Lisa Montpetit Brabbit is the Associate Dean for External Relations and Interim Director of the Legal Services Clinic at the University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minneapolis). She also serves on the School of Law Executive Committee. In her dual role, she provides leadership for a significant portion of student professional development, experiential learning (Mentor Externship, clinics), alumni relations, law board relations, external relations with partner organizations and events. She also works on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) matters and contributes to building a strong and inclusive culture. Across all her roles at the School of Law, Lisa is known for her innovative and inclusive approach to advancing organizational objectives, breakthrough strategies and motivating teams in the process. She consistently exceeds institutional goals and has provided leadership for several nationally recognized programs. Given Lisa’s work with institutional advancement and her extensive professional connections, she understands the role of relationships in the profession and the importance of stewarding those relationships at the highest level.

Lisa is a former trial lawyer. Her practice focused on personal injury, product liability, and negligence matters. She was an associate at SiebenCarey and a founding partner at McCoy, Peterson, Jorstad and Brabbit. Client relationships and excellence were central to her work as a lawyer. She currently serves as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, and a court-appointed trustee in civil rights and wrongful death cases. She has extensive leadership and nonprofit experience as a member of nine boards, including Catholic Charities, YWCA, the Ward 8 Benevolence Fund, Minnesota Association for Justice and the Minnesota State Bar Association. She has served as president of Minnesota Women Lawyers, The Infinity Project, and The Minnesota Women’s Forum.

Lisa is a frequent presenter, contributing her thought leadership to topics that include leadership, governance, diversity, mentoring, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and relational engagement. She has been recognized on numerous occasions for her leadership and impact in the profession.