Ann Jenrette-Thomas Honored with 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Award by Minnesota Lawyer

09.15.2021

Stinson LLP Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ann Jenrette-Thomas was recently recognized as a 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Awards honoree by Minnesota Lawyer. Jenrette-Thomas was chosen for her significant impact with respect to diversity and inclusion at Stinson and on the greater community.

Under the leadership of Jenrette-Thomas, Stinson had seen a 120% increase in attorneys of color since 2016, a doubling of LGBTQ+ associates, and a 36% increase in women in leadership roles in the same time frame. She also launched Stinson's Minority Fellowship for first year law students, providing tuition assistance and a summer associate position at the firm for students of color. Stinson has also received Certification Plus status under the Mansfield 4.0 Rule, which requires firms to consider diverse candidates for leadership positions and to reach at least 30% diverse lawyer representation in a notable number of leadership roles.

Jenrette-Thomas is also an accomplished speaker and author, and the creator of "Big Law Success: The Inside Scoop for Law Students and New Lawyers," a five-part podcast series that gives diverse and first generation law students guidance on thriving in big law. She is the author of "The Happy Law Practice: Expert Strategies to Build Business and Maintain Peace of Mind," and has spoken widely to attorneys and law students across the country.

The honorees were chosen by an independent panel and will be honored at an awards celebration on October 7.