Diversity and Inclusion

This session will delve into the often overlooked issues hindering women’s advancement in the legal profession. Explore why the so-called “glass ceiling” remains unbroken for many, presenting instead as a formidable concrete barrier. Learn about strategies for leveraging relationships and influence to ensure that more women advance with no ground lost for those coming behind them. This session will provide insights on how women can more effectively navigate hostility and minimize the risks of self-promotion. Equip yourself with the tools to advance your career while forging lasting paths to advancement for all women, fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal environment.

The role and expectations of in-house counsel continue to evolve with the ever-changing business landscape. It is no longer enough to be a legal expert; to be effective and valued in these roles by business leaders and your legal team, you need to also be known for your leadership, strategic insights, and forward thinking. Join this session to get a feel of what it’s like to work with the leadership team and gain practical advice on tackling the challenges of C-suite leadership, knowledge of executive management, metrics, and stakeholder management.

As diversity, equity, and inclusion programs become the subject of litigation and legislation more often, it's increasingly important for in-house counsel to think critically about their own DEI programs. This Family Feud-inspired program will teach participants how to spot the hidden risks in their DEI programs. Using the familiar game show format, participants will get the chance to identify and prioritize risks, while panelists guide them through practical solutions and help them understand how to build stronger, more effective DEI programs.

Presented in cooperation with Bloomberg Law

In the lead-up to and certainly since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard/UNC, employer DEI programs continue to face legal and public relations challenges. Organizations are suing, employees are suing, shareholders are suing, but employers continue to push their DEI measures forward. In this practical session, we will cover employer initiatives and risk mitigation strategies associated with everything from aspirational goals and the importance of data analytics, to diverse slate programs, to employee resource groups to internship programs. How are they being challenged, by whom, and what to do about it.

Generously Sponsored By Jackson Lewis PC

Bring a Colleague and join us for an evening of great food and conversation as our panel discusses the current and anticipated trends in D&I. 

Scheduled Panelists: 
Meyline Ly Ortiz, Managing Counsel, Toyota 
Alan Dorantes, Sr Corporate Counsel, T-Mobile 
Mandy Price, CEO and Co-Founder, Kanarys, Inc. 
Moderator: Michael Massiatte, Co-Chair, Hispanic and Latino Resource Group, Of Counsel, DLA Piper 

Topics to include: Common hot-button issues Aligning D&I programs and policies with public opinion Board involvement relating to D&I goals Recruiting and employee satisfaction Meeting and tracking D&I goals

Cultural Competence: A Mother’s Journey to Raising Two Successful General Counsel While Living Abroad.
 

October 2, 2024

The Woodmark Hotel
1200 Carillon Point
Kirkland, Washington 98033

In this heartfelt and insightful presentation, Janice Barber, the mother of Cornell Boggs and Paula Boggs, both highly successful attorneys and leaders in the business world, will share her journey of raising her children abroad to achieve greatness in the legal profession. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Mrs. Barber will offer insights into how she guided her children toward their legal careers and Cornell and Paula will share their key moments of growth, decision-making, and the value of embracing diversity. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how fostering an appreciation for diversity is a foundation for personal and professional development.

Panelists:

Janice C. Barber the mother of Paula and Cornell Boggs, is a retired United States Department of Defense Schools Principal.  She is a graduate of Howard University and Virginia State University, where she received two Master’s Degrees.  Her DOD assignments throughout her distinguished career abroad included Karlsruhe, Germany; Vicenza, Italy, Wurzburg, Germany; Kitzingen, Germany; Mannheim, Germany, Heilbronn, Germany, Comiso, Sicily, and La Maddalena, Sardinia.

Cornell Boggs is Of Counsel and Senior Strategic Advisor at Quarles. He is Board Chair and Chair of the Executive Committee at Thrivent Financial; and former general counsel for Toys "R" Us Inc., Dow Corning Corporation and the Coors Brewing Company. He was recognized as a “Legend in Law” by receiving the prestigious Burton Award from the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association, and Savoy Magazine named him among the “Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” one of the “Most Influential Black Lawyers” and one of the “Top 100 Influential Blacks in Corporate America.”

Paula Boggs is the owner of Boggs Media, LLC. She is a seasoned executive, board member, speaker, writer and Army Airborne (paratrooper) veteran, who led the global law department of Starbucks Corporation 10 years. Before Starbucks she was an executive in the technology industry, a law firm partner, federal prosecutor, U.S. Army Captain and one of America’s first women to receive an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Moderator:

Brad Vynalek is President of Quarles & Brady. Brad advises on strategy, exposure and enterprise opportunity for clients ranging from local startups to iconic brands to Fortune 500 companies. An award-winning leader, connector and problem solver, Brad brings highly detailed knowledge of the talent and resources at Quarles to address the discrete needs of clients. Practicing as a litigator for 21 years before becoming the president of Quarles in 2020, Brad brings extensive experience in both law and leadership to his work for clients.

Creating a truly inclusive and respectful workplace for in-house counsel and the LGBTQI+ community requires a multifaceted approach. By committing to continuous improvement, fostering an inclusive culture, and ensuring legal compliance, organizations can create a safe and supportive environment for all employees. The session will be a discussion of "Being Your Authentic Self At Work," including: 

1) Authenticity in the workplace – what does inclusivity for in-house counsel look like to be effective and sustainable?

2) Safety in the workplace – how can allies nurture and support a caring, respectful and safe working environment for the LGBTQI+ community to experience genuine inclusion