ABA Takes Official Position In Favor of Civil Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
The American Bar Association held its annual conference this past weekend in San Francisco, California. One of the key purposes to the Annual conference is allowing the various Divisions, Sections, and ABA House of Delegates to meet to hold their annual meetings and address important member issues. This year was no different. This Annual conference included the culmination of a year's worth of work to present Resolution 111 to the ABA House of Delegates to take an affirmative position in favor of same-sex marriage. Two of MLBA's members were involved in the success of Resolution 111. Lousene Hoppe, the National LGBT Bar Association's liaison to the ABA's Young Lawyer Division, did a significant amount of work behind-the-scenes to make sure Resolution 111 passed through the Young Lawyers Division. David Ahlvers, MLBA Co-Chair, presented the resolution to the Young Lawyers Division, and argued in favor of the Resolution. The Young Lawyers Division passed the Resolution with limited dissent, and the ABA House of Delegates passed it with overwhelming favor. The passage of this Resolution is yet another step toward Marriage Equality.

Three MLBA Members Selected as Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40!

MLBA Congratulates Christopher Dolan, David Ahlvers, and Eric Sjoding for Being Selected as Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40!

In 2010, the National LGBT Bar Association created the Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 Award to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal professionals under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBT equality. The first recipients of the award were announced on July 22, 2010. Three Minnesota LGBT Lawyers were selected: Christopher Dolan, Associate at Faegre & Benson; David Ahlvers, Attorney and Co-Founder of Family Solutions Law Group; and Eric Sjoding, Senior Counsel, Target Corporation Employee & Labor Relations. The MLBA wants to congratulate these three fantastic LGBT lawyers on their selection into this inaugural class of Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40. Their work and accomplishments as openly gay lawyers and commitment to LGBT equality in Minnesota is much deserving of this recognition.

MLBA's Annual Conference Quickly Approaching - Request For Proposals
The MLBA's 10th Annual Conference is on January 29, 2011. Please mark your calendars. The greatest success of the conference is the diverse and interesting programming that is presented throughout the day. Now you can be a part of that programming. The MLBA Education Committee is seeking Proposals to present CLE programming at the 10th Annual Conference. Similar to last year, the programming will be divided into three separate tracks: Lawyer Development; "Gay" Law; and "Non-Gay" Law. We encourage members and non-members alike to prepare Proposals for interesting, innovative, and interactive CLEs that will benefit conference attendees both intellectually and practically.

Click here for The Request for Proposals form. Please return completed RFPs to info@mnlavbar.org or to Attn: David Ahlvers, 800 Washington Avenue North, Suite 503, Minneapolis, MN 55401, by no later than September 30, 2010. Proposals will be reviewed and selected programs will be notified by November 15, 2010. We look forward to your participation in MLBA's 10th Annual Conference.

MLBA Newsletter Seeking Members for “Membership Highlights” Article
MLBA is thankful for the individual members that have helped to make the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association the thriving and successful organization that it is today. To help create networking opportunities within our membership these last few years, MLBA has created the Online Membership Directory and facilitated numerous CLE and happy hour events.

To continue to assist members with networking opportunities, MLBA is announcing a new article called “Membership Highlights”. Each month, this article will feature an informational interview about an MLBA Member and their practice/career. If you are interested in being selected to participate, please contact Julie Plumitis at Julie.plumitis@gmail.com.

EVENTS

Hispanic National Bar Association 2010 Annual Convention and Career Fair, September 8th – 11th
At the Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis
Come join colleagues from around the nation for four days of non-stop educational programs, enlightening speakers, networking opportunities, and some of the finest entertainment around. Keynote speakers will include Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

Earn CLE credits in a wide variety of topics such as: Legal Remedies for Victims of Mass Disasters, Workouts that Worked Out, Intellectual Property Without Borders, and Perspectives from the Bench – Good and Bad Pre-Trial Advocacy.

Bring resumes to share at one of the largest job fairs in the country featuring representatives from top notch law firms, government agencies and corporations.

For more information on how to register for this event, please visit http://www.hnba.com/events/

2010 HRC Twin Cities GALA Dinner, September 11th 5pm at the Minneapolis Depot

Come join HRC for another annual GALA event on September 11th at the Minneapolis Depot. The VIP dinner will begin at 5pm followed by a Silent Auction from 6pm – 7:15pm. The dinner program will begin at 7:30 and will include live entertainment and appearances by HRC President Joe Solmonese as well as other guests who will later be announced. For more information, please visit http://www.hrc.org/your_community/14392.htm

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

University of Minnesota, Office of the Vice President and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity Equal Opportunity Consultant I or II
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at the University of Minnesota is seeking a highly qualified, motivated and skilled individual to consult with and counsel members of the University community on issues of equal opportunity and affirmative action, handle complaints of discrimination and harassment, and develop and present educational programs on University policy and equity and diversity issues. Candidates with fewer years of relevant experience will be considered for the Consultant I position. Candidates with significant relevant experience will be considered for the Consultant II position.

This is a full-time, twelve-month, professional/administrative position that is annually renewable. The University offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and background, and excellent benefits. This position is expected to begin December 1, 2010. For more information, please click here.

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Job Opportunities posted
on MLBA website

MLBA receives a number of notices from employers seeking candidates for open positions. We try to post these on our web site regularly, and in fact have now created a specific page dedicated to sharing these opportunities.
Please click here for more information. http://www.mnlavbar.org/Employment.htm