MINNEAPOLIS, MN  (December 11, 2008) – The law firm of Gray Plant Mooty is pleased to announce that Thomas L. Johnson, a principal in the firm’s Litigation practice group, was recently honored by the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and the Council on Crime and Justice for his leadership in promoting diversity in the legal profession and equal justice in our communities.  

The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) named Johnson the recipient of its 2008 Profiles in Courage Award. The award was presented at MABL’s Scholarship Gala, “Stoking the Fires of Change and Justice,” held in Minneapolis on November 8, 2008. Johnson was recognized for his long service to our community, and in particular for issues of special interest to people of color, during his two terms on the Minneapolis City Council, his 12 years as Hennepin County Attorney and, most recently, his nine years as president of the Council on Crime and Justice. For his work with the Council on Crime and Justice, Johnson was recognized for his "courage to fight against unpopular causes" by launching the Racial Disparity Initiative—a five-year multi-tiered study of the causes and consequences of racial disparities, with the intent of advocating for policy changes based on the study's findings. MABL described the work of the Council under Johnson's direction as "one of the most comprehensive examinations of racial disparities ever undertaken." 

The Council on Crime and Justice honored Johnson with its 2008 Equal Justice Award at the Equal Justice Benefit held December 10, 2008. As its second president, Johnson led the Council for nine years and, under his direction, the Council undertook two major studies—the “Racial Disparity Initiative” and the “Framework for Minnesota’s Future.” Findings from the studies, which have generated widespread interest, continue to significantly influence both the Council’s current work and positive criminal justice systems and policy change across the country. The Equal Justice Award was conceived in 2002, on the occasion of the Council’s first Equal Justice Benefit, to recognize members of the community who have played an important role in promoting equal justice. Past recipients of the award include Justice Alan Page (2007), Jerry Blackwell (2006), Mike and Penny Winton (2005), David Nasby (2004), Governor Al Quie (2003) and Gisela Konopka (2002). 

Tom Johnson served as Hennepin County Attorney from 1979-1991 and on the Minneapolis City Council from 1973-1977. He resumed his full-time practice at Gray Plant Mooty in 2008, focusing primarily in the areas of environmental and land use law, government relations, public law, and finance. Johnson has served on the board of directors for numerous state and national organizations and is the recipient of many awards including the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Quality Award, the President’s Award from the National District Attorney’s Association, and the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Professional Excellence Award.