TCDIP’s mission is to help our Members attract, recruit, advance, and retain attorneys of color in the Twin Cities. In this post, we highlight the “advance and retain” part of our mission. We congratulate the 11 attorneys of color who recently received a noteworthy promotion into a leadership role! You can learn more about each attorney’s practice area, path to leadership, and advice they would like to share in our blog post below.
Natasha Townes Robinson, Shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron
Practice Areas: Litigation, Health Care Fraud & Compliance, White Collar & Regulatory Defense, Internal Investigations, Health Licensing Defense
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What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
You earned your seat at this table. You fought for it—clawed, scraped, and pushed through every barrier to get here. You are some of the toughest, most resilient and hard-working professionals in this field. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Your experiences, your voice, and your contributions aren’t just valuable—they’re essential. The legal profession needs what you bring to the table: your perspective, your grit, your determination. These firms are fortunate to have you, so stand tall, speak boldly, and never forget the power you carry simply by showing up as your authentic self.
What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
There’s a saying: “If you find your people, then you find yourself.” That mantra has guided me throughout my career, and it’s the foundation upon which I’ve built my practice.
Unlike those who are drawn to a particular practice area, I’ve always been drawn to the people. The relationships I’ve nurtured have been instrumental in shaping my path. I didn’t achieve my promotion to Shareholder alone; I had the support of key individuals who lifted me up along the way.
In reflecting on my journey, I recognize the vital role of three distinct groups: supporters, mentors, and champions.
- Supporters are often friends and family, and the ones who pour into you, offering encouragement and strength during both challenging and triumphant times. Their belief in you provides an unshakable foundation.
- Mentors are those who guide you through the complexities of your profession. In the legal field, they help navigate the often-tumultuous terrain, sharing wisdom and insight that only experience can teach.
- Champions are individuals with influence and privilege who not only believe in your potential but actively create opportunities for you. They bring you into rooms you wouldn’t otherwise have access to, opening doors that might have remained closed.
I am fortunate to have had all three throughout my career. Their support, guidance, and advocacy have been invaluable, and I recognize that success is never a solo journey. As I continue to grow, I am committed to paying it forward—mentoring others, championing rising talent, and fostering an environment where others can thrive.
Mary Sennes, Partner at Stoel Rives LLP
Practice Areas: Corporate, with a focus on M&A, tax equity and financing transactions for renewable energy projects
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I am honored to become a partner in the Minneapolis office of Stoel Rives LLP. My practice is focused on representing project developers and sponsors of renewable energy projects in M&A, tax equity and financing transactions. I have counseled developers of solar, wind and battery storage projects throughout the United States. In addition to the renewable energy workstreams, I regularly advise clients in a variety of industries on general corporate matters, including corporate governance and internal restructurings.
In my new role, I look forward to continuing the growth of the Minneapolis office and mentoring new attorneys. I currently serve on the firm’s corporate associate training committee. I very much enjoy teaching new attorneys and supporting them as they advance in their careers, just as so many people inspired and supported me.
Arielle S. Wagner, Partner at Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP
Practice Areas: Antitrust, Privacy, Cybersecurity & Data Breach Litigation, Generative AI Litigation, and Tribal Government Representation
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I primarily work on class actions, including antitrust, generative AI, and data breach litigation. I represent consumers, tribes, and small businesses. I enjoy my work and look forward to continuing to grow as a litigator!
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
It can feel hard to promote yourself and celebrate your accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to share your achievements! Or find a few people who you can promote and who will share good news about you as well. We should celebrate each other!
Who are the mentors, sponsors, and supporters who helped you get to where you are? How did they help your career growth?
I’ve had so many mentors and sponsors! I’ve built genuine relationships with people I consider mentors in my firm, outside of the firm, outside of the legal field, formal mentors, informal mentors, people who are older than me, younger than me, and going through the same career stage as me – and I’ve learned different things from each person. What helped me find my mentors was saying yes to opportunities and showing up to events even when I didn’t know anybody
Gregory Schwartz, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig
Practice Area: Intellectual Property
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Nick Rauch, Partner at Larson King
Practice Areas: Trucking and transportation defense, oil and gas defense, Civil litigation
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I joined Larson King five years ago and was recently promoted to partner. My practice primarily involves trucking and transportation defense, oil and gas defense, and civil litigation. Lately, we’ve been representing clinicians and doctors before licensing boards, and I’ve noticed an uptick in these cases over the last six months. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing with the firm. The future is bright for us, especially with our recent expansions in North Dakota and Apple Valley. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s not just growing but thriving.
What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
The support from my firm has been instrumental in my promotion. I’ve always felt a strong sense of support both personally and professionally. Since starting here in January 2020, the culture at Larson King—fun, loving, and supportive—has played a significant role in keeping me engaged and committed. It’s a place that genuinely nurtures its young professionals.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
Growing up with a Japanese background, my grandmother always reminded me, “It’s okay to be uncommon.” She managed to hold her own as the only Asian American in Des Moines, Iowa. In professional settings, it’s easy to conform to the standards of others, but I’ve learned the importance of embracing and being proud of the uncommon parts of myself. No matter where you are, staying true to your unique aspects is vital. It’s okay to be diverse, and it’s okay to stand out.
How have TCDIP and the Twin Cities legal community contributed to your career growth?
Our firm has been involved with TCDIP long before I joined, and we’ve hired attorneys through the program. The Twin Cities legal community offers a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community for people of diverse backgrounds, which makes me proud to practice here. This is not the case everywhere. Organizations like TCDIP provide crucial opportunities and sponsorship for those who might otherwise lack support, contributing greatly to a diverse legal landscape. Having practiced in Iowa and being licensed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, I’ve seen how unique the support in Minnesota is.
What’s something that you didn’t expect in your career journey?
Entering the practice of law, I had a certain expectation about work-life balance. Over time, I’ve been surprised by the real importance of maintaining this balance. The industry doesn’t often discuss it, but I’ve learned to be intentional about managing my personal time. My wife is a planner, and together, we make a concerted effort to disconnect from our phones and laptops, even if it’s just in brief spurts. It’s crucial to have a game plan with your spouse and to intentionally plan your downtime.
Who are the mentors, sponsors, and supporters who helped you get to where you are? How did they help your career growth?
My wife, family, and friends have been my rock. The support from afar has sometimes been challenging, but always rewarding. Serving on the Board for MNAPABA has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. As a lawyer, it’s important to show newer lawyers the wealth of organizations and resources available. In Minnesota, there truly is a place for everyone, both as candidates and future lawyers.
Lisa Ellingson, Shareholder at Winthrop & Weinstine
Practice Area: Data Privacy, Litigation
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What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
I had the benefit of working with some amazing attorneys who took the time to help me learn and grow my practice. I am also fortunate to work for a firm that gave me flexibility to reach partnership on a timeline that worked for me and my family.
Mike Sevilla, Partner at Dorsey and Whitney LLP
Practice Area: Immigration
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I practice immigration law with a focus on employment-based petitions for corporate clients. I look forward to developing existing client relationships and creating new ones.
What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
In one of our senior associate retreat presentations a panelist told us to think like an owner. This shifted my mindset to focus on what I can do to make Dorsey a better place from a holistic perspective. Everything else kind of fell in to place after that.
How have TCDIP and the Twin Cities legal community contributed to your career growth?
I was lucky enough to spend time with our summer associates who participated in the TCDIP mentorship program. I learned a lot from these bright law students and really bonded with a few of them. TCDIP is a safe space for diverse attorneys to be authentic without hesitation.
Who are the mentors, sponsor, and supporters who helped you get to where you are? How did they help your career growth?
There are so many people who helped me get here. Rebecca Bernhard was one of the first sponsors I ever had in my career and she helped me find my love for the practice of law. Jack Sullivan is another sponsor who has championed me throughout my years at Dorsey. Victoria del Campo is the best hype person you can find, and she reminds me to appreciate all of my achievements. My wife Gillian is the most supporting and patient person in the world so I am lucky to have her. My kids inspire me to make them proud.
Cathy Smith, Managing Partner at Gustafson Gluek
Practice Areas: Anti-Trust and Consumer Protection
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
As Chair of the Consumer Protection Group, I mainly work in the areas of antitrust and consumer protection representing the plaintiffs in class action cases. These cases can take anywhere from 5-7 years to over 20 years to conclude. My firm, Gustafson Gluek, challenges major corporations for injuries to consumers and small business owners. We also put significant effort in providing representation to those with limited means on a pro bono basis. We are committed to giving back to our community and doing what we can to give voice to those who need help the most by working with the Federal Pro Se Project and various other non-profit organizations. As the first minority female managing partner at Gustafson Gluek, I’m committed to advancing diversity issues within our practice. Being one of the very few minority female Equity Partners particularly in my practice area, I feel a special responsibility to represent and advocate for the marginalized groups. Having started as an associate at Gustafson Gluek 19 years ago, I am honored and excited to bring a different experience and perspective to the firm leadership and mentor the next generation of attorneys.
What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
As a Gen X attorney who grew up in Korea in a family with very traditional values and having started practice 20 years ago, I guess I have somewhat of an old-school values. I was brought-up to put my head down and work hard, taking on whatever needs to be done and doing my utmost within and outside the firm. There was a struggle to adjust to the culture in this country particularly navigating the challenges of the legal profession. But at some point, one of my priorities was to form my own community, support system, and networking group. That community gave me great moral support I needed not just in my career but also in life in general. These contacts who started off as my friends and colleagues, eventually became decision-makers and assumed significant roles in their organizations, and continued to be my allies, sponsors, mentors, and advisors which was crucial for my career while navigating the demand of my family life. I have always believed in carving my own path, but I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to surround yourself with trusted circle of friends and colleagues to support and elevate one another and I aim to be that person to those around me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
My advice to other attorneys of color is to work hard and play to your strength. It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you have to change who you are to fit into a mold of another successful professional. But not everyone is the same and your path to your success might look very different from someone else’s. Trying to be someone else generates unnecessary stress and anxiety, which I confess I was also a victim of for a long time. Instead, my advice is to carve out your path, do the best you can, and believe in
yourself. At the same time you invest in yourself, also invest in finding your people. My colleagues and friends inside the firm and outside have been significant supporters and cheerleaders who often reminded me of who I am and who I can be even when I doubted myself which I find invaluable.
How have TCDIP and the Twin Cities legal community contributed to your career growth?
The Twin Cities is a unique place, where the legal community is progressive and open to the idea of diversity and inclusion. Being part of this community and involved with TCDIP has affirmed the importance of these issues and helped provide opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. This environment has played a substantial role in my professional development.
What’s something that you didn’t expect in your career journey?
The most unexpected aspect of my career has been motherhood. Balancing the demands of being a lawyer with the demand of having children was initially a shock to my system. However, the firm’s support and flexibility have been crucial in navigating through the conflicting demands. Communicating effectively with my team about what to expect from me and how to work around my schedule has been key to managing both roles effectively.
Who are the mentors, sponsors, and supporters who helped you get to where you are? How did they help your career growth?
While we never had a formal mentorship program, we always had an open-door policy and a team-focused approach, so I always knew I could talk to anyone at the office for guidance and advice. Also, I always come across learning moments from everyone around me. From these experiences, I’ve learned that everyone has something to teach you, regardless of their age or experience level.
Roshan Rajkumar, Managing Partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP
Practice Area: Product Liability, Commercial Litigation, Class Actions, General Liability, and Mass Torts
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I am a Civil Litigation Defense trial attorney. My practice areas include Product Liability, Commercial Litigation, Class Actions, General Liability, and Mass Torts. In my re-elected role, I look forward to continuing to expand the Minneapolis office as to its people and affirm our culture as a great place to work. We’ve welcomed a fantastic group of associates, paralegals, and legal administrative assistants, and I look forward to contributing to their growth, advancement, and retention.
What’s something that contributed to your promotion that you would like to share?
A key factor in my re-election as managing partner for a fourth term was the trust my colleagues and firm partners have placed in my leadership. This confidence has allowed me to further develop leadership initiatives within our Minneapolis office and build a culture centered on inclusion, collaboration, excellence, and professional growth.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
Be 100% authentic to yourself. Advocate for yourself, know your worth and surround yourself with people who value you—both as a professional and as an individual. Seek out firms and workplaces that align with your values and foster an environment where you can thrive. The legal profession can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Build a strong support system of sponsors, mentors, coaches, and colleagues who believe in your potential and are invested in your success. Stay committed to carving out your own path with dedication and never be afraid to take up space and own your achievements.
What advice do you have for managers of attorneys who want to provide their reports with the skills they need to succeed?
Lead by example. Show your team what it means to be a strong, engaged, and ethical attorney through your actions. Ask them what they need in a mentor and what helps them succeed—everyone learns and grows differently. Be open about the challenges you’ve faced, the mistakes you’ve made, and how those experiences have shaped you. Transparency and honest, constructive feedback with real-world examples will help them develop, grow, and refine their skills. Take a collaborative approach, recognizing that success in the legal profession is not just about individual achievement but about building a culture where everyone can thrive.
How has the Twin Cities legal community and TCDIP contributed to your career growth?
The Twin Cities legal community and TCDIP have been instrumental in my career growth by connecting me with a network of colleagues, coaches, mentors, sponsors, and friends. The support has allowed me to navigate challenging questions, gain wisdom, and feel supported as an attorney of color in our legal landscape. And I know I will lean even more into TCDIP as DEI&B initiatives navigate increasing resistance.
What’s something that you didn’t expect in your career journey?
I never anticipated staying at one firm for nearly 25 years, but my longevity has given me a better understanding of the firm’s structure, drivers, and goals, which has allowed me to lead more effectively and efficiently within the realities of a law firm.
How did you prepare for your promotion?
Advocating for my office was a critical step. Showing my firm leadership that I was committed to the success of my office, and in turn the firm, established my competency and agility as a law firm leader. And learning from challenges and experiences along the way has enabled me to build credibility and confidence year-over-year.
Bing Yang,
Shareholder at Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, PC
Practice Areas: Intellectual Property
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Tell us briefly about your areas of practice. What are you looking forward to in your new role?
My areas of practice include the Intellectual Property (IP) practice that relates to the establishment and protection of intellectual creations such as inventions, designs, brands, artwork, or the like. In my new role, I am looking forward to contributing more to training and mentoring junior IP practitioners.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with attorneys of color who are looking to rise in their careers?
Be proactive – for example, whenever you identify any issues or problems, provide your thoughtful solutions or proposals to address the issues in addition to raising the questions.
How have TCDIP and the Twin Cities legal community contributed to your career growth?
The Twin Cities legal community and TCDIP provide numerous networking opportunities for attorneys of color to share their experience, plenty of training and mentoring events for attorneys of color to expand their knowledge and skills, and sufficient support for attorneys of color to keep them motivated. These are important factors that contribute to the career growth of attorneys of color, including myself.
Thomas Lee, Partner at Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, PC
Practice Areas: Intellectual Property
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