Diversity Award – Blackwell Igbanugo P.A.

Hennepin County Bar Association Recognizes Local Law Firm for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity

The Minneapolis-based law firm of Blackwell Igbanugo P.A. received the 2003 Hennepin County Bar Association Diversity Award which recognizes legal employers (public and private) that provide opportunities that foster the development of diversity in the legal profession, particularly in hiring, retention, and promotion. According to Jeffrey C. Brown, HCBA Diversity Committee Co-Chair, “the committee was duly impressed with the firm’s nomination.”

Blackwell Igbanugo P.A. is ranked the second-largest black-owned law firm in the country and prides itself on being the most diverse firm in Minnesota that engages in institutional representation. The twenty-lawyer firm, equally balanced in both gender and race, represents fortune 500 companies in state and federal courts across the country.

Founders, Jerry W. Blackwell and Herbert A. Igbanugo are African-American. Jerry Blackwell, President and CEO, received the President’s Award from the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers in 1999, as the Minnesota attorney who has contributed most to opportunities for African-Americans in the legal profession.

The firm was featured in the February 9, 2003, edition of the Star Tribune in an article entitled “Diversity ‘good business’ for black-owned law firm.”

The award was presented at the HCBA’s 84^th Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2003.