SOL Lawyer Magazine_Summer 2021

BRIDGE BUILDERS

that were afterward criticized by peers in a casual conversation. When Steinle voiced her support for the controversial comments, the tone changed, and a respectful and analytical dialogue ensued. “At some point, my classmates confessed they had never met someone like me who held those beliefs. The key was that they had ‘never met’ someone like me – because I’m sure there are a lot of people in the world ‘like me,’ but my classmates had yet to develop the kind of trusting relationship that would allow true debate to occur.” Steinle defines true debate as an honest exchange of ideas where both parties are able to be vulnerable as they receive, process and articulate viewpoints in the search for truth. Steinle warns against the temptation of dwelling too long in the “echo chamber,” where your professional circle is in unanimous agreement on all divisive issues. For example, in rural Minnesota it is easy to isolate oneself and interact solely

with attorneys within your own firm, or who share your opinions and beliefs. Steinle challenges lawyers to purposefully join organizations like the state and local bar associations, where a diverse membership is united under a common affinity, and then seek out opportunities to develop collegial relationships where true debate can occur. Steinle uses her voice and her professional network to amplify diverse perspectives. She is currently promoting a presentation titled “The Intersection of Race Law, and Art” by Sandy Sunde, a local community member whose work features visual impressions to reflect cultural views of racial and ethnic bias and prejudice. After Sunde presented to Steinle’s Rotary club, the two began working together to modify the presentation to tailor themes more specifically to the practice of law and administration. Steinle helped Sunde apply for elimination of bias credit in connection with

presenting Sunde’s work to Minnesota’s Sixth District Bar Association, and she continues to look for opportunities to bring the presentation to a broader audience. For Steinle, community leadership is about really investing yourself. “It is better to be the best parliamentarian in one community group than to be a half-committed president of five. Start slowly by picking one organization at first, and over time, consider whether to add another organization or maybe transition to a new one entirely. The community respects those who communicate their intentions and follow through in the small things as well as the big.” As we reflect upon 20 years of educating St. Thomas lawyers, success can be defined in many ways. One keen example is seeing our graduates apply skills cultivated during law school for the benefit of society through public service.

Summer 2021 Page 17

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