Minnesota Lawyer

It can be easy to pay lip service to the idea of diversity and inclusion, but Ann Jenrette-Thomas makes it a personal and professional mission.

The images of Afghans fleeing Kabul as American forces withdrew in August brought back memories for Fredrikson & Byron PA shareholder and immigration attorney Loan Huynh, who escaped Vietnam with her family in 1975.

Minnesota, a state that has historically taken pride in ranking high in quality-of-life measures, also leads the nation in one not-so-desirable category.

In recent months, diversity and inclusion has become a top priority for businesses, agencies and other organizations. James C. Burroughs II has been working for the cause of diversity and equality longer than most people, for more than two decades.

When it comes to increasing diversity and inclusion in Minnesota law firms and legal departments, the wheels sometimes turn slowly.

Two years ago, attorney Kevin Lindsey accepted a job offer that would take his career in a different direction but continue his passion for tackling diversity and inclusion issues when he joined the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) as chief executive officer.

As violence against Asian Americans and people of color grew during the pandemic, a local legal affinity organization began promoting anti-racism programming and activism.

Just Deeds members provide free legal and title services aimed at helping property owners find discriminatory covenants and discharge them from their property titles.

Leaders of the affinity bar associations representing Minnesota’s attorneys of color came together last year — in light of the George Floyd killing — to issue a joint declaration condemning “criminalization of black and brown victims.”

Minnesota Lawyer is pleased to recognize members of the legal community for their contributions to diversity in the practice of law in its fifth annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards.