Meet the Editor: 2L Gina Tonn, Minnesota Law Review
We recently asked the incoming editors-in-chief of Minnesota Law’s four law journals to share a little bit about their backgrounds, interests, and plans. Today, we focus on Gina Tonn, who was elected editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Law Review for the 2019-20 academic year.
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Prior education: B.A. (Economics and Religion), St. Olaf College, 2014
Pre-law school work experience: I worked in non-profit fundraising as a volunteer manager before law school, most recently for the St. Olaf Fund.
Career plans/objective: I hope to work in a variety of legal settings throughout my career, but I will be working with a firm in Chicago this summer, focusing on civil litigation. I am also interested in administrative law, labor and employment, and legal issues related to higher education.
Favorite class: It is hard to pick! I loved Constitutional Law and Legislation and Regulation during 1L year. But I think participating in the Legal History Workshop this fall, which involved reading worksinprogress by a different scholar every week, followed by a roundtable discussion with that scholar, is one of the coolest experiences I have had so far. I am drawn to interdisciplinary approaches to the law, and this seminar was an exciting opportunity to engage in that practice. It has also proven to be a helpful experience in taking on the editor-in-chief role!
Favorite non-journal activity: I am the events director for Law Council this year. I have always loved planning and hosting events for friends and family, so this has been a fun role for me, and a completely different way to use my brain in contrast to class work. Barristers’ Ball, A/K/A “Law Prom” is coming up quickly, and we are really looking forward to it! I am also in the Federal Immigration Litigation Clinic, which has been a challenging experience. It is such important work right now and a meaningful way to serve the community while in school. I am also learning so much about advocacy in immigration court and federal courts
Something you enjoy in your free-time: Free time is precious right now, but when I do have it, I like to spend time outside around the chain of lakes in Minneapolis, or try a new brewery or restaurant. I also try to find time to read for fun, although lately my “fun” reading has been Law Review article submissions
Favorite inspirational quote: I do not necessarily have a favorite inspirational quote, but I do keep a Ruth Bader Ginsburg quote at my study carrel in the law library that says, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Plans or goals for your journal during your time as editor-in-chief: Our goals are pretty simple: to publish innovative and diverse scholarship, including through our Symposium – this year’s event will be about mass incarceration, and to work well together as editors and staff.
Advice for others looking to rise to a leadership role on a law journal: Be genuine, ask for help when you need it, produce high-quality work, and be good colleague. Do not let self-doubt stop you. If you are interested in a leadership role, or are still just figuring out whether to petition, go for it!
