MSBA Diversity & Inclusion Biennial Conference

DEI in the Minnesota Legal Community

Join the MSBA and legal community for this unique half-day conference! In-person attendance is sold out, but you can still register to attend remotely. 

Join us for this impactful half-day conference, designed to deepen your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession and strengthen your commitment to change. Sessions bring together the intersection of law and the changing landscape of DEI to inspire and empower legal professionals and law students to continue working toward impactful change in their organizations and community.

This event provides a valuable opportunity to build connections with peers who are on similar professional journeys and engage with MSBA leadership. Whether you're working at a large firm or small firm, in solo practice, as a corporate practitioner, in the public or private sector, or are studying the law, don’t miss this unique CLE and networking opportunity. Learn from, engage with, and contribute to the Minnesota legal community on narratives and practices impacting the future of a profession growing in diversity, especially as we mark the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd's death.

Conference Schedule

• 8:00am – Registrations & Breakfast 
• 8:30am – Welcome  
• 8:45am – CLE Panel 1: DEI Impact on the Life Cycle of a Lawyer  
• 10:00am – CLE Panel 2: Courts & Public Impact on DEI in Law 
• 11:30am – Lunch & Fireside Chat CLE
• 12:30pm – Thank You & Closing

3.0 CLE Elimination of Bias credits

Judges, law clerks, public attorneys and legal aid professionals, use code "Justice" for $45 off your registration fee.

8:45am

CLE Panel 1: DEI Impact on the Life Cycle of a Lawyer

This panel explores the impact of equitable and inclusive practices in the legal culture throughout the entire career of attorneys. Hear from professionals ranging in years of experience and practice areas and how DEI has shaped their opportunities for success and leadership and how organizations can better support the growth and retention of diverse staff. 

Moderator:
Brandon Vaughn, Partner, Robins Kaplan

Panelists:
Toni Ojoyeyi, Associate, Spencer Fane
Alena Stankaitis, 3L, University of St. Thomas
Kevin Lindsey, CEO, Minnesota Humanities Center
Braynell Estrada, Attorney, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

1.0 Elimination of Bias CLE Credit

10:00am

CLE Panel 2: The Effect of DEI on Public Trust in the Courts

This panel of esteemed judges along with Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, and moderated by House Representative Athena Hollins will explore how  DEI initiatives and practices in the courts are impacting the public, both in the perspective of justice and interaction with the legal system and the how you can contribute to a more inclusive experience for staff and clients in court processes. 

Moderator:
Athena Hollins, Minnesota House Representative, District 66B

Panelists:
Keith Ellison, Attorney General, Minnesota
Hon. Mark Kappelhoff, Assistant Chief Judge, Fourth Judicial District
Hon. Nicole Starr, Judge, Second Judicial District 
Hon. JaPaul Harris, Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals

1.0 Elimination of Bias CLE credit 

11:30am

Lunch & Fireside Chat

Join us for a fireside chat between President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Camille Davidson and Hennepin County Bar Association President m boulette on the changing landscape of DEI in the law schools and the field of law and how organizations can continue to address, support, and prioritize equitable programs and policies that benefit staff, clients, and the profession. 

Panel:
Camille Davidson, President & Dean, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
m boulette, Attorney, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and HCBA President

1.0 Elimination of Bias CLE credit 

Registration Deadline
Now accepting registrations through Monday, April 7th at 11:00 am. To register after that time, email the program contact.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Erikka Ryan for details.

Champion Sponsorship - $2,500 includes: 

• Firm/Organization name on the event website 
• Firm/Organization name and large logo on signage at event 
• 8 complimentary tickets to the event 

 Partner Sponsorship - $1,000 includes: 

• Firm/Organization name on the event website 
• Firm/Organization name and small logo on signage at event 
• 4 complimentary tickets to the event 

Supporter Sponsorship - $500 includes: 

• Firm/Organization name on the event website 
• Firm/Organization name and small logo on signage at event 
• 2 complimentary tickets to the event 

800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 2800 Minneapolis MN 55402
In-Person, Virtual Accommodations Available 

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify the program manager with at least 72 hours notice prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations.

Refunds will be processed for cancellation requests received in writing before noon on the registration deadline. Cancellation requests received after noon on the registration deadline are not eligible for refunds. You may send a colleague in your place if you are unable to join us and the registration deadline has passed.