MSBA Committee

2012-13 Meeting Summaries
Minutes from prior fiscal years

Diversity Committee
Meeting Summary
October 5, 2012

The meeting was chaired by Alan Haynes.

In Attendance: David Ahlvers, Joan Bibelhausen (by phone), Ellie Krug, Jodi Schmidt, Chris Courtney, Dale Bjorkman, Lawrencina Oramalu, Iris Ramos Nieves, Christine Yun Sauer, John (Jack) Hennen, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA staff).

Guest Speakers: Jeremiah Brown and Joel Lampe of AchieveMpls.

AchieveMpls:
Jeremiah Brown and Joel Lampe presented the Committee with information about Step-Up Achieve – a program that places young people from Minneapolis in paid summer jobs with top local companies, nonprofits and public agencies and provides work readiness training, professional connections and ongoing support. Mr. Brown and Mr. Lampe encouraged everyone to become involved either by sponsoring a student at his/her law firm; or becoming a member of the Advisory Board. For more information, visit http://www.achievempls.org/

HCBA Diversity Committee/Big Brother Big Sister Lawyer Pipeline Project:
Ellen Krug presented the Committee with information regarding a Lawyer Pipeline Project, a collaboration between the Hennepin County Bar Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities (BBBS). It is intended to encourage and support inner city youth who are interested in pursuing careers in the legal profession. Ms. Krug encouraged everyone to consider becoming a mentor; and asked that everyone help spread the word about this exciting program.

Update on Voter ID Amendment:
It was reported that the Minnesota State Bar Association, at its September 28 Assembly meeting, voted not to take a position on this issue. Committee members expressed their concerns and noted their disappointment in the lack of leadership by the MSBA on this important issue. After some discussion, it was agreed that Ellie Krug would draft a resolution to be circulated to the full committee via email for a vote. The resolution will state the Committee’s objection to the MSBA Assembly’s vote in not taking a position and the lack of leadership by the MSBA on this issue.

Subcommittee Updates:

Speakers Bureau – no update
Minority Clerkship Program – Christine Yun Sauer provided an update. At the time of the meeting, 7 employers have confirmed their participation. The goal is to have 15 employers. Law school panels have been scheduled for the first week of November.
Best Practices – no update.
CLE – David Ahlvers will come up with some ideas for programming at Nine Days in June. It was noted that programming ideas should be submitted to the MSBA at soon as possible.
Pipeline – The Committee will continue to explore possible partnerships with AchieveMpls and HCBA/BBBS Lawyer Pipeline Program

Next Meeting;
The Committee will meet next on November 5, 2012 at Noon at the MSBA offices.

Meeting adjourned.

Diversity Committee
Meeting Summary
September 7, 2012

The meeting was chaired by Alan Haynes.

In Attendance: David Ahlvers, Joan Bibelhausen, Ellie Krug, Justi Miller, Jodi Schmidt, Chris Courtney, Sonia Miller-Van Ort, John (Jack) Hennen, Gail Brandt, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA staff).

Also in attendance: Robert Enger (MSBA President, via phone).

Chair Alan Haynes welcomed everyone to the Committee and thanked everyone for attending. Introductions were made.

Discussion on Voter ID Amendment:
The Committee discussed whether or not to take a position on the voter ID amendment that will be on the ballot this November. It was noted that the MSBA General Policy Committee has voted to recommend that the MSBA oppose the amendment, and that the General Policy Committee’s Resolution will be on the Agenda for a vote at the MSBA Assembly meeting on September 14.

After a brief discussion, the Committee felt it was important for the Diversity Committee to also take a position on this issue. A motion was made and seconded for the Committee to oppose the Voter ID Amendment and to recommend the MSBA also oppose the amendment. Motion carried.

Discussion of request for support from Minnesota Legal Services Coalition regarding state funding for legal services resolution:
The Minnesota Legal Services Coalition has requested the Committee’s support in a resolution that calls for the removal of the rider language to the state appropriation for civil legal services. Background information was circulated via email prior to the meeting and was distributed at the meeting.

After some discussions, a motion was made and seconded for the Committee to endorse the Resolution adopted by the Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged Committee and urges the MSBA to adopt a legislative position to support the removal of the rider language to the state appropriation for civil legal services. Motion was carried.

Update on Diversity Strategic Planning Committee:
David Ahlvers provided a progress update on the initiative to recommend that the MSBA hire a full-time director-level position for diversity. The group has divided into 4 Subcommittees (Overall Purpose, Internal Value-added Efforts, External Value-added Efforts, and Staff); and the goal is to have a report and recommendation to the MSBA leadership at the end of December. The full committee meets next on September 25 at noon at the MSBA offices. Members of the Diversity Committee are welcome to attend any of the upcoming meetings (September 25, November 6, and November 20). All meetings are at Noon at the MSBA offices.

Subcommittee Updates:

Speakers Bureau – no update
Minority Clerkship Program – Recruitment letters to employers have been sent out with a deadline to respond of October 31. Law school panels have been scheduled for November. Online applications will be available November 1.
Best Practices – 12 employers have signed commitment statements. The Subcommittee has met with 5 of those employers and has decided to focus on these 5 rather than try to meet with all 12, which has proven to be very difficult due to scheduling conflicts. The goal is to have a Summary Report of best practices that work/does not work by end of December 2012.
CLE – The “Two Sides to Every Story” CLE at Nine Days in June on June 28 was very well attended. The Committee hopes to have more presence at next year’s Nine Days in June, perhaps throughout all nine days rather than just the last day in the twin cities.
Pipeline – The Committee discussed the potential to partner with the Hennepin County Bar Association Diversity Committee and Big Brothers & Big Sisters on a lawyers pipeline project for inner city youths. The program is geared at students in 7-9 grades who want to be lawyers. These kids would be paired with a mentor who will mentor them through high school and college. There is a Kick-Off meeting on September 14.

Meeting Schedule:
The Committee will continue to meet monthly on the first Friday of the month from 12- 1 p.m. at the MSBA offices. The next meeting is October 5.

Meeting adjourned.