Pamela G. Alexander

Pamela G. Alexander, President of the Council on Crime and Justice, was honored as one of the Twin Cities’ top Minority Corporate Executives for 2010 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She was honored at the Minority Business Awards for making a difference in her profession, the local business community, and the community at large.

Congratulations, Pam!

Jerry W. Blackwell

Founder and Shareholder, Blackwell Burke P.A., was named a 2009 “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine, which names attorneys in Minnesota who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Minnesota Law & Politics. Jerry has been consistently named Super Lawyer every year since 2003.

Along with Spiwe Pierce, Jerry was also Co-MC at the 2009 MABL Gala, where he kept the crowd entertained with good humor and a wonderful interactive poem that he gave as a tribute to MABL Profiles in Courage Award Recipient, Kenneth W. Saffold. A dedicated and devoted member, Jerry is a co-founder of MABL, and has served in various capacities over the years, including board member at large, and three terms as president.

Thank you for your continuing support and congratulations, Jerry!

Blackwell Burke P.A.

One of the largest African-American-owned law firms in the country, has been recognized as providing the “absolute best” in client service among attorneys representing Fortune 1000 companies in the 2010 BTI Consulting Group’s Client Service Survey, based on interviews of more than 250 corporate counsel representing the top spending companies from large and Fortune 1000 companies. In 2010, this is an honor bestowed only upon 165 law firms nationwide.

In addition to supporting MABL financially, and with the time and talents of its lawyers since the association’s inception, Blackwell Burke generously developed and hosted MABL’s first web site for years.

Thank you and kudos, Blackwell Burke!

Emily K. Cooper

MABL member Emily K. Cooper was recently appointed to the MN Supreme Court’s Committee on Equality and Justice (CEJ). The CEJ is charged with ensuring equal access and an impartial courtroom by promoting the fair and unbiased treatment of court users and employees. Ms. Cooper, who has been practicing for fourteen years, is excited about this new opportunity and hopes to help the judicial system to become a more welcoming place for all Minnesotans regardless of economic status, sexual orientation or racial/ethnic background.

The CEJ will work in the areas of gender fairness, promoting diversity in appointments to Judicial Branch committees and boards, promoting diversity in the selection and retention of court employees and in the selection of judges. The CEJ will also work to promote a high level of public trust and confidence in the judicial system.

Congratulations, Emily!

Andriel Dees

Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs at the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Andriel Dees has been named as the new chief diversity officer at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. As chief diversity officer, Andriel will serve as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and provide leadership in advancing the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusiveness. The chief diversity officer collaborates with constituencies across campus and in the community to increase access, equity, diversity and inclusion, and provides leadership in the area of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and compliance. Congratulations Andriel!

Christopher W. Fowlkes

Partner, Bowman and Brooke, LLP, was named a 2010 “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law & Politics, a recognition based on attorney polling across Minnesota. Rising Stars names the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys. Chris has been consistently named Rising Star every year since 2006.

Chris is a dedicated member and past Vice President of MABL.

Thank you for your support and kudos, Chris!

Charmaine Harris

Charmaine Harris, third year student, William Mitchell College of Law, won the MABL at the 2009 MABL Gala. Charmaine received the 2008-2009 Barbara Wrigley Intellectual Property Scholarship, and participated in the Rosalie Wahl Moot Court Competition in Spring 2009. Charmaine was also nominated to receive the 2007-2008 Burton Award for best memorandum in legal writing. Charmaine has worked at Medtronic since June 2009 in their Corporate Patent Department. Additionally, Charmaine is an active member of BLSA. Charmaine mentors other BLSA students and plans to continue mentoring after her graduation from law school.

Charmaine is a member of MABL.

Outstanding job, Charmaine!

Lee Hutton III

Partner, Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stagebergis, was honored as one of 40 under 40 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

But that’s not all; Lee was named 2010 “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law & Politics, a recognition based on attorney polling across Minnesota. Rising Stars names the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys. Lee has been consistently named Rising Star every year since 2008.

Lee also recently made partner at his firm.

Kudos, Lee!

Herbert Igbanugo

Herbert Igbanugo, Founding Shareholder at Igbanugo Partners Int’l Law Firm, P.L.L.C., was honored as one of the Twin Cities’ top Minority Business Owners for 2010 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. He was honored at the Minority Business Awards for making a difference in his profession, the local business community, and the community at large.

Congratulations, Herbert!

B. Todd Jones

was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota. Attorney General Eric Holder also appointed him to serve as Chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee (AGAC). This body, consisting of 18 U.S. Attorneys from around the country, is responsible for advising the Attorney General on a broad array of Department of Justice policy issues.

Todd was also the keynote speaker at the 2009 MABL Gala. Preceded by engaging remarks from Senator Amy Klobuchar, and a warm introduction by the Honorable Wilhemina Wright, Todd’s address was thought-provoking and profound as he reflected on this year’s theme: “Building on Our Foundation.”

Congratulations and thank you, Todd!

Nekima Levy-Pounds

Professor Nekima Levy-Pounds was recently elected into the American Bar Foundation Fellows.

The Fellows is an honorary organization of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have been elected by their peers to become members of The Fellows. They have demonstrated outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession. Membership in The Fellows is limited to one third of one percent of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Members are nominated by Fellows in their jurisdiction and elected by the Board of the American Bar Foundation. Congratulations Nekima!

Jada Lewis

Jada Lewis, third year student, Hamline University School of Law, was awarded the Judge Pamela Alexander scholarship at the 2009 MABL Gala. Jada has been on the Dean’s List every semester. She is interested in public service, working at both the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office since May 2008 and also with the Minnesota Justice Foundation. Jada is dedicated to mentoring, and she is the President of BLSA at Hamline.

Jada is a member of MABL.

We are so proud of you, Jada!

Kevin Lindsey

Kevin Lindsey Appointed Commissioner of Human Rights
Governor Mark Dayton selected Kevin Lindsey, a civil litigation attorney in the Office of the Ramsey County Attorney, as his Commissioner of Human Rights. Kevin brings over fifteen years experience resolving complex legal and public policy questions to the Dayton Administration. His deep familiarity and passion for issues concerning human services, housing, employment and civil litigation in both the private and public sector make him ideally suited for the position.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ mission is “to make Minnesota discrimination-free.” It serves as a neutral state agency dedicated to investigating charges of illegal discrimination and ensuring that businesses seeking state contracts comply with equal opportunity requirements.


Congratulations Kevin!

MABL

MABL was recognized by the child care and Grace Children’s Hospital for raising funds in the wake of the catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti.  MABL partnered with the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) to raise relief funds for Haiti from the Minnesota legal community.

Through the generosity and kindness of the Twin Cities legal community, the committee raised over $50,000.  Thank you to all of you who prayed, donated, and shared what you have with those who needed it.

Gaye Adams Massey

Gaye Adams Massey, Senior Deputy General Counsel at UnitedHealth Group Inc., was honored as one of the Twin Cities’ top Minority Corporate Executives for 2010 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She was honored at the Minority Business Awards for making a difference in her profession, the local business community, and the community at large.

Congratulations, Gaye!

Evans Mburu

third year student, William Mitchell College of Law, won the Judge Michael J. Davis scholarship at the 2009 MABL Gala. This scholarship includes a coveted year long internship in Judge Davis’ chambers. Evans is in the top 25% of his class, he was on the Dean’s List the semester before the Gala, and is an Assistant Editor on the William Mitchell Law Review. His other accomplishments include receiving the CALI Award for Patent Prosecution and a William Mitchell Academic Scholarship. Evans also participates in several student organizations: he is the President of the Student Intellectual Property Law Association; an active member of BLSA; and a mentor in the BLSA 1L Mentorship Program.

Evans is a member of MABL, and he is currently working as a Patent Agent and Law Clerk at Medtronic Inc.

Keep up the excellent work, Evans!

Ben Omorogbe

Ben Omorogbe was promoted to Vice President and Associate Group General Counsel. Ben joined Travelers in 2002 as Senior Corporate Counsel from the Minneapolis firm of Gray Plant Mooty, where he was a partner. He has assumed increasing responsibilities, most recently as Managing Counsel and Second Vice President-Legal. In addition to supporting Travelers Risk Control worldwide, Ben has assumed increasing responsibilities as the lead attorney for Travelers economic and trade sanctions and OFAC compliance matters. Ben also chairs the AIA’s National Committee on Economic and Trade Sanctions and OFAC Compliance. His promotion to Vice President & AGGC is in recognition of his outstanding contributions and his expanded scope of responsibilities.

Congratulations, Ben!

Roderick Palmore

Roderick Palmore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance and Risk Management Officer and Secretary at General Mills Inc., was honored as one of the Twin Cities’ top Minority Corporate Executives for 2010 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. He was honored at the Minority Business Awards for making a difference in his profession, the local business community, and the community at large.

Congratulations, Rick!

Spiwe L.A. Pierce

Associate General Counsel – Litigation, Smiths Medical ASD, Inc, was admitted as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an honorary organization of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars who have been elected by their peers to become Fellows. They have demonstrated outstanding achievements and dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession. Membership in The Fellows is limited to one third of one percent of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Members are nominated by Fellows in their jurisdiction and elected by the Board of the American Bar Foundation.

Spiwe was also featured in the July 2011 edition of Savvy.mn Magazine, a magazine aimed at women that is published monthly by Southwest Newspapers and is delivered to 20,000 households in the Twin Cities’ southwest suburbs.

In 2010, Spiwe was named “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law & Politics, a recognition based on attorney polling across Minnesota. Rising Stars names the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys. Spiwe was also named Rising Star in 2009.

Kudos Spiwe!

Kimberly F. Price

Kimberly F. Price has been appointed vice president, Community Affairs, effective May 1, and will become a member of the Executive Conference. Kim currently is assistant general counsel, Legal Affairs. Kim holds a BA and MA in Public Relations, as well as a Juris Doctor degree. She has been an outstanding ambassador for 3M through her extensive volunteerism with non-profit organizations over many years. Her new role will utilize Kim’s passion and demonstrated leadership capabilities, ensuring that we continue to expand 3M’s presence in our many communities.

Congratulations Kim!

Kenneth W. Saffold

former General Counsel, Officer of the Monitor, won the MABL Profiles in Courage Award at the 2009 MABL Gala. Over the course of his legal career, Kenny advanced MABL’s mission to dismantle racial disparities in Minnesota’s justice system. He consistently sought to hire, promote and encourage African-American attorneys. As one of the few African-American attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s office, he played a key role in the hiring of attorneys of color. In private practice, and as a founding member of Blackwell, Igbanugo, Engen & Saffold, he continued to recruit, hire and train African-American attorneys and support staff.

Congratulations, Kenny!

Stephen L. Smith

MABL member Stephen L. Smith was recently appointed to the MN Supreme Court’s Committee on Equality and Justice (CEJ). The CEJ is charged with ensuring equal access and an impartial courtroom by promoting the fair and unbiased treatment of court users and employees. Steve, is excited about this new opportunity and hopes to help the judicial system to become a more welcoming place for all Minnesotans regardless of economic status, sexual orientation or racial/ethnic background.

The CEJ will work in the areas of gender fairness, promoting diversity in appointments to Judicial Branch committees and boards, promoting diversity in the selection and retention of court employees and in the selection of judges. The CEJ will also work to promote a high level of public trust and confidence in the judicial system.

Congratulations, Steve!

Zaylore Stout

third year student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, took home the William E. McGee scholarship at the 2009 MABL Gala. This scholarship focuses on public service; Zaylore worked at the LA Public Defenders Office last summer, he worked at the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office from August 2008 through May 2009, and logged over 400 hours working on the Innocence Project.1  His other accomplishments include being winner of the ABA Section of International Law Student Writing Competition in 2009, and the recipient of Living the Mission Award in 2007-2008.  Zaylore has also volunteered in several organizations: Feed My Starving Children, Street Law, Youth Law Project, and Class Action.

Zaylore is a member of MABL, he serves as Student Body President at the University of St. Thomas, and he is a member of the Diversity Committee of the American Bar Association Section of International Law.

An award well deserved, Zaylore!