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Minnesota

Diversity Portal

The MSBA recognizes diversity as a core value and defines it as “recognizing the power of diversity of persons, viewpoints, beliefs, and human understanding.”

MSBA’s two principal goals in the area of diversity and inclusion are:

  1. Making the MSBA a model for diversity within all areas of the organization.
  2. Supporting the work of Minnesota’s affinity bar associations. 

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council

The D&I Council's purpose is to lead the advocacy and promotion of historically discriminated groups within the MSBA and the legal profession, through an inclusive culture where various viewpoints, experiences, and beliefs are respected and considered.

Social Security Disability Law Section

The purpose of the Social Security Disability Law Section shall be to enhance the skills of Minnesota lawyers practicing in the area, and to serve as a liaison with other parts of the MSBA and the public on social security disability law related issues and activities. 

Well-Being Committee

The MSBA Well-Being Committee is the committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association dedicated to helping lawyers and legal professionals thrive in both their legal careers and personal lives  Specifically, we accomplish our goals in a variety of ways, including:

  • Providing CLE programs and events dedicated to providing education on career, professional, and personal development,
  • Using our website and other informational materials to provide links and resources relevant to wellness and improving quality of life, and
  • Supporting and collaborating with lawyer assistance programs, including Minnesota Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.

Local Bar Associations

Minnesota Lavender Bar Association

The MLBA is an active and dynamic organization that builds community between members through quality educational programs, networking opportunities, and social events.  The MLBA proudly supports LGBTQ+ and allied efforts that promote equality and diversity in hopes of creating a community supportive of all professionals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.

Minnesota Women Lawyers

Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) is a 501(c)6 non-profit association of more than 1,200 attorneys, judges, law students, legal employers and supporters, who are dedicated to advancing the success of women attorneys and striving for a just society.

Since its inception in 1972, MWL continues to address the changing needs of women attorneys through initiatives that are guided by its mission and grounded in its values. In bringing together diverse attorneys from across the profession, MWL provides meaningful opportunities for its members to learn from trailblazers, community leaders and one another; to develop essential professional skills; to gain direct leadership experience; to build meaningful relationships; and to participate in collective efforts to advance equity in the profession.

Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association

The Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA) is a community of Minnesota Asian Pacific American and Asian lawyers who support one another, celebrate each other's accomplishments, create opportunities for dialogue on issues of importance to APAs, and highlight APA issues to the legal community at large.  MNAPABA (formerly NAPABA-MN) is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

Minnesota American Indian Bar Association

MAIBA is a non-profit organization of American Indian attorneys, law students, and officers of tribal courts. The organization also welcomes non-Indian attorneys and law students who are interested in Indian law.

Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers

The mission of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers is to

  • Promote and support the professional development of Black lawyers, judges, and law students in Minnesota;
  • Address the legal issues affecting the Black community in Minnesota; and
  • Advance education, excellence, and racial equity in the pursuit of justice.

Minnesota Black Women Lawyers Network
 

Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association

The Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association (MHBA) was founded in 1991 to organize Hispanic attorneys, judges, law students and other concerned members of the Hispanic community into a force for professional and community benefit.

The MHBA mission is to unify and organize all members of the Hispanic legal community, to promote legal professionals, and to serve as an advocate for the Hispanic community in Minnesota. The MHBA strives to promote professional growth and opportunity for Latino law students and attorneys, to provide community service and to ensure access to justice for all.

Minnesota Disability Bar Association

Founded in 2022, the Minnesota Disability Bar Association is an organization of Minnesota State legal professionals including attorneys, judges, staff, and students with and without disabilities as well as nondisabled allies. MDisBA offers peer support, networking, discussion, and outreach opportunities for our members with a focus on disability-related issues.

Korean American Bar Association of Minnesota
 

Twin Cities Diversity in Practice

Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP) is a nonprofit association of more than 70 law firms and corporate legal departments who share a vision to create a vibrant and inclusive legal community and a mission to strengthen the efforts of Member Organizations to attract, recruit, advance, and retain attorneys of color. We turn good intentions into action through the active participation of all our Member Organizations, with support from our dedicated professional staff, including a full-time Executive Director.