FY24-25 MWL MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
Welcome from FY24-25
MWL President Emerald Gratz
Learn about Member Benefits
Find Out How to Get Involved
Engage with the MWL Community
Welcome!
From FY24-25 MWL President
Emerald Gratz
On behalf of Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL), I am thrilled to welcome you to FY24-25! Whether you are renewing your MWL membership or are a brand-new MWL member, thank you for being a part of this amazing community.
My theme for FY24-25 is Forging MWL’s Future. Now is the time for MWL to recalibrate to the new normal and plan for the future. By concentrating on the three MWL core values of equity, leadership, and community, I believe this organization will continue to prosper for another 50 years.
During FY24-25, MWL will continue its monthly virtual CLE series, which is offered free to MWL members. We also look forward to gathering in-person as a community at the Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture in Fall 2024, and at the 53nd Annual Meeting in May 2025. Many more events and opportunities will be announced throughout the year.
I am pleased to share this MWL Membership Guide to serve as a resource throughout the coming year. It provides information about MWL’s mission and values, the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and how to get involved in the community.
If I can provide any further information about MWL, please feel free to reach out to me or any MWL staff member. You can also stay up to date by visiting www.mwlawyers.org.
Sincerely,
Emerald Gratz FY24-25 MWL President emerald.gratz@state.mn.us
Founded in 1972, Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) is a statewide association of more than 1,200 attorneys, judges, law students, legal employers and supporters all dedicated to...
Our Mission
To advance the success of women lawyers and strive for a just society
Our Values
Guiding our direction and priorities
MWL's DE&I Commitment
MWL is actively engaged in creating an organizational culture where everyone is welcomed. MWL strives to ensure that leaders reflect and represent the communities MWL serves; that diversity is embraced and celebrated; and that all people feel a sense of belonging whenever they interact with MWL. Learn more at www.mwlawyers.org.
MWL incorporates its DE&I goals into all aspects of the organization, including its programming. This past year, MWL was pleased to feature key DE&I topics in its Member Monthly CLE Series, including “Pay Equity for Women of Color Attorneys.”
MWL engages in an ongoing process of learning how DE&I efforts make an impact within MWL and across our communities. Participation in ongoing DE&I training is an expectation for MWL Board service.
MWL works to create a sense of belonging and community, where all members feel welcomed, heard and valued. In doing so, MWL members have the opportunity to connect with and learn from one another.
Each year, MWL is pleased to partner with other affinity bars and organizations, as we collectively advance our common goals. Most recently, MWL co-hosted the annual Women of Color in the Law Forum event in collaboration with Fredrikson & Byron, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, and other affinity bars.
Member Benefits Centered on MWL Values
LEADERSHIP
MWL offers a wide-range of leadership and professional development programs and opportunities each year.
MWL Member Monday CLE Series
Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture
Student to Attorney Mentor Program
Annual Meeting
Chapter & Affinity Group Events
EQUITY
MWL leverages the collective voice of its membership in support of its mission.
Pay Equity Project
Non-Profit & Corporate
Board Leadership Programs
Judicial Pipeline Initiative
MWL Foundation Law Student
Scholarships
COMMUNITY
MWL provides opportunities to build meaningful relationships, engage in community service initiatives, and celebrate each another's success.
Networking & Socials
"The MWL Exchange”
Online Community
Volunteer Connections
"Celebrating Success"
Legal Community
Collaborations
Membership: Get Involved!
An engaged membership is essential to MWL’s continued vitality. By helping to advance MWL’s mission through active involvement, members also develop professional skills, gain leadership experience, and network across the profession.
Committees
As a statewide organization, MWL encompasses four regional chapters in the Central, Northeastern, South Central and St. Croix Valley regions of Minnesota. Make the Most
MWL Committees are the backbone of the organization. Leaders and members coordinate a myriad of events, programs and initiatives each year, all in support of MWL’s mission.
Affinity Groups
MWL Affinity Groups consist of members who collaborate to advance a common interest (legal or nonlegal), professional goal, or with the intent to network and promote collegiality.
Chapters
Learn more about these groups and how you can get involved at www.mwlawyers.org.
Emerald Gratz, 2024-2025 President emerald.gratz@state.mn.us
Debra Pexa, Executive Director dpexa@mwlawyers.og
Katie Gunaratne, Membership & Communications Coordinator kgunaratne@mwlawyers.org
Tessa Jones, Program & Projects Coordinator tjones@mwlawyers.org
Jennifer MacPhail, MWL Foundation Executive Director jmacphail@mwlfoundation.org
