Black History Month offers an opportunity not only to honor the profound contributions of Black leaders, but also to reflect on how those contributions continue to shape our institutions today. Within the legal profession, Black attorneys have long served as advocates, community builders, mentors, and change-makers—often while navigating systems not designed with them in mind.
At Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP), advancing equity is not limited to a moment on the calendar—it is central to our mission. Through community-building, mentorship, leadership development, and organizational partnership, we work alongside our members to remove barriers and expand access to opportunity for attorneys of color at every stage of their careers. This work strengthens not only individual attorneys, but the legal profession as a whole.
As we recognize Black History Month, we also acknowledge that progress requires sustained commitment. The legal community holds both responsibility and influence—to uphold fairness, protect access to justice, and ensure that all attorneys can thrive and lead. In that spirit, we are honored to spotlight two Black attorneys whose reflections speak to legacy, perseverance, and the power of community.
Black History Month Spotlight: Dorothy Capers
Chief Legal Officer at C.H. Robinson
What inspired you to join the practice of law?
Growing up, I spent quality time with my grandmother, who was a huge fan of Perry Mason. I loved watching the show and became excited when, at the end, Perry Mason always had the smoking gun and emerged victorious. That excitement stayed with me, and it deepened as I met lawyers who were advocating for their communities and civil rights.
I was fortunate to be raised by civil rights advocates, witnessing my parents’ work throughout the South in the 1960s. I saw firsthand how lawyers were not only legal advocates, but also caregivers, supporters, and heroes for people who truly needed care and empathy. They went beyond the traditional practice of law—attending fish fries, church gatherings, protests, and community meetings—all in an effort to understand the communities they served. Seeing that impact fueled my excitement even further and solidified my focus on establishing and excelling in the profession.
What is something you love or find special about the Twin Cities legal community?
Having spent less than a year here, I arrived not fully knowing the culture of the Twin Cities. While I was aware of the very public and horrific challenges the area has faced, including the murder of George Floyd, I quickly discovered something deeply meaningful.
What I love most about the Twin Cities legal community is its strong sense of connection and purpose. Despite being a sophisticated legal market with Fortune 500 companies and world-class talent, it remains remarkably accessible and local. People show up for one another—across firms, sectors, and identities. There is a genuine culture of mentorship, collaboration, and service that you don’t find everywhere. For diverse attorneys especially, there is a strong network of support and advocacy that helps you feel seen, valued, and encouraged to lead. It’s a community that doesn’t just practice law—it actively works to shape a more equitable future.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Black attorneys?
As a Black attorney, your lived experience is not a limitation—it is a differentiator that sharpens your judgment, strengthens your empathy, and enriches the profession. You will often find yourself in rooms where you are one of few, or the only one. In those moments, remember that your perspective is not just valuable, it is necessary.
Build community early. Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and peers who see you fully—people who will advocate for you, challenge you, and remind you of your worth on the days when imposter syndrome speaks the loudest. None of this work matters if you are not prepared, so master your craft: know the law, know the business, and deliver work that commands respect. Above all, guard your wellbeing. The law can be demanding and stressful—prioritize rest, boundaries, and joy. They will sustain you for the long run.
Black History Month Spotlight: Cornell Leverette Moore
Partner Emeritus at Dorsey & Whitney
Reflections on Career, Opportunity and Legacy
I took the Minnesota Bar in 1964, at a time when there were very few positions available to us in the state. After working in California and Washington, D.C., I returned to Minnesota in 1966 to work with the U.S. Treasury Department as Regional Counsel for the Comptroller of the Currency. In that role, I was responsible for overseeing and regulating national banks across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota.
Over the years, my career spanned banking, law, real estate, and finance. In 1995, I was made a partner at Dorsey & Whitney, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The opportunity to become a big law attorney was not as accessible then as it may appear today. Options for Black attorneys were often limited to small firms, government work, or civil rights practice. I always believed that I had taken the same law school courses as anyone else—so why shouldn’t I aspire to practice in any area I chose? That belief guided my career, and it still does. Therefore, I am.
Advice to the Next Generation
My advice is simple and unwavering: do your work. Help others. Reach out. Participate in uplifting our people and our communities. Do not be afraid to speak up, show up, and stand up—you have earned the right to be here.
Black History Month Spotlight: Sheri Stewart
Litigation Attorney at Sapientia Law
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I was inspired to become an attorney because I did not just want to advocate for people who needed legal assistance; I wanted to have the tools to actually change lives for the better. Too often, we see the underdog taken advantage of because they don’t have the means to fight for their rights. Being an attorney who can represent a client who needs legal representation restores this imbalance of power, and it’s rewarding to know that the knowledge and skills I have as an attorney can correct the wrongs, one client at a time.
What is a professional milestone or accomplishment you are especially proud of?
I am proud to be practicing law after 6 years. The journey has not been easy to navigate, but I persevere. Although I graduated in 2017, I took time off before I sat for the bar in 2018 for my personal well-being. Then, during the pandemic, after 4 years and 4 months of practicing law, I moved back home to be closer to family for personal reasons. Since I was not licensed to practice in my home state, I could not practice for a year. Further, I could not waive in because I had not completed five years of practice. Alternatively, I could not get admitted on motion because I did not transfer my UBE score, pass the NY law exam, and transfer my MPRE score within three years of taking the UBE exam, so I had to advocate for myself and petitioned the NY Supreme Court and NY Court of Appeals to be admitted on motion, and was successful. Now, I have the privilege of being licensed to practice in New York and Minnesota.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Black attorneys?
Don’t give up on your dream to be an attorney. The journey to becoming an attorney looks different for everyone, and you have to maintain belief in yourself and your abilities even if you encounter naysayers or don’t have the necessary resources when you first start out. Make sure to seek out mentors and community members who want you to succeed and maintain a relationship with them. The legal field, like similar professions, is a relationship business, and people need to know who you are, so show people who you are.
Continuing the Work
As we honor Black History Month, we celebrate not only individual achievements, but also the collective impact of Black attorneys who continue to shape a more just and inclusive legal profession. Their stories remind us that progress is built through courage, community, and an unwavering commitment to equity.
We invite you to continue engaging with TCDIP as we work together to honor Black history, celebrate Black excellence in law, and build a legal community where all attorneys can thrive.
Community Events
We invite you to engage with the events and opportunities below as we honor Black history, celebrate Black excellence in law, and continue building a more inclusive legal community together.
Black History Month Student Performance Festival, February 7, 10am-12pm at MacPhail Center for Music Learn More.
The Imperfected Beauty of Sisterhood Community Conference, February 7, 1:00 – 5:00pm at Juxtaposition Arts. Learn More.
The Black Market | Eat. Shop. Vibe. Connect. February 14, 2pm – 7pm at The Lab. Learn More