Member Representatives: Please share this email with your organization!


Membership Renewal is Currently Open!

TCDIP Membership Renewal is currently open! To receive your invoice by the end of the year, organizations must renew by December 17, 5:00 PM. If you have any questions about TCDIP Membership Renewal, please email info@diversityinpractice.org.




December 16: In the Spotlight: Serving on the Chauvin Prosecution Team

Join Jerry Blackwell, Steve Schleicher, and Lola Velazquez-Aguilu to hear about their experience working for the prosecution team in the Derek Chauvin case. All three attorneys will share their experiences of working in the spotlight and behind the scenes on this trial that was closely followed by local, national, and international news. Hear directly from them about the work they did to prepare for the case and the experience of working on high-profile case. Jeremiah Allison, ELG’s Professional Development Lead, will serve as the moderator for this engaging conversation.




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.



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.




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!




December 16: 2021 MABL Scholarship Gala, The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right

Join the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers to honor their 2021 scholarship recipients. Keynote speakers include Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for the State of Florida Monique Worrell.

Register today!


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