Heather Gilbert

Heather Gilbert spent many years as a legal sign language interpreter before deciding to hang her own shingle right out of law school. She founded Gilbert Law PLLC to represent Deaf and hard of hearing clients, many of whom had faced discrimination on account of disability.  After trying on myriad hats in related practice areas over the course of 13 years, including complex litigation at the national level, she narrowed her focus where she could help the most people: estate planning and employment law. Heather has been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2014 to present and been awarded the “Advocacy Award” by the Minnesota Commission of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

In 2019, Heather founded MasterMind Lawyers, a group-coaching and mastermind program aimed at small-firm owners seeking accountability and law firm growth.  Heather is passionate about coaching other lawyers in self-reflection and achieving a thriving and fulfilling balance between law practice and life. Heather chairs the MSBA Solo/Small Firm Practice Experience Council, serves on the 2nd Judicial District Ethics Committee, and is actively serving on three faith-based non-profit boards.  Heather is a frequent CLE presenter on law firm practice management, business development, and representing clients with disabilities. For fun, Heather enjoys playing pickleball, watching college baseball, and dancing in musical theater productions.

Leanne Fuith

Throughout her career, Leanne Fuith has worked as a lawyer, law professor, business leader, and marketing strategist. Leanne practiced civil rights and employment litigation in a small law firm setting and has advised small and mid-sized law firms and other businesses on issues involving leadership and vision setting, workplace culture, employment and staffing, and marketing and branding. Leanne has taught courses in law firm leadership and management, lawyer professional development, and negotiating and drafting business transactions. She presents and publishes on topics including lawyer leadership, law firm formation and management, employee recruitment and retention, and workplace culture. She has also owned a small business in the marketing, branding, and corporate communications space. 

Leanne is a member of the Board of Governors of the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Board of Directors of Minnesota Continuing Legal Education. She is also an advisor to LegalWise, Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s law firm incubator designed to support new law graduates. She practices yoga and loves great book and podcast recommendations. She also volunteers with organizations that support survivors of human trafficking and with the United States Civil Air Patrol.