Who We Are
The ATJ Committee is dedicated to advancing solutions that help all people, and particularly people with lower incomes or limited access to legal assistance, obtain the legal help and resources they need to receive equal justice.
We do this work by convening a wide range of attorneys, experts and leaders representing all sectors of the legal community from across Minnesota to share information and best practices, advance initiatives that increase access to justice, advocate for policy changes, and develop resources to support and communicate the importance and value of pro bono and civil legal aid work.
What We Do
The ATJ Committee conducts its work primarily through affiliated ATJ Subcommittees:
Becker Award Subcommittee
Civil Justice Subcommittee (a subcommittee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s Committee on Equality and Justice)
Policy Subcommittee
Pro Bono Council
Resource Development Subcommittee
Meeting Schedule
The committee meets five times per year from 8:30 - 9:45 AM.
2023-24
Tuesday, September 26th
Tuesday, November 14th
Tuesday, January 23rd
Tuesday, March 19th
Tuesday, May 21st
Subcommittee meetings are held during the alternating months.
Leadership & Staffing
The ATJ Steering Committee, consisting of two co-chairs and the chair of each subcommittee, acts as a leadership team and guides the committee’s overall work. Committee members work closely with MSBA staff members.
Co-Chairs 2023-24
Veena Iyer, Executive Director, Immigrant Law Center
Kiri Somermeyer, Executive Director, Corporate Institute, Business Law Clinic, University of Minnesota Law School
Staff Liaison
Katy Drahos, Access to Justice Director | | 612-278-6330