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.

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.

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.