The Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: Chicago

October 16, 2024
Chicago

CenterForce is hosting the Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership Summit, an exclusive event dedicated to providing solutions and fostering collaboration in tackling the critical DEI challenges currently affecting the legal landscape in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Our summit takes a comprehensive approach to address the obstacles posed by the backlash against DEI initiatives and the consequences of Affirmative Action repeal, encouraging an insightful dialogue on the continuously evolving aspects of the legal profession.

We invite you to join us and be a part of this solution-oriented event. Connect with industry leaders and legal professionals for a day filled with powerful discussions, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies centered on empowering talent across socioeconomic lines, breaking down glass ceilings, and effectively navigating the ever-changing landscape of workplace diversity initiatives.

In addition to these enlightening discussions, our summit provides unparalleled networking opportunities, offering a vibrant platform to engage with industry leaders and benchmark against best practices. By participating in this event, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also become part of a dynamic community of support that extends far beyond the conference itself. We eagerly anticipate your presence at the summit, and we look forward to your active involvement in shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field.

PLEASE NOTE: On the other side of the wall–in a connecting room–our Employment Law Summit will be taking place concurrently. Your registration gives you access to both events, thereby offering a wide range of topics to choose from and more networking opportunities with your peers. Select sessions from both Summits that resonate with your professional goals and allow you to explore groundbreaking insights on diversity and employment law.

+ CLE 5.00 Illinois MCLE general credit hours

Key Topics
  • Distinctive DEI Progress and Dynamics: Chicago’s Dynamic Business Landscape
  • Breaking the Mold: Empowering Legal Talents Across Socioeconomic Lines
  • Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work
  • From Fitting In to Standing Out: Transforming Code-Switching and Imposter Syndrome into Strengths
  • De-Risking and Future-Proofing Workplace Diversity Initiatives in a Changing Legal Landscape
  • Redefining Success: From Burnout to Balance in a Multigenerational Workforce
  • From Vision to Reality: Making ERGs a Driving Force in Your DEI Initiatives
Attendees
  • Chief Legal Officer
  • C-Suite Executives
  • General Counsel
  • Associate General Counsel
  • Assistant General Counsel
  • Senior Vice President Legal
  • Vice President Legal
  • Assistant Vice President
  • Senior Counsel
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Counsel

Agenda

7:50 am
Registration Opens + Breakfast Begins
8:50 am
Opening Comments
Christine Hollis
Chief Talent & Diversity Officer
Marshall Gerstein
9:00 am
Distinctive DEI Progress and Dynamics: Chicago's Dynamic Business Landscape

Set against the dynamic backdrop of Chicago’s diverse business landscape, this panel unveils the unique DEI challenges and opportunities that emerge in the heart of commerce. As a bustling economic hub, Chicago demands a tailored approach to corporate DEI initiatives, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all strategy falls short in addressing the intricacies of the city’s business dynamics. This discussion delves into the specific DEI framework required to navigate Chicago’s corporate environment, exploring the complex interplay between the city’s economic history, business demographics, and the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

This panel will explore:

  • The DEI Landscape in Chicago’s business sector
  • Relevant legislative cases and their impact on DEI, with a focus on Chicago’s economic context
  • Addressing the backlash or realignment within the unique business culture of Chicago
  • De-Risking your DEI initiatives amid the challenges presented by Chicago’s economic and business dynamics
  • Highlighting the profitability & ROI of equity & inclusion in Chicago’s vibrant and diverse business environment
Dana Williams
Senior VP, Assistant General Counsel
Northern Trust Corporation
Sandeep Kumar
Assistant General Counsel
Kone Inc.
Graphic of a person.
Erika Singleton
Vice President, Global Chief IP Counsel
Entegris Inc.
9:45 am
Breaking the Mold: Empowering Legal Talents Across Socioeconomic Lines

Professionals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds encounter significant challenges including biases, stigmas and misconceptions that hinder their journey from well before law school, through the hiring process, and into their professional career. They are also at increased risk of leaving the professional workforce, suffering burn-out due to prioritizing finance over work-life integration, facing imposter syndrome, and attaining less advancement. What can be done to develop and guide legal professionals across socioeconomic lines?

This panel will explore:

  • Bridging the cultural gap between lower socioeconomic backgrounds and the corporate legal environment
  • Stereotypes and misconceptions tied to socioeconomic background
  • Recruitment & retention strategies to overcome inadvertent bias and stereotypes
  • Importance of mentorship programs and providing invaluable insights into career navigation
Jennifer Bloom-Hines
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Dena Milligan
Director & Assistant General Counsel
Discover Financial Services
Bredale Rucker
Assistant General Counsel, Labor and Employment
NiSource
Meggan F. Duffy
Partner
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
Cara Houck
Partner
Holland & Knight
10:30 am
Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work

For many diverse professionals, trusting that good work, dedication, and responsiveness will propel their careers has created a glass ceiling and disillusionment. It’s time to break the rules and propel your career to the next level. Unlock the secrets to career advancement by cultivating a clear vision, fostering self-belief, and proactively advocating for your accomplishments. Discover actionable steps to showcase your achievements, express your goals, strike the right balance between networking, soft skills, technical knowledge, and more. Are you ready to overcome obstacles and take control of your career trajectory?

This panel will explore:

  • Steps to showcasing the quality of your work
  • Elevating your professional visibility by expressing what you want and your goals
  • Developing sponsors, advocates, and allies
  • Utilizing feedback as a catalyst for professional development
Rebecca Jones
Chief Counsel, Ag Services & Oilseeds
ADM
Julie Mehta
Assistant General Counsel – Industrial
Ecolab
Kate Nye
Senior Director & Associate General Counsel
Gap Inc.
Untress Quinn
Partner
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Victoria Friedman
Managing Partner
Dennemeyer & Associates LLC
11:15 am
NETWORKING BREAK
11:55 am
From Fitting In to Standing Out: Transforming Code-Switching and Imposter Syndrome into Strengths

Code-switching and Imposter Syndrome derail and haunt many talented diverse executives. How can you turn these phenomena into strengths allowing you to fulfill your potential and work authentically? This is a call to action, empowering you to navigate your identity, embrace your unique voice, and foster a workplace that celebrates diversity and authenticity.

This panel will explore:

  • Distinctions between code-switching and imposter syndrome
  • Strategies for conquering fear and breaking free from the grip of imposter syndrome
  • Navigating workplace identity and working with authenticity
  • Transforming imposter syndrome into a driving force of career advancement
Sharlita Davis
Senior Corporate Counsel - Regulated Industries Legal
Oracle
Mai Der Shaw
Deputy General Counsel, Compliance Officer, & Assistant Secretary
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Kyla Vick
Associate
Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres
Erin Brooks
Partner
BCLP
Meghan Riley
Managing Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Leah Beitner
Partner
Benesch
12:40 pm
De-Risking and Future-Proofing Workplace Diversity Initiatives in a Changing Legal Landscape

This panel offers a comprehensive examination of de-risking strategies for businesses in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. Justices Gorsuch and Thomas have hinted that they would like to go further on affirmative action. As a result, there has been increased litigation from advocacy groups and reverse discrimination cases from employees. Companies need to audit and safeguard their operations while effectively running their DEI initiatives that align with their values and culture. What is the balance between robust DEI practices and the management of potential liabilities? How can we future-proof for what is coming? This panel is crucial for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of a changing legal and social environment.

This panel will explore:

  • Strategies for de-risking companies in light of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling and related litigation
  • Auditing values and the importance of DEI to the organization
  • Methods for future-proofing businesses while maintaining active DEI initiatives
  • ESG, hiring, and firing, to align with evolving DEI expectations
  • Balancing DEI practices with potential legal liabilities
  • Training leadership, managers, and stakeholders
Katie Flaherty
Director – Legal Counsel, Employment
JLL
Christine Binotti
Lead Counsel – Employment Law
Motorola Solutions Inc.
Kenyatta Beverly
Labor & Employment Counsel
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Christina Niro
Partner
Frantz Ward
Shawndra Jones
Member of the Firm
Epstein Becker Green
1:25 pm
LUNCH & NETWORKING BREAK
2:15 pm
Redefining Success: From Burnout to Balance in a Multigenerational Workforce

In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, the pursuit of career fulfillment and a well-balanced life transcends generational boundaries. Every generation brings its unique perspective to the table – from those who have witnessed the traditional, career-centric model, to younger generations advocating for a life that equally values personal and professional satisfaction. This panel aims to bridge these diverse viewpoints, offering insights into how each generation can learn from the other to achieve a harmonious blend of career success and personal well-being.

This panel will explore:

  • Shifting attitudes towards mental health and burnout: what this means for creating healthier work environments
  • The evolving definition of ‘success’ and moving towards a more holistic view
  • Managing and perfecting the work-life integration balancing act
  • The impact of remote and in-office work environments on career advancement opportunities and preferences across different age groups
Chantal Kazay
Senior Counsel – Commercial Litigation
McDonald’s Corporation
Judith Dever
Director - Legal Counsel, Litigation and Employment
JLL
Ronak Shah
Assistant General Counsel - Privacy
Molson Coors Beverage Company
Natalie Eschbach
Partner
Litchfield Cavo LLP
Jimmy Oh
Member of the Firm
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
3:00 pm
From Vision to Reality: Making ERGs a Driving Force in Your DEI Initiatives

Organizations nationwide have established ERGs, but transforming these groups into catalysts for genuine, diverse change requires strategic guidance. How can we leverage these invaluable resources to effect diverse change within the corporate sphere? Uncover the keys to success, best practices for recruiting and engaging membership, and aligning your DEI group with organizational objectives to secure essential buy-in and support in the current landscape.

This panel will explore:

  • Blueprints for running successful ERGs and committees
  • Showcasing wins to build momentum and ensure lasting impact
  • Embedding DEI principles into organizational policies and procedures
  • Building robust membership and the importance of allyship
  • Measuring outcomes and demonstrating the positive organizational impact
Stephanie Vitale
Director, Safety & Insurance Litigation US East
Uber
Kara Goodwin
Vice President, Associate General Counsel - Employment, Labor, Compliance
RR Donnelley
Javaria Neagle
Associate General Counsel - Litigation
United Airlines Inc.
3:45 pm
NETWORKING BREAK
3:55 pm
Roundtables

Roundtable 1: Preventing and Minimizing Class and Collective Actions Without Spending a Fortune
Barry Freeman, Shareholder, Roetzel

Roundtable 2: Adapting to Immigration Trends: Best Practices for Talent Mobility & Managing a Foreign Workforce
Jacob D. CherryPartner, Seyfarth Shaw
Mahsa AliaskariPartner, Seyfarth Shaw
Leon Rodriguez, 
Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Roundtable 3: Avoiding Costly Litigation: Advice on Common Pitfalls
Christina Niro, Partner, Frantz Ward
Megan Bennett, 
Partner, Frantz Ward
Andrew Cleves, 
Partner, Frantz Ward 

Roundtable 4: Defending DEI Programs: Litigation Attacks and the Path Forward
Heather Renee Adams, Shareholder, Roetzel

Roundtable 5: The Brave New World: NLRB’s Long Arm Reach into Non-Union workplaces and Expanding Labor Units
Kerry Davidson, Of Counsel, Greenberg Traurig

Barry Freeman
Shareholder
Roetzel
Jacob D. Cherry
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Mahsa Aliaskari
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw
Christina Niro
Partner
Frantz Ward
Megan Bennett
Partner
Frantz Ward 
Andrew Cleves
Partner
Frantz Ward 
Heather Renée Adams
Shareholder
Roetzel
Kerry Davidson
Of Counsel
GreenbergTraurig
5:30 pm
Closing Comments + Networking Cocktail Hour

Speakers

Dana Williams
Senior VP, Assistant General Counsel
Northern Trust Corporation
Jennifer Bloom-Hines
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Rebecca Jones
Chief Counsel, Ag Services & Oilseeds
ADM
Sharlita Davis
Senior Corporate Counsel - Regulated Industries Legal
Oracle
Katie Flaherty
Director – Legal Counsel, Employment
JLL
Christine Binotti
Lead Counsel – Employment Law
Motorola Solutions Inc.
Chantal Kazay
Senior Counsel – Commercial Litigation
McDonald’s Corporation
Stephanie Vitale
Director, Safety & Insurance Litigation US East
Uber
Judith Dever
Director - Legal Counsel, Litigation and Employment
JLL
Dena Milligan
Director & Assistant General Counsel
Discover Financial Services
Julie Mehta
Assistant General Counsel – Industrial
Ecolab
Kate Nye
Senior Director & Associate General Counsel
Gap Inc.
Kara Goodwin
Vice President, Associate General Counsel - Employment, Labor, Compliance
RR Donnelley
Bredale Rucker
Assistant General Counsel, Labor and Employment
NiSource
Val Byrne
Director, Commercial Legal
Doordash
Mai Der Shaw
Deputy General Counsel, Compliance Officer, & Assistant Secretary
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Ronak Shah
Assistant General Counsel - Privacy
Molson Coors Beverage Company
Untress Quinn
Partner
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Sandeep Kumar
Assistant General Counsel
Kone Inc.
Meggan F. Duffy
Partner
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
Kyla Vick
Associate
Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres
Kenyatta Beverly
Labor & Employment Counsel
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Natalie Eschbach
Partner
Litchfield Cavo LLP
Victoria Friedman
Managing Partner
Dennemeyer & Associates LLC
Heather Renée Adams
Shareholder
Roetzel
Cara Houck
Partner
Holland & Knight
Erin Brooks
Partner
BCLP
Christina Niro
Partner
Frantz Ward
Javaria Neagle
Associate General Counsel - Litigation
United Airlines Inc.
Barry Freeman
Shareholder
Roetzel
Jacob D. Cherry
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Mahsa Aliaskari
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw
Megan Bennett
Partner
Frantz Ward 
Andrew Cleves
Partner
Frantz Ward 
Meghan Riley
Managing Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Leah Beitner
Partner
Benesch
Kerry Davidson
Of Counsel
GreenbergTraurig
Graphic of a person.
Erika Singleton
Vice President, Global Chief IP Counsel
Entegris Inc.
Shawndra Jones
Member of the Firm
Epstein Becker Green
Christine Hollis
Chief Talent & Diversity Officer
Marshall Gerstein
Jimmy Oh
Member of the Firm
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Sponsors

Venue

Voco Chicago Downtown
350 W Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL

Pricing

Register By In House Counsel Law Firms & Vendors
February 28, 2024 0.00 $895.00
March 6, 2024 0.00 $1195
March 20, 2024 0.00 $1395
Term and Conditions / Payment Policy
  • Payment is due in full at the time of registration and includes lunches, refreshments and detailed conference materials.
  • Your registration will not be confirmed until payment is received and may be subject to cancellation.
Cancellation, Postponement and Substitution Policy
  • You may substitute delegates at any time. CenterForce does not provide refunds for cancellations.
  • For cancellations received in writing more than seven (7) days prior to the conference you will receive a 100% credit to be used at another CenterForce conference for up to one year from the date of issuance.
  • For cancellations received seven (7) days or less prior to an event (including day 7), no credit will be issued. In the event that CenterForce cancels an event, delegate payments at the date of cancellation will be credited to a future CenterForce event. This credit will be available for up to one year from the date of issuance.
  • In the event that CenterForce postpones an event, delegate payments at the postponement date will be credited towards the rescheduled date. If the delegate is unable to attend the rescheduled event, the delegate will receive a 100% credit representing payments made towards a future CenterForce event. This credit will be available for up to one year from the date of issuance. No refunds will be available for cancellations or postponements.
  • CenterForce is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration or cancellation/postponement of an event. CenterForce shall assume no liability whatsoever in the event this conference is cancelled, rescheduled or postponed due to a fortuitous event, Act of God, unforeseen occurrence or any other event that renders performance of this conference impracticable or impossible. For purposes of this clause, a fortuitous event shall include, but not be limited to: war, fire, labor strike, extreme weather or other emergency.
  • Please note that speakers and topics were confirmed at the time of publishing, however, circumstances beyond the control of the organizers may necessitate substitutions, alterations or cancellations of the speakers and/or topics. As such, CenterForce reserves the right to alter or modify the advertised speakers and/or topics if necessary. Any substitutions or alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible.
Cancellation, Postponement and Substitution Policy
  • All discounts must require payment at time of registration and before the cut-off date in order to receive any discount.
  • Any discounts offered whether by CenterForce (including team discounts) must also require payment at the time of registration.
  • All discount offers cannot be combined with any other offer.
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