How much progress are we making on ED&I in Europe?  What is blocking real change in our businesses and legal departments in Europe?  To what extent should regional differences within Europe influence our approaches to ED&I?  We must challenge ourselves to understand the societal realities and business dynamics that slow us down on the path to greater equity, diversity and inclusion within businesses in Europe.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

Guided by expert, Felicia A. Henderson, broaden your understanding of existing social inequalities, their impacts in our work environments and business practices, and inclusive approaches to promoting equity diversity and inclusion. The presentation and subsequent discussion with ACC Europe ED&I Working Group members will cover topics including: 

• Dimensions and dynamics of inequality in Europe
• Sources of resistance to ED&I initiatives in Europe
• Overview of regional variations in attitudes affecting ED&I approaches
• Pitfalls of poorly designed ED&I initiatives to avoid
• Considerations for adopting inclusive practices 

Please note: Tuesday 7 December Simon Zinger, Jasprit Sahnsi and Leticia Lizardo  will join Felicia and Kim on the panel.  On Tuesday 14 December Jasprit Sahnsi, Tarik Gause and Jihane el Farri will join Felicia and Kim on the panel. 

How much progress are we making on ED&I in Europe?  What is blocking real change in our businesses and legal departments in Europe?  To what extent should regional differences within Europe influence our approaches to ED&I?  We must challenge ourselves to understand the societal realities and business dynamics that slow us down on the path to greater equity, diversity and inclusion within businesses in Europe.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

Guided by expert, Felicia A. Henderson, broaden your understanding of existing social inequalities, their impacts in our work environments and business practices, and inclusive approaches to promoting equity diversity and inclusion. The presentation and subsequent discussion with ACC Europe ED&I Working Group members will cover topics including: 

• Dimensions and dynamics of inequality in Europe
• Sources of resistance to ED&I initiatives in Europe
• Overview of regional variations in attitudes affecting ED&I approaches
• Pitfalls of poorly designed ED&I initiatives to avoid
• Considerations for adopting inclusive practices 

Please note: Tuesday 7 December Simon Zinger, Jasprit Sahnsi and Leticia Lizardo will join Felicia and Kim on the panel.  On Tuesday 14 December Jasprit Sahnsi, Tarik Gause and Jihane el Farri will join Felicia and Kim on the panel. 

REGISTER

This program will explore the effect of unconscious bias in the workplace, including intersectionality in the discussion of diversity and inclusion, and strategies for interrupting unconscious bias in the workplace.

SPEAKERS

Tanya Hernández, Archibald R. Murray Professor of Law and Associate Director & Head of Global and Comparative Law Programs and Initiatives, Fordham University School of Law: Center on Race, Law & Justice

James Walker, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP

Margaret Meyers, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP 

AGENDA

2:00 - 3:00 PM / CLE Webinar

CLE

Credits: 1 | State: NY | Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias (for experienced attorneys only)

SPONSOR

Click here to view the ACC-NYC financial aid policy

*****POSTPONED UNTIL JANUARY 27, 2022 ***** 

Join ACC and Holland & Hart for a candid and thoughtful conversation about fostering equity and inclusion in career development.

During this program, our panelists will share insights about their personal career paths and the challenges they faced along the way. They will discuss common obstacles – both internal and external – to designing and realizing professional development goals in a variety of legal settings.

Additionally, our panelists will explore organizational and institutional changes that have helped diverse team members succeed. And, most importantly, they will identify tangible initiatives attendees can advocate for within their organizations to promote change.

5:00 - 6:15 pm | Panel Discussion

6:15 - 7:30 pm | Reception

Space for in-person attendees is limited to 35 participants. We can accommodate an unlimited number of attendees on the webinar option.

PARTICIPANTS

Phyllis Wan, Moderator
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Holland & Hart LLP
View Bio

Gary Armstead, Panelist
Director of Legal Affairs and Global Head of Litigation
Arrow Electronics
View Bio

Gina Casias, Panelist
Associate General Counsel
Danone
View Bio

Clark Yeh, Panelist
Assistant Counsel
Western Union
View Bio

COVID INFORMATION

Masks are required for everyone attending in person. Social distancing protocols will be in place during the event.

VIRTUAL OPTION

This event will be offered both in-person and virtually via webinar. Those who RSVP for the webinar option will receive a link prior to the date of the event.

Employment law considerations when using diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria in selecting outside counsel

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, join Norton Rose Fulbright lawyers and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Minnesota as our panel of speakers explores employment issues relating to hiring outside counsel. The group will explore how much can be demanded of outside counsel to provide diverse lawyers to work on matters without violating Title VII. The discussion will address tools that companies’ legal departments can use to move the needle without running afoul of employment law.

Besides earning CLE credit, you'll enjoy the gracious setting of The Minikahda Club and the fine food of its renowned executive chef, Vincent Francoual.

AGENDA

Registration: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM CT

Program: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM CT

Networking: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM CT

As a courtesy to other attendees, we ask that you wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth during the CLE program and when you are moving through the event space. When you are consuming food or beverage, you may temporarily remove your mask.

The program is open to ACC members and in-house counsel guests. Program admission is free for ACC members. 

1 Elimination of Bias CLE credit is pending in Minnesota. 

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Thanks to our sponsor, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP!

AGENDA

8:30 am - Welcome & Keynote Speaker Ernest A. Tuckett, Co-Founder of the Black General Counsel 2025 Initiative and Vice President, Associate General Counsel of VeriSign, Inc.

9:00 am - Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Boards: Why it is a Strategic Game Changer

Boards play an essential role in leading their companies through business and social change for strategic advantage. This panel will explore diversity, equity, and inclusion and compliance for corporate committees, stakeholders, and boards of directors, specifically as they relate to the NASDAQ’s proposed listing requirements, California’s new requirements for board diversity, and transparency in disclosures, such as diversity of employment populations and why it matters to a company’s success.

Presented by Valerie Dahiya and Jill Louis,Partners at Perkins Coie and Chasity Wilson Henry, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of CECO Environmental Corporation.

10:10 am - Racial & Social Justice Challenge Spotlights

10:20 am - Psychological Safety and Driving Inclusion

Psychological safety is one of the key drivers of employee engagement, as well as workplace inclusion and belonging. During this panel discussion, we will define and explain what psychological safety is, then discuss the conditions that managers and leaders must create in order to optimize engagement, inclusion and belonging. This program will also discuss the obstacles leaders face when working toward psychological safety, as well as best practices for maintaining momentum in the drive for diversity and inclusion and steps to overcome diversity fatigue.

Presented by Narges Kakalia, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mintz, Dr. Constance Noonan Hadley, an organizational psychologist and speaker for Stern Strategy Group, and Sandy Paik, General Counsel of DC Green Bank.

11:30 am - ACC NCR Racial & Social Justice Challenge Spotlights

11:40 am - Closing Remarks 

11:45 am – Small-Group Networking via Breakout Rooms 

12:30 pm - Conference Concludes

The Intersectionality Between Race, Poverty and the Criminal Justice System

As persistent and staggering disparities continue in our criminal justice system for people of color, the intersectionality of poverty adds another layer of complexity to be unraveled. Despite less overall representation in the general population, Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at nearly five times the rate of white Americans. Latinx individuals are incarcerated in state prisons at a rate that is 1.3 times the incarceration rate of whites. Join our esteemed panelists for a dialogue on the intersectionality of race, poverty and the criminal justice system. As we understand the causes and destructive consequences, key take-aways will include what our legal community can do to foster and effectuate change for both the policies, as well as the day-to-day practices that drive these inequalities and disparities systemwide.