Event Description
HCBA Diversity Committee | May 2022 CLE Series on Racial Equity
and Justice
Special thanks to Cresston Gackle, for their extensive
efforts in coordinating the series
Registration deadline:
5/24. To register
after that time, please email eryan@mnbars.org.
Civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020
led to protests across the nation, one of which resulted in the toppling of the
Christopher Columbus statue on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol by
American Indian Movement activist Michael Forcia. Mr. Forcia was charged with
felony Criminal Damage to Property.
Criminal defense attorney, Jack Rice, and public health
law attorney, Willow Anderson, joined forces to take on this case pro
bono. Working with the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, they collaborated
with community leaders to determine a restorative justice process that would
give voice to community members on how to best hold Mr. Forcia accountable while
healing the community and discussing the multiple branches of failure that led
to this action.
In dismissing the charges, Chief Judge Leonardo Castro
stated, “True justice and healing are rarely achieved but I sincerely believe
that it was so in this case. It would have been simple to charge, convict,
and punish. But the more difficult road towards reflection, learning, and
healing was taken, and the result will bear fruit forever. I congratulate
you all for your wisdom and courage.”
Presenters:Jack Rice | Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist,
Founder Jack Rice Defense
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law
Specialist and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He is a former Prosecutor and
a CIA Officer. Jack is passionate about his work representing the
accused.
Willow Najjar Anderson | Senior Staff Attorney,
Public Health Law Center
Willow Najjar Anderson is a Senior
Staff Attorney at the Public Health Law Center. She specializes in health
through the power of law and policy. She is a Minnesota Supreme Court
Certified Mediator and Qualified Neutral and former Assistant Attorney
General.
Jack and Willow were awarded
“Attorneys of the Year as a Team” by Minnesota Lawyer for their representation
of Michael Forcia, the Native American activist who toppled the Christopher
Columbus statue on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol.
CLE
Credits:
1.0 Standard CLE Credit |
Event Code: 461586
Cost:
HCBA Member: $0
Non-HCBA Member: $40
Law Student/New
Admittee: Free
Questions? Contact Erikka Ryan | eryan@mnbars.org
The HCBA is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which
all members can participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to
participate in this event, please notify eryan@mnbars.org . Please
provide notification at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to allow sufficient
time to make arrangements for accommodations. Thank you.