Traci Bransford, Ann Jenrette-Thomas Featured as Notable Women in Law

10.26.2020

Partner Traci Bransford and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ann Jenrette-Thomas were both selected by Twin Cities Business as 2020 Notable Women in Law. Traci and Ann are featured in the magazine's November issue, and are two of only 24 attorneys recognized.

Both were selected for helping set legal precedents and mentoring the next wave of leaders—all while finding time to give back to their communities.

In her practice, Bransford negotiates multimillion dollar entertainment agreements with worldwide entertainment companies, serving as general counsel to professional athletes, recording artists, independent record companies, authors, producers, actors, managers, and film and television production companies. Traci is co-chair of the firm’s Entertainment and Media sub group. Locally, Traci is a member of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, has served as a mentor for the University of St. Thomas School of Law Externship Program and sits on the Mitchell Hamline Gateway to Legal Education Advisory Board. Nationally, Traci is a member of the National Bar Association,Commercial Law Section, Executive Committee, Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association, Sports Lawyers Association and is involved in the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. She is an advisory board member for the Thomson Reuters Next Gen Leadership: Advancing Lawyers of Color initiative.

Ann oversees the implementation of the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, taking an innovative approach when it comes to addressing challenges within the firm and the profession relating to diversity and inclusion. Her two-pronged approach centers on individual responsibility—equipping people with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to create and inclusive environment—and eradicating the effects of bias through systems and process. She addresses structural bias by continuously evaluating the firm's policies, practices and norms and identifying unique methods to achieve desired outcomes.