Minnesota Lawyer

In past years, Athena Hollins has met considerable resistance when trying to inform those in the legal community about systemic racism and its implications. But not this year.

Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion within the legal profession is laudable, but there also needs to be work done at a legislative policy level. That’s where Tisidra Jones is making an incredible impact.

Diversity and inclusion require people who can advocate for their own group, and people who can be an ally to others. Alexander Kim does both.

As the daughter of West African immigrants, St. Paul native Adine Momoh has “lived and breathed” diversity and inclusion her entire life.

In 2018, when Sarah Oquist received a major award for the law firm she co-founded, Sapientia Law Group, she spoke publicly about her experiences and fears in being the only Black person on her high school basketball team and having to play in a city where the KKK is headquartered.

Marcos Ramirez is on an international mission. He came to the United States in 2007 with a law degree from the Universidad de los Andes in Merida, Venezuela.

Minneapolis-based Faegre Drinker has long been active in promoting diversity in the legal profession, according to Lica Tomizuka, a partner in the firm’s real estate group.

Richelle Wahi has been a highly regarded judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District for four years. But what people who appear in her court might not know is that she’s hearing-disabled.

More than 200 members of the Minnesota legal community showed up in solidarity with the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers for a silent protest at the Hennepin County Government Center on June 8 to highlight police brutality in the Black community and the death of George Floyd.

Knowledge is power, but data can hone that power to a keen edge.