Mitchell Hamline hosts critical conversation on voting rights at 26th annual Justice Esther Tomljanovich Celebration of Women in Law Tea

Mitchell Hamline will be hosting the 26th annual Justice Esther Tomljanovich Celebration of Women in Law Tea with a special CLE program, “State of the Vote: Legal Challenges Shaping the Midterm Election,” on Tuesday, May 5, at 5 pm. Registration for the event is currently open. Inspired by former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Esther M. Tomljanovich ’55, this annual event features a networking reception with Mitchell Hamline alumni, students, friends, and colleagues—with optional tea party-inspired attire, including hats and gloves—followed by a compelling CLE that will examine the most pressing issues in voting rights and election administration shaping the upcoming midterm elections.

“The citizens of Minnesota have great civic pride and involvement. Minnesota has consistently ranked first or second in the nation in election voting turnout over the years. But we cannot take this for granted and should not become complacent,” said Minnesota Court of Appeals Senior Judge Jill Halbrooks ’85, who serves as a member of the Tea planning committee.

“In order to maintain our commitment to civic engagement, we must continue to promote voter registration and encourage all those who are eligible to vote to do so,” she continued. “Any efforts to restrict voting rights must be overcome with strong resistance and education. Given the importance and timeliness of this topic, the planning committee has assembled a panel of experts who will address the current state of the law and speak to any challenges that may arise with the November 2026 midterm elections and beyond.”

This panel will feature Tami Diehm ’03, shareholder and president of Winthrop & Weinstine, who counsels organizations on issues of compliance, fundraising, advocacy, political action, and more; Maya Pennington ’20, interim CEO of All Square and The Legal Revolution, where she leads innovative programming and initiatives that advance opportunities for people impacted by mass incarceration; Amy Perna, executive director of the League of Women Voters; and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who serves as Minnesota’s chief elections administrator. The panel will be moderated by Mitchell Hamline Professor Raleigh Levine, whose academic interests focus on the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and press.

“We chose ‘State of the Vote’ because it’s timely, practical, and relevant no matter your practice area or community,” said Megan Brennan ’06, who also serves on the Tea planning committee as well as the Mitchell Hamline Board of Trustees. “For over a quarter of a century, the Celebration of Women in Law Tea has recognized the accomplishments and challenges of women in the profession—and this year we’re pairing that tradition with a high‑impact CLE on the real‑world implications of election administration, including practical ways lawyers can stay engaged and make a meaningful difference. It’s also a chance to network, reconnect, and support scholarships that invest in the next generation of legal professionals.”

The Women in Law Tea will take place in person only at Mitchell Hamline’s campus, 5–7:30 pm on May 5. The CLE (1.25 credits pending) will also be offered after the event via Mitchell Hamline’s on-demand CLE content. Your registration fee supports student scholarships. Register today to secure your spot.