2024 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law

As the saying goes, you can’t be what you can’t see. These nine standout leaders in law show the next generation what’s possible. Their contributions go well beyond their legal practices to include pro bono work, a commitment to community service, professional mentorship, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2024 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law

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M Boulette

M Boulette

Partner/practice group chair, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
M Boulette advocates for clients in the areas of divorce, child custody, family law appeals, and issues involving LGBTQ+ families. In 2021, Boulette joined the Minneapolis office of Taft, creating
Mandi Crane

Mandi Crane

Associate general counsel, Pentair
Mandi Crane joined Golden Valley-based Pentair in 2022 as associate general counsel of Pentair Flow, one of the company's three business segments, providing solutions to deliver water efficiently and transform
Roxanna Gonzalez

Roxanna Gonzalez

Partner, Dorsey & Whitney
At Minneapolis firm Dorsey & Whitney, Roxanna Gonzalez is a leader in the local legal and Hispanic communities and is known for her pro bono and DEI work. This past
Loan Huynh

Loan Huynh

Shareholder/chair, immigration group, Fredrikson & Byron
Loan Huynh has a long history of advocating for diversity and inclusion both within Fredrikson & Byron and across the community. In 2023, she was elected the Minneapolis-based firm’s first diverse
Colleen McGarry

Colleen McGarry

Partner, Fox Rothschild
Colleen McGarry is a go-to litigation partner in Fox Rothschild’s Minneapolis office, particularly in the financial services industry and taxation and real estate-related matters. A member of the LGBTQ+ community,
Terrance Newby

Terrance Newby

Partner, Maslon
Terrance Newby has extensive experience assisting clients with intellectual property and complex commercial litigation needs. At Minneapolis firm Maslon, he has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts throughout
Sheila Niaz

Sheila Niaz

Judicial law clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Patent attorney Sheila Niaz is deeply committed to expanding access to the legal system. Over the years in her Minneapolis-based private practice, she has provided pro bono legal services to
Kwame Osafo-Addo

Kwame Osafo-Addo

Founder, TruLegal
Kwame Osafo-Addo is a business law expert, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs especially those from diverse backgrounds. His expertise encompasses contract law, entity formation, and business litigation. With an aim to
Lica Tomizuka

Lica Tomizuka

Partner/Minneapolis office leader, Faegre Drinker
Lica Tomizuka integrates DEI and inclusive practices into her day-to-day legal work at Faegre Drinker. A talented attorney, she serves clients by counseling them on commercial property acquisition, disposition, and