Minneapolis (5-21-04): --  The Hennepin County Bar Association’s Diversity Committee has recognized the law firm of Halleland Lewis Nilan Sipkins & Johnson with the 2003 Diversity Award. "Diversity is one of the six core values that guide the firm," said Brian Johnson, accepting the award for the firm at the May 20 annual meeting of the Hennepin County Bar Association.

The Diversity Award is given to a legal employer who displays an outstanding commitment to diversity in the legal profession. Such is the case with Halleland Lewis Nilan Sipkins & Johnson, announced Jeff Brown, Diversity Committee Chair for the association, as he presented the award. The awards committee took note of the firm’s structure, recruitment and retention policies, and activities within and without the firm, as well as the support for a wide range of diversity focused programs in the community.

Among the law firm’s staff there is considerable diversity in the traditional brackets of gender, ethnicity, and sexual preference, but the firm’s Diversity Focus Group that helps direct policies and activities, has also given attention to other diversity issues such as generational differences, familial status and political persuasion. Johnson noted, "Since the day we opened our doors, we have held the belief that all talented people can lend value to our organization and are committed to provide opportunities to women, minorities, and those with different backgrounds and lifestyles."

The mission of the Hennepin County Bar Association is to serve the needs of a diverse membership by advancing collegiality, professionalism, ethical conduct and competence in the legal profession. The association strives to ensure the fairness and accessibility of the legal system by promoting public understanding and confidence

in our system of justice and by working along with the courts to improve the administration of justice. The largest of Minnesota's 21 county bar associations, the HCBA serves a membership of 8000 legal professionals.