Second 'Islam: A Way of Life' Series Speaker Will Lecture on 'Women and Islam' Oct. 29

Imani Jafaar Mohammad, an attorney who practices in the areas of business law and estate planning, including a specialty practice in Islamic estate planning, will speak on “Women and Islam" on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Her talk, the second in the  “Islam: A Way of Life” lecture series, will be given from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center, on the university’s St. Paul campus.

Mohammad is a partner at Mohammad, Schiks, and Jaafar, P.A., in Woodbury, Minn. In addition to her private practice, she is an adjunct professor at William Mitchell College of Law.

Imani Jafaar Mohammad

Imani Jafaar Mohammad

Mohammad speaks nationwide on issues related to American Muslims. National Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio and WCCO Radio have featured her as a guest. Minnesota Law and Politics magazine and A Peace of My Mind, a book written by John Noltner, also have featured her work.

Mohammad teaches several Continuing Legal Education courses for a variety of organizations on Islamic issues throughout the Twin Cities. She also provides services as an expert consultant or witness on cases involving Islamic issues. She has been invited to speak at numerous venues, including the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Advocates for Human Rights, and at colleges and universities across the country.

Mohammad was admitted to the Minnesota Bar in October 2004. She served as a law clerk for Judge Lloyd Zimmerman in the Fourth Judicial District in Hennepin County, Minn., following her graduation from William Mitchell College of Law in 2004.

She then worked as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis. She was selected to run a housing repair project where she represented hundreds of indigent tenants, enforcing their rights to livable housing through rent escrow actions, unlawful detainer defense, and emergency tenant remedy actions. She successfully argued a case at the Court of Appeals and did significant community outreach in her time at Legal Aid. She also has worked with the Ramsey County Public Defender's Office and has handled many cases involving a variety of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses.

While at William Mitchell, Mohammad participated in the William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court, and she argued at the national competition. She also received the Student Award of Merit and the Women in Law Scholarship.

Mohammad was named a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Super Lawyers in 2013 and an "Up and Coming Attorney" by Minnesota Lawyer in 2009 for her professional work and volunteer contributions. She also received the Judge Varco Pro Bono Service Award in 2013 from the 10th District Bench for her outreach and educational efforts on religious and cultural diversity issues in the courts.

This lecture stems from a Loftus Diversity Grant acquired by International Student Services.

“Islam: A Way of Life” lectures also will be presented:

Monday, Nov. 18
Presenters: Mateen Ali, Safiya Balioglu, Fartun Dirie, Mallerie Shirley (panel discussion)
Title: "Islam and Culture"

Tuesday, Feb.11, 2014
Presenter: Tamim Saidi
Title: "Prophet Mohammed"

Thursday, March 6, 2014
Presenter: Halel Estefandiari, Woodrow Wilson International Center
Title: "Islam and Feminism"

Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Presenter: Jack Shaheen
Title: "Islam and the Media"

Series sponsors are: International Student Services, Luann Dummer Center for Women, Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, Campus Ministry, GMSA, MSA, Dean of Students Office, and the  Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center.

Series partners are: International Studies Department, Department of Political Science, Department of Theology, Islamic Resource Group and the History Department.