Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are nationally recognized thought leaders in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our team not only follows the latest research, but we also conduct our own research and publish in legal journals. Our DEI services are grounded in research comparing effective programs to ineffective ones so that we can deliver sustainable and measurable results for your workforce or workplace. 

AUDITS

We specialize in conducting comprehensive DEI audits to evaluate whether current policies, programming, and organizational language align with federal, state, and local laws. These audits are designed to minimize litigation risk while supporting your continued commitment to DEI goals. Our approach goes beyond surface-level reviews—we identify areas of potential legal exposure, recommend targeted institutional and cultural changes, and provide you with actionable, long-term strategies that protect your organization while advancing your mission.  

Because we are lawyers, we are particularly attuned to the legal and structural barriers that can arise in implementing DEI initiatives. We have extensive experience understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in advancing equity while managing diverse stakeholder expectations.

PLANNING AND CONSULTING

We partner with organizations to design and implement impactful DEI strategic plans that create lasting change, grounded in extensive research and a clear understanding of the law. From initial assessment through custom plan design and on-going consulting, we tailor our approach to meet your specific goals, so that we can deliver sustainable and measurable results for your workforce or workplace.

Our engagements begin with a clear assessment of where your organization stands and articulation of where you want to go. We engage stakeholders in facilitated discussions, and we conduct key employee interviews, surveys, and diversity assessment tools to gather insights. We then work with you to identify your DEI goals, and draft a detailed report identifying gaps, opportunities, and a clear path forward.

But success goes beyond having a plan. We work with you to ensure organizational buy-in and internal alignment—among executive leadership and employees alike. We aim to leave everyone at your organization feeling energized and inspired by the plan that we create together, and confident that the plan will comply with the law and minimize the risk of legal challenges.

SPEAKING AND TRAINING

Our team of compelling speakers stands at the ready to address or provide training for your organization, group, or event—as part of a holistic DEI strategic plan or as standalone seminars. In addition to the programs described below, we can design customized trainings to meet your audience where they are, keep them engaged, and leave them feeling empowered and energized. Our trainings are consistent with the current legal framework and EEOC guidance, and they always have been.

Examples of our trainings include:  

• Employee Trainings 
  • Conscious inclusion in the workplace 
  • How bias may be impacting your work  
  • Cultivating inclusion and cultural competence 
  • Preventing discrimination and harassment 
• Management Trainings 
  • Policies and practices that drive change and comply with the law
  • Improving hiring practices 
  • How to provide helpful feedback that helps all employees advance 
  • Strategies for retaining talent 
• Legal Industry Trainings 
  • Why the legal profession is the least diverse (and how to fix it) 
  • Conscious inclusion at your law firm 
  • Mitigating bias in the judiciary 
  • Mitigating bias in the courtroom 
  • Best practices to mitigate bias (for prosecutors) 
  • Best practices to mitigate bias (for defenders) 
• Other Industry/Group Trainings 
  • We have tailored our diversity programming to address challenges facing multiple industries and groups including the real estate and banking industries, city employees, court reporters, engineers, firefighters, housing code officials, the judiciary, and mediators and arbitrators.   

Our trainings are well-reviewed and award winning, recognized by both Minnesota Lawyer and the Hennepin County Bar Association.