Working remotely has created a new set of challenges, especially for those in a caregiver role—often women. Whether you are caring for children, elderly parents or just having a balanced work-life integration, COVID-19 has placed an even greater strain on those already trying to keep up with the demands of a successful career.

This panel will explore:

• Best practices for working remotely
• Why companies should support – not penalize – parents and caregivers now and in the future
• Realistic tips for achieving balance
• The silver lining: How the pandemic will change the way we work and create more opportunities for flexibility

Leaders of color are resolute in their determination to get ahead. Why then do so few make it to the top in Big Law or major corporations? The numbers are abysmal with 2.81 percent in equity partnership positions and 3.9 percent in the C-suite. Due to ongoing events since the spring of 2020, public outcry for change is at an all-time high. And while diversity and inclusion initiatives are becoming more commonplace in both law firms and corporate America, progress is slow.

This panel will explore:

• Challenges that minority leaders face in the legal profession
• Why law firms and other employers should care about retaining and advancing people of color
• Performative vs. Substantive change
• Affinity groups and other resources
• Success stories - Advice for young attorneys of color

Over the past 25 years, American public acceptance of LGBTQ individuals has grown, at least in some quarters. But LGBTQ people still face plenty of barriers in the legal industry that include whether it is safe to be “out.” Even law firms with a culture of inclusivity can have hiring partners on staff who are homophobic or transphobic.

This panel will explore:

• Getting clarity on sexual orientation v. gender identity
• Visibility v. passing
• Understanding the challenges and barriers that the LGBTQ community faces in their quest for full acceptance in their chosen fields of expertise
• Affinity groups and other resources
• Success stories- Insights, perspectives and advice from industry leaders

Women often do not apply for a job or a promotion if they don’t check every box, whereas men regularly seek jobs for which they are only partially qualified. The challenge can be even more daunting when considering a dream job or career choice that is not part of the normal trajectory. While the virus has pushed us out of our comfort zones, it has also presented a unique opportunity to explore our options. Pursuing these options (whether it be a raise, a promotion or a nontraditional path) requires the confidence and courage to see your own potential in order to go after what is important to you.

 This panel will explore:

• Letting go of the past and finding new ways of adapting to the changes ahead
• Getting clear with what you really want and making the current climate work for you
• The ASK: Asking for what you want and knowing why you deserve it
• The role of sponsors, mentors and allies in getting us closer to our goals
• How best to advocate for ourselves and others

Women leaders in both business and the legal profession are still rare. Because creating and maintaining a gender-balanced workforce is no longer a gesture of good will, but essential to financial growth, finding ways to foster diversity in corporate leadership is imperative.

This panel will explore:

• Bridging the gap between the business and legal units
• Recruiting and sustaining female talent
• Increasing awareness of the effects of implicit biases around female stereotypes:
• They are not tough enough
• They are more invested in their families than their careers
• Tips and Success stories

Women often do not apply for a job if they don’t check every box, whereas men regularly seek jobs for which they are only partially qualified. This applies to landing an entry-level position, asking for a promotion or taking a dream job that is not considered part of the normal trajectory. Pursuing growth opportunities and nontraditional paths require the confidence to see your own potential and the necessary personal awareness to get in touch with what is important to you. It also requires a strong network and the ability to ASK for what you want.        

This panel will explore: 

• Getting clear with what you really want  
• How to build a strong network in a virtual world….it’s a skill that needs to be developed! 
• The ASK: Asking for what you want and knowing why you deserve it 
• Paying it forward: How best to advocate for ourselves and others 

To create a rewarding legal career, one must seek out challenging and visible professional opportunities: getting on the right case, satisfying the important client, winning the big settlement. For women and minorities, however, finding these opportunities often isn’t enough; effective sponsors and influencers are needed to help seize them.

Behind closed doors, who is vouching for you and pushing your name forward for the opportunities you want? What can you do to strategically foster sponsors and influencers?

This panel will explore:

• The importance of women and minorities in law
• Differentiating sponsors from influencers
• Identifying current and potential sponsors
• Redefining the “old boys network” in the legal profession