wide variety of cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and corporate restructurings, as well as general corporate, securities and commercial law matters. She is a representative for DLA Piper’s Leadership Alliance for Women and has previously served as a co-chair of Mosaic, DLA’s affinity group for diverse partners and counsel. In addition to serving on the MWL Board of Directors, Poonam is one of the founding co-chairs of the MWL’s Corporate Counsel Affinity Group and has served as Co-Chair of the Governance Committee, the Development Committee and as a MWL Foundation Board Director. She also served as a 2020 Fellow for Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. In the Twin Cities, Poonam also serves on the Advisory Board for South Asian Women’s Network.

Emerald Gratz has been elected to the office of President-Elect. Emerald became Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2018. Before joining the Supreme Court Commissioner’s Office, she was a staff attorney and certified Rule 114 mediator at the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings, an independent contract attorney in the private sector, an Assistant Attorney General at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, and a law clerk in United States District Court for Judge Richard H. Kyle Sr. She also serves on the Tubman Safety Project Advisory Council, the Volunteer Recruitment Committee for the Children’s Law Center, and the Events Committee for the Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society. Emerald is an active member of Minnesota Women Lawyers, currently serving as the MWL President-Elect and Co-Chair of the MWL CLE Committee.

Karen Opp has been elected to the office of Secretary. Karen is the Deputy General Counsel for Korn Ferry. Karen has primary responsibility for supporting the advisory and products businesses and also manages the company’s IP portfolio. Karen has extensive experience in intellectual property, e-commerce, software licensing, joint venture, strategic alliance, distribution and corporate partnering transactions. In addition to serving on the MWL Board of Directors, Karen serves as Board Liaison to the Awards and Recognition Committee and Co-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Lawyers Affinity Group. 

Dionne Blake has been elected to the office of Treasurer. Dionne is Vice-President Law at Target Corporation where she leads a multidisciplinary team supporting employee related issues. Licensed in both Minnesota and Florida, Dionne has been a Legal Affairs leader in retail organizations for the past 15 years.  Prior to that, she practiced Labor and Employment defense litigation for a national employment firm. In addition to serving on MWL’s Board of Directors, she also is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Governance Committee.

Jennifer ("Jenny") Robbins will serve as Past President. Jenny is the Managing Partner at MADEL PA, where she represents Fortune 500 companies and individuals in plaintiff- and defense-side business litigation (e.g., antitrust, trade secret, complex class actions, regulatory matters) and white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and matters alleging misconduct against professionals. In addition to serving on the MWL Board of Directors, Jenny previously served as Co-Chair of the Governance Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

Additionally, Deborah Autrey, Nilan Johnson Lewis PA; Laura Bartlow, Zelle LLP; Cody Blades, Fafinski Mark & Johnson, P.A.; Amy Boyle, MJSB Employment Justice LLP and Kristen Larson, Ballard Spahr LLP will serve two-year terms on the MWL Board of Directors, which began July 1, 2023. 

Molly Hough, JurisConsult Institute and Prime Therapeutics; Kelsey Kelley, Anoka County Attorney’s Office; Virginia McCalmont, Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP;  Mary Szondy, Attorney at Law, and Ellen Ahrens Wickham, MADEL PA will serve the second year of their current terms on the MWL Board of Directors.

The MWL Central, Northeastern, South Central and St. Croix Valley Chapters will each elect a representative to serve on the MWL Board of Directors, to be announced shortly.

The women’s law student organizations at Minnesota’s three law schools will each elect a member to serve as non-voting liaison on the MWL Board, to be announced shortly.

For more information about all of the members of MWL's FY23-24 Board of Directors, visit our leadership webpage HERE.

MWL also extends its welcome and thanks to leaders across the organization, including Affinity Group Chairs, Committee Chairs,  Chapter Leaders, Bar Liaisons, Advisory Board Members, Partner Leadership Council Members and so many more volunteers.  MWL's work is not possible with the dedicated efforts of its members.  With this strong commitment, MWL looks forward to a tremendous year ahead!

For information on how to get involved, visit MWL Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities.

Minnesota Women Lawyers is an association of more than 1,200 attorneys, judges, law students, legal employers, and others who are dedicated to advancing the success of women attorneys and striving for a just society. 

Contacts:

Poonam Kumar, FY23-24 President and Debra Pexa, Executive Director

Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation is pleased to announce its new Executive Director Jennifer MacPhail. Jennifer relocated back to Minnesota in 2021 with her family after several years in South Carolina where she worked for the Mary Black Foundation, an independent grantmaking organization focused on improving the wellbeing of residents of Spartanburg, SC. Previously, Jennifer spent the majority of her Minnesota legal career practicing at Robins Kaplan, LLP.

From MWL Foundation President Chelsea Walcker:

“On behalf of the MWL Foundation Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce that our Board has selected Jennifer Daugherty MacPhail as our new Executive Director. In searching for the MWL Foundation’s next Executive Director, we were seeking a dynamic partner to collaboratively shape the Foundation’s strategic vision, support the charitable activities of MWL, and lead us into the future. Jennifer’s demonstrated leadership skills, deep sense of values, and extensive experience will be a considerable asset to the Board and assist us in continuing to build on the growth of the MWL Foundation in the years to come. We are delighted to have her in this role, and we look forward to supporting Jennifer in her new leadership position.” 

From MWL President Jenny Robbins:

“Jennifer is a true advocate for advancing the success of women lawyers, and we are so delighted that she has agreed to join the Foundation as its Executive Director. Her passion and skillset are a perfect match for the organization. I can’t wait to watch the Foundation excel under her leadership for the benefit of women in our legal community.”

Debra Pexa will continue to serve as Minnesota Women Lawyers Executive Director.

MWL will present its Community Impact Award to the Gender Justice Legal Team: Christy Hall and Jess Braverman. In commemoration of its 50th Anniversary, this newly established award recognizes those across Minnesota who have made a substantial and positive impact on their communities by inspiring hope; embodying leadership, inclusiveness, and civility; and striving for a just society.

MWL will present its Service to MWL Award to Deborah Autrey, Mary Szondy and Amy Taber, MWL Diversity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chairs.  This award is designed to recognize the MWL member, group of members, 100% club member, or other individual(s) whose efforts, during the past program year or over a period of time, have contributed substantially to advance MWL’s mission.

MWL will present its Myra Bradwell Award to Justice Margaret Chutich, 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. 

Congratulations to all 2023 Annual Award recipients and nominees. 

MWL will be pleased to further profile each of our award recipients in the coming weeks, highlighting their tremendous impact in our legal community and beyond!

PLEASE JOIN US

MWL members and the entire legal community are invited to join us in honoring the 2023 MWL Annual Award recipients at MWL’s 51st Annual Meeting to be held on Friday, May 12, 2023.  Complete details and registration are available HERE.  

President-Elect (1 year term)
Emerald Gratz
Minnesota Supreme Court
 

Treasurer (1 year term)
Dionne Blake     
Target

Secretary (1 year term)
Karen Opp
Korn Ferry

Board Directors (2-year term)
Deborah Autrey

Nilan Johnson Lewis PA

Laura Bartlow
Zelle LLP

Cody Blades
Fafinski Mark & Johnson, P.A.

Amy Boyle
MJSB Employment Justice

Kristen Larson
Ballard Spahr LLP

Molly Hough, Kelsey Kelley, Virginia McCalmont, Mary Szondy and Ellen Ahrens Wickham will serve the second year of their current terms. Poonam Kumar will assume the role of President and Jenny Robbins 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 FY23-24 Board Election and 51st Annual Meeting

The results of the FY23-24 Board of Directors election will be announced on the MWL website no later than Friday, May 5th, 2023.  The FY23-24 Board of Directors will also be recognized at MWL’s 51st Annual Meeting, to be held on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at Best Buy (7601 Penn Ave S, 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 Membership & Communications Coordinator Katie Gunaratne (kgunaratne@mwlawyers.org).

Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) is pleased to share its new logo! The new logo is grounded in MWL’s over 50 year history but also looks toward the bright future of the organization.

The new logo is only step one of a total refresh for MWL. MWL’s website will also be revamped in the coming months – stay tuned!

We hope you are as excited as we are about this refresh! MWL continues to embody its mission to advance women lawyers and stive for a just society.