Member Representatives: Please share this email with your organization!



Join the WILD Founders Circle!

Our WILD Founders Circle members are working to create Twin Cities communities free of anti-Black racism and all forms of racism. Together, WILD and TCDIP have a unique opportunity to leverage the power and connections of attorneys and legal professionals from over 70 law firms and corporate legal departments to take direct action to combat systemic racism in the Twin Cities.

In a recent Minnesota Lawyer article, TCDIP Board Member Brandon Vaughn emphasized that “if we are truly interested in attracting and retaining black lawyers, we want to show that this community is trying to address racism. We may fail but we’re going to step up.” For more information about joining the WILD Founders Circle, download our flyer and visit our website. Our program manager, LaLinda Xiong, can also your questions via email at lxiong@diversityinpractice.org.



Join Season 2 of TCDIP Connect!

Join us for Season 2 of TCDIP Connect, our group mentorship program! Applying is easy – just complete this quick survey by January 17, 2022.

The path to success for most lawyers is paved with relationships where colleagues offer each other guidance and opportunities. In order to retain and advance more attorneys of color, we need a better method to build relationships with law students and attorneys who are newer to the profession. That’s why we reimagined the traditional mentoring model with TCDIP Connect. Using a structured small group model, the goal of TCDIP Connect is to develop meaningful professional interconnectedness between multiple people who may not have otherwise crossed paths. Learn more about program eligibility, core values, and structure on our website.





January 14: This is Minnesota: Understanding Disparities and Systemic Barriers in the Black Law Student Experience

In 2021, law students at the University of Minnesota published “This is Minnesota: An Analysis of Disparities in Black Student Enrollment at the University of Minnesota Law School and the Effects of Systemic Barriers to Black Representation in the Law.”In the article, authors shared personal stories and empirical research to paint a full picture of the obstacles that many Black law students face as they attend law school and enter the legal profession. Join University of Minnesota Law School students Brandie Burris, Samia Osman, and Justice Shannon and moderators Anna Prakash and Peter Goss for a panel to discuss the challenges that Black law students face and how law firms, corporate legal departments, and law schools can work together to create meaningful change.



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!



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