Twin Cities Diversity in Practice

For more than 20 years, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice has worked to advance inclusion, equity and opportunity across Minnesota’s legal profession through sustained, structural change.

TCDIP operates as a coalition of more than 70 law firms and corporate legal departments united by a mission to build a legal community where attorneys of color can thrive, advance and lead. The organization’s model relies on collaborative engagement and active participation from attorneys and leaders across all racial and cultural backgrounds, practice settings and seniority levels.

Founded in 2005 by representatives from five law firms, the organization has created meaningful pathways into the profession through cornerstone programs including the TCDIP 1L Clerkship Program, Emerging Leaders Group, and TCDIP Connect Mentorship. These initiatives support attorneys throughout their careers, from law school through partnership and general counsel positions.

The programs foster community, mentorship, sponsorship and leadership development by bringing together students, early-career attorneys, senior partners, and in-house leaders. Over two decades, many participants have advanced to become partners, general counsel, and influential leaders throughout the Twin Cities legal community.

TCDIP provides its member organizations with tools, training and forums designed to strengthen inclusive practices from recruitment through partnership. By convening employers to learn together, share insights and maintain accountability, the organization has helped shift the culture of the Twin Cities legal market toward greater intentionality and transparency in diversity, equity and inclusion work.

The organization’s approach emphasizes long-term vision and partnership-driven models rather than episodic initiatives. Since its founding, TCDIP has worked to reshape how the Twin Cities legal community attracts, supports and advances attorneys of color, creating systemic change that strengthens the entire profession.

The organization continues its work through collaborative leadership and sustained programming aimed at building a more equitable profession for future generations of attorneys.