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December 8: General Members Meeting


Join us on December 8 for our final General Members Meeting of 2021. With support from our Members, TCDIP’s mission and work continued to evolve over the course this past year, especially with the creation of WILD.

Anti-racism work requires forward-thinking about how attorneys can provide legal services and support to our communities at large. On December 8, you will hear directly from Jazz Hampton, founder of TurnSignl, an award-winning and innovative app that connects drivers to attorneys during traffic stops. Jazz was a part of TCDIP’s Emerging Leaders Group and an alum of the TCDIP 1L Clerkship program, and we are excited to invite him to share more about his new endeavor.

Our new WILD Program Manager, LaLinda Xiong, will also highlight what’s next for WILD and how we can leverage the collective legal resources of the Twin Cities to combat anti-Black racism and all forms of racism. As we consider how far we’ve come in 2021, we will also look ahead to 2022 and the goals we want to set for the coming year.

Join us for an engaging General Members Meeting!

We encourage all Board Members, Member Representatives, and Emerging Leaders Group Representatives to attend our General Members Meetings. 


    Register Today    




December 16: In the Spotlight: Serving on the Chauvin Prosecution Team

Join Jerry Blackwell, Steve Schleicher, and Lola Velazquez-Aguilu to hear about their experience working for the prosecution team in the Derek Chauvin case. All three attorneys will share their experiences of working in the spotlight and behind the scenes on this trial that was closely followed by local, national, and international news. Hear directly from them about the work they did to prepare for the case and the experience of working on high-profile case. Jeremiah Allison, ELG’s Professional Development Lead, will serve as the moderator for this engaging conversation.



Meet LaLinda Xiong, our WILD Program Manager!

LaLinda Xiong holds a Masters of Public Policy from Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She comes to WILD with experience from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the City of Minneapolis.

What are you excited to do at TCDIP/WILD?
I do not come from a legal background, however my experience in public policy and racial equity often overlaps with the legal sector. Because of this overlap, I’m excited to learn more about the field and how to better connect the legal industry with community-based organizations. The systemic and institutional problems our communities face can only be remedied through pulling together resources and knowledge from different sectors. I am excited with the potential of WILD and hope you can join me in creating a more equitable Minnesota. If you would like to get connected to WILD, please contact me at lxiong@diversityinpractice.org.

What’s a song you have on repeat right now?
The entire WizKid album. I’m sad to have missed him at the Fillmore but his album always puts me in such a great mood and gets me dancing. One of the many lessons of the pandemic is the importance of moving my body – it plays such a big role in my mental health.

How do you make it through a Minnesota winter?
I am trying to become a winter sports person… and all this means is that I am putting intentional effort in embracing the cold and doing things outside. When I’m not forcing myself to endure below freezing temps, I enjoy cooking a meal for my loved ones- it’s such a simple, yet intimate pleasure.




Upcoming Community Webinars and Events



Volunteer for UPLIFT Legal Institute for Teens’ Mock Trial Program

UPLIFT is a pipeline organization that focuses on creating opportunities for BIPOC students to learn about the law, and to develop long term academic vision. UPLIFT is entirely staffed by volunteers, and we need volunteer mock trial coaches for 2022. Coaches meet with their teams after school once each week and attend an intramural mock trial competition. The total commitment is approximately 10 weeks. UPLIFT assigns 3-5 volunteer coaches to each mock trial team, so that when professional conflicts arise for a coach, their coaching team can cover for them. Check out this flyer for upcoming volunteer opportunities and more information!




December 3: Justice Alan Page Elimination of Bias Virtual CLE Seminar

Join Justice Alan Page, Jerry Blackwell, Lola Velazquez-Aguilu for a discussion on reimagining progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, an interactive panel discussion with questions from the audience, moderated by Dr. Artika T­­yner, will follow. Ticket purchases support the Page Scholar program. Register today!




December 13: Becoming a Federal Magistrate Judge—Duties, Appointment, and Discussion

Join the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association on Monday, December 13th from 4:30-6:00 PM for a Zoom webinar featuring federal judges, practitioners, and former members of the District of Minnesota’s magistrate-judge merit selection panels, as they discuss the diverse work of a magistrate judge and demystify the application and selection process.

This event aims to raise awareness about the magistrate judge role and encourage interest in forthcoming vacancies by many qualified applicants from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. After the two-part panel discussion focused on job duties and selection process, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in smaller Q&A breakout sessions with current and former magistrate judges.

Register today!




December 16: 2021 MABL Scholarship Gala, The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right

Join the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers to honor their 2021 scholarship recipients. Keynote speakers include Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for the State of Florida Monique Worrell.

Register today!


TCDIP is a professional association of legal employers with the vision to create a vibrant and inclusive legal community. Our mission is to strengthen the efforts of Member Organizations to attract, recruit, advance, and retain attorneys of color.

TCDIP facilitates connections between community organizations and volunteer lawyers. As with any volunteer opportunities circulated by TCDIP, please consult with your organization’s policies on pro bono and volunteer work prior to participation as needed.



Contact Info:

Twin Cities Diversity in Practice

80 S 8th Street, #2200, Minneapolis MN, 55402

612-440-3346

info@diversityinpractice.org