Duane Morris – Black Lawyers in America: A National Town Hall Series
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
1:00 – 2:00 pm EST
Please join us, along with the American Bar Association, the Commercial Law Section of the National Bar Association, the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, for an important town hall discussion, “Black Lawyers in America: A National Town Hall Series.”
About the Program
Against the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic meltdown, familiar tragedies have brought us again to another moment of outrage and protest. But there is something different this time. Perhaps the pandemic has given everyone – especially nonminorities – the grim understanding that African Americans have always known: Leaving the house for something as simple as a jog or a trip to the convenience store could turn fatal. We all have hope that this moment will be different and that we will see meaningful change. We also have doubts and questions. In this town hall series, we will examine the struggle for change and racial equity in the legal profession from the past, present and future.
Session Two: The Focus
As our society increasingly becomes aware of the historic inequities that continue to impact people of color generally and Black Americans in particular, the legal profession is likewise coming to terms with this reality. Black lawyers are grossly underrepresented and underappreciated in the legal profession and are still more likely to be affected by bias – both conscious and unconscious – throughout their careers. Our panel will discuss the existing strategies and approaches that firms and corporations can use to make the profession more diverse and inclusive. We will also examine and explore other solutions that have yet to be implemented broadly. Listeners will come away with guidance and action items.
Speakers
- Sharon Barner, Vice President and General Counsel, Cummins Inc.
- Michele Coleman Mayes, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The New York Public Library
- Benjamin F. Wilson, Chairman, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
Guest Speaker
- Matthew A. Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Duane Morris LLP
Moderator
- Joseph K. West, Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Duane Morris LLP
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