MINNEAPOLIS — Profiles in Diversity Journal (PDJ) has recognized Minneapolis partner Christopher Fowlkes with a 2022 Diverse Lawyers Making a Difference Award, making him among the first to be selected for this inaugural award.

“We are proud to honor this first group of attorneys and recognize the organizations that support their success,” said James Rector, publisher of PDJ. “And we look forward to showcasing many more diverse attorneys who are making a difference for clients, colleagues, and communities.”

According to PDJ, honorees were selected based on their talent and skill, commitment to excellence and advocacy on behalf of their clients, a passion for mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, and an ongoing involvement with the larger community. Fowlkes was selected alongside two other private practice attorneys and four in-house attorneys for this inaugural honor.

Fowlkes’ devotion to diversity in the legal profession spans his career, and he has shown himself to be a steady, proven advocate. He has been an involved member of Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (TCDIP) for 20 years, an organization that expands opportunities for diverse lawyers in Big Law and corporate environments. Currently, Fowlkes is a member representative for TCDIP, acting as a liaison between the organization and Nelson Mullins, and most recently served as a member of the programming committee, which brings in high-caliber speakers such as Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy.

At his previous firm, Bowman and Brooke LLP, he served on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, becoming Chair in 2020. In his three years as hiring partner at national law firm Barnes Thornburg, he successfully diversified the make-up of his office. Less than a year since joining Nelson Mullins, he was tapped by the firm’s chief diversity partner to serve on a subcommittee for diverse lateral recruiting; became co-city lead in Minneapolis for Leadership Council on Legal Diversity; and joined the Steering Committee for Just the Beginning, a diversity pipeline organization.

Fowlkes has been recognized for his aptitude as an attorney and a diversity practitioner by several esteemed organizations. Minnesota Lawyer has recognized him with a Diversity Award and as an Up & Coming Attorney. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal listed him as a 40 Under 40, and he has also been named to the Super Lawyers Minnesota Rising Stars list.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is an Am Law 100 firm of more than 930 attorneys and government relations professionals with 31 offices in 15 states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.