Since 2017, Minnesota Lawyer celebrates annually the individuals, groups and organizations that have contributed in a meaningful way to enabling diversity and inclusion within Minnesota’s legal community.

Amy Conners was honored for her part in a group of Twin Cities lawyers and human rights advocates intent on protecting the rights of transgender students. The Transgender Student Rights Group organized and presented a CLE program in September 2021 titled “What Every Lawyer Should Know about the Future of Transgender Student Rights.” The virtual course, hosted by the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of the American Constitution Society, addressed the current legal landscape, how states, school boards and individual school administrators are applying and enforcing recent laws, and how these developments will affect other industries and practice areas.

Amy is an accomplished litigator handling complex litigation matters, with an emphasis on government investigations, criminal defense, and professional license defense. She is deeply committed to pro bono work, particularly advancing gender equality and advocating on behalf of those who have experienced discrimination. In addition to Amy, who moderated the event, the Transgender Student Rights Group included Jess Braverman (Gender Justice) and David McKinney (ACLU, Minnesota Chapter) who participated as panelists; and Rachel Kitze Collins (Lockridge Grindal Nauen) and Katherine Barrett Wiik (Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr) who helped develop the program.

Minnesota Lawyer’s Diversity & Inclusion honorees are chosen by an independent panel based on their achievements and their impact with respect to diversity and inclusion on the greater community or within their organizations. The 2022 awards celebration was held October 5 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

2022 Diversity & Inclusion Awards Honorees