The MLBA and its members have demonstrated leadership in advocating for change within the legal system. We are proud of the following accomplishments:
1991
Organized first annual Conference – premiere LGBTQ+-focused attorney conference in the region.
2000
Participated as an amicus curiae in Dale v. Boy Scouts of America – the only such group from the Midwest to do so.
2000
Acted as the sole organizational plaintiff in the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union’s successful constitutional challenge to Minnesota’s “sodomy” law.
2001
Filed amicus curiae briefs with the Minnesota Court of Appeals in Pinkal v. State , challenging the mishandling of a gay man’s claim of discriminatory law enforcement, and, with the Minnesota Supreme Court in the important transgender related case Goins v. West Group.
2004
Successfully hosted the national Lavender Law conference.
2010
First openly gay MSBA Secretary.
2011
First openly gay MSBA Treasurer.
2012
Lobbied the MSBA, Hennepin County Bar Association (“HCBA”), and Ramsey County Bar Association (“RCBA”) to endorse a resolution opposing a state constitutional amendment banning legal recognition of same-sex couples.
2024
Supported efforts to ban the gay and trans panic defense in Minnesota.