ACC MN CLE Program - How Outside and Inside Counsel Can Partner to Improve Diversity

We're delighted to announce that Greene Espel is hosting an Elimination of Bias CLE Program and Happy Hour in their Minneapolis office building on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

How Outside and Inside Counsel Can Partner to Improve Diversity

Law is the least diverse profession. And our profession's diversity numbers have been depressingly low since our profession began measuring them. We know that actions to date (committees, conferences, best practices, hiring initiatives, etc.) are not working. This means we need to evaluate additional actions in order to drive real change. Clients and judges--as nodes of power within our judicial system--have the opportunity to demand more. 

Recognizing that in-house counsel may face backlash for engaging in diversity-valuing behaviors, clients may first need to institutionalize their diversity goals, ensuring that in-house counsel know that they are responsible for meeting specific, measurable diversity goals when engaging outside counsel. In-house counsel can also be encouraged to create opportunities for diverse attorneys, facilitate their growth, and develop long-term partnerships. Judges can help ensure that young, diverse attorneys get opportunities for experiences within the courtroom, arguing motions, and taking witnesses at trial. But all of us must do more and think harder about ways to do better. The system won't change unless we do. This energizing program aims to give audience members real-life tools to achieve these aims.

Learning Objectives:

- Define the terms diversity, equity and inclusion and understand why the law is the least diverse profession.

- Recognize the hurdles that in-house counsel may experience when trying to engage and promote diverse outside counsel.

- Recognize five ways to make your teams more inclusive.

- Identify specific, measurable and challenging personal goals related to creating more inclusive litigation teams.

Speakers: 

Amran Farah, Attorney, Greene Espel PLLP

Jenny Gassman-Pines, Attorney, Greene Espel PLLP

Sybil Dunlop, Attorney, Greene Espel PLLP

Agenda: 

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Attendee check-in

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Elimination of Bias CLE program

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Happy hour and networking

Admission is free and open to ACC members (and to in-house counsel first-time guests). 1 Elimination of Bias CLE credit is pending in Minnesota.

Receive validated parking if you park in the NRG Energy Center Parking Ramp, accessed off 3rd Avenue. The ramp is across the street from, and skyway-connected to, the Two22 building. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Greene Espel PLLP!