Blog
Transformative Diverse Lawyers Retreat Paves Path to Success
Blog
October 4, 2018
Winston & Strawn hosted its inaugural Diverse Lawyers Retreat on September 28-29 in Chicago for all minority and LGBTQ attorneys across the firm.
The 140 attendees, including participants in our Diverse Associate Sponsorship Program and the diverse members of our fall associate class, came together at a reception and dinner the evening before the official start of the Retreat.
Programming officially kicked on Friday morning with a presentation by renowned professional development consultant Werten Bellamy on “Building Brand and Creating Preference.” Lunch speaker—futurist comedian, writer, and activist Baratunde Thurston—and dinner speaker—Association of Corporate Counsel President and CEO Veta T. Richardson—gave dynamic keynote addresses on the first day of the retreat, and the second day featured “A Model of Inclusion” from NYU School of Law Professor Kenji Yoshino.
Chairman Tom Fitzgerald participated in a candid fireside chat with our diverse lawyers on the second day of the retreat, further demonstrating firm leadership’s full support and commitment to meeting the strategic goal to enhance diversity and inclusion.
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee, chaired by Partner Kobi Kennedy Brinson, also welcomed a number of Winston clients for a Corporate Counsel panel, and firm leaders Linda Coberly, Bill O’Neil, Mats Carlston, Beth Kramer, Laura Petroff, Amanda Groves, and Timothy Kincaid also participated in the programming.
In addition to networking, mentoring, and professional development, the retreat provided an opportunity for the firm’s Black Lawyers Network, Latina/o Lawyers Alliance at Winston, Winston Pride, and Winston Asian Leadership Initiative affinity groups to discuss their strategic goals for the year ahead.
Director of Diversity & Inclusion Sylvia James gave closing remarks at the conclusion of the retreat, setting attendees on a path to success that has included Winston’s recent attainment of Mansfield Plus status and a meaningful increase in the diversity of our Executive Committee.
Visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for more information about our programs.
This entry has been created for information and planning purposes. It is not intended to be, nor should it be substituted for, legal advice, which turns on specific facts.