2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity® Conference

Thank you to our phenomenal honorees, speakers, members, sponsors, and partners for contributing to the success of MCCA’s 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference! We hope that all who attended will be able to incorporate what they have learned at Pathways into their own companies and law firms. Pathways fostered discussions on inclusive leadership, the millennial majority, business development for diverse attorneys, the myth of meritocracy, challenges black women attorneys face in the legal profession, and much more!

The conference has ended, but the work has not.
Continue to speak up, take action, and demand change in the legal profession so that we can #RiseUnited!
From all of us at MCCA, again, thank you so much for your commitment, engagement, passion, and support.

Please add events@mcca.com to your Address Book or Contacts to receive future communications regarding the Creating Pathways to Diversity®Conference.

OCTOBER 14-16, 2019

New York Hilton Midtown
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

2019 Pathways Highlights

2019 Rising Stars

2019 Paula L. Ettelbrick Honoree &
2019 George B. Vashon Innovator Honoree

Evan Wolfson

The 2019 Paula L. Ettelbrick Award was presented to Kate Kendell, Campaign Manager of Take Back the Court, Formerly Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) at the MCCA Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference on October 15, 2019.

The 2019 George B. Vashon Award was presented to Thompson Coburn LLP.

2019 Paula L. Ettelbrick Honoree

Evan Wolfson

The 2019 Paula L. Ettelbrick Award was presented to Kate Kendell, Campaign Manager of Take Back the Court, Formerly Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) at the MCCA Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference on October 15, 2019.

2019 George B. Vashon Innovator Honoree

Event Sponsors

CHAMPION SPONSOR
Amazon

Pathways Advisory Council

Justification Toolkit

You recognize the value of attending the Creating Pathways to Diversity® Conference, but how do you convey that message to your manager? With budgetary constraints and increased scrutiny on business travel, gaining approval to attend conferences can sometimes pose a challenge. It is important to demonstrate the benefits of attending in order to justify the expense. Use MCCA’s Creating Pathways to Diversity® Conference Justification Toolkit to help you make the ask, prepare for the Pathways Conference, and get the most from our conference and your membership.

EVENT AGENDA

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019

*Please note the agenda times are in EDT.

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7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK; Powered by Chevron
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast
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8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

DIVERSITY CAREER EXPO
Sponsored by: AMAZON

2019 Pathways Champion Sponsor

We know that in today’s world, career development and career mobility are closely intertwined, which is why we are offering an opportunity for our members to connect with each other in many different forums.

In 2017, MCCA launched the Diversity Career Expo at our annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference with great success. Prospective corporate employers connected with diverse talent from all over the country while promoting their legal department as an employer of choice. It was a fantastic opportunity for prospective candidates to learn about the different corporations, conduct informational interviews and learn why our member organizations may be an employer of choice and the key to their career development.

Join us again as we host the Third Annual Diversity Career Expo. Please keep in mind that any meeting does not in any way imply or guarantee an interview or a position. It is a forum for both parties to connect and learn more about each other.

We will also be posting current job openings at Pathways on the exhibit floor, on our conference mobile app, and all participating employers will receive digital copies of the submitted resumes before the Diversity Career Expo.

2019 DIVERSITY CAREER EXPO PARTICIPATING COMPANIES:

AMAZON,  AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL,  DR1V,  FACEBOOK,  FREDDIE MAC,  GENERAL MOTORS,  MICROSOFT,  NATIONWIDE,  PRUDENTIAL,  STATEFARM  &  VMWARE

PROSPECTIVE CORPORATE EMPLOYER
If you are an interested prospective corporate employer, who may or may not have a current open requisition but, would like to connect with a diverse talent for current open opportunities or long-term planning please contact Sophia Piliouras at spiliouras@mcca.com for more details.

RESUME SUBMISSIONS
The Diversity Career Expo will be held over two days of the Pathways Conference. The Diversity Career Expo Application is now closed.

AMAZON INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW BLITZ

Amazon has once again partnered with MCCA to host its “Amazon Blitz” and meet with individuals interested in exploring opportunities with Amazon Legal.

*Applicants must register and attend the Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in order to be considered.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz Submittal Form is now closed.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz will be held over all three days of the Pathways Conference.

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8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

PITCH SESSION NETWORK

Sponsored by:
Amazon

2019 Pathways Champion Sponsor

MCCA’s Pitch Session Network (“PSN”) allows in-house counsel to connect with diverse law firm partners at majority law firms, diversify their preferred provider portfolios and hold law firms accountable for their diversity efforts. Member law firms and sponsors will have the ability to meet privately with in-house counsel to pitch the legal services they offer and develop meaningful connections with potential clients.

MCCA created the Pitch Session Network to address the lack of diversity at the equity partner level in law firms.

In collaboration with:

2019 PSN CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS

 

Eligible conference registrants interested in participating in the Pitch Session Network must complete the application form that will be made available as part of the 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference registration process. The application period for PSN is now closed.

To learn more about the Pitch Session Network, click here.

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8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

MCCA’S BLUEPRINT FOR SELLING & BUYING – A PITCH WORKSHOP FOR OUTSIDE COUNSEL

Talent Optimization Track

Through instruction and experiential learning, participants will work together to learn skills and behaviors for building successful business relationships. Outside counsel will have the opportunity to work in teams to develop a formal pitch from a mock RFP for legal services, which will be presented to senior in-house counsel.

This workshop is open to law firm members only and has a max capacity of 20 participants. Preference will be given to law firm partners; associates are welcome to apply if their firm is a two-tier partner system. In-house members who would like to serve as workshop coaches, assisting law firm participants with their pitches and sharing best practices, are invited to email Sophia Piliouras at spiliouras@mcca.com.

Non-members will be placed on a waiting list as will any other participants once we reach max capacity. Additional information and workshop materials will be provided to participants prior to the conference. If you would like to be added to the workshop waitlist, please email events@mcca.com.

Workshop Coaches:

  • Patrick Dukes – Associate Vice President, Commercial Claims Legal, Nationwide
  • Melinda Fuller – Counsel, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
  • Yolanda Hawkins-Bautista – Associate General Counsel, Freddie Mac
  • Nicci Hicks – Senior Counsel, Nationwide
  • Kamran Khan – Senior Assistant General Counsel, Altria Client Services Inc.
  • Jonice Gray Tucker – Partner, Buckley LLP
  • Denise Zamore – Senior Associate General Counsel, UnitedHealthcare
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12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

LUNCHEON PLENARY – EXECUTIVE APOLOGY: TOO LITTLE TOO LATE?

Global D&I Track

Executive apologies often are seen as an indicator that more proactive measures are needed to build a work culture and business that is focused on diversity, inclusion and equity. While many of these organizations are taking measures to move the needle, it is clear that more must be done.

Headlines announcing executive apologies or the belated appointment of a chief diversity officer are not uncommon and corporations spanning all industries across the country are affected. What can corporations do to position themselves so that they are not taking reactive measures? How can law firms prepare corporations and develop a crisis response plan?

More importantly, how can corporations and law firms step away from reactive measures and take action to prioritize the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work culture?

The panel will unpack the complex issues that are at the forefront of national corporations and what can be done moving forward toward a more diverse, inclusive and equitable society.

Moderator:
Zakiyyah Salim-Williams – Chief Diversity Officer, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Panelists:

  • N.Cornell Boggs, III – Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Thrivent Financial
  • Kathleen Navarro – Head of Talent Management & Chief Diversity Officer, New York Life Insurance Company
  • Tom Robertson – Corporate Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation
  • Thomas Sager – Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICERS: IT’S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS

Global D&I Track

Over the past decade, the Chief Diversity Officer or CDO position has grown in number and recognition – from an emerging, novel position to one that is often found in corporations and law firms committed to driving diversity and inclusion in their workplace. As CDOs take on the important, difficult, highly visible and increasingly multi-faceted role, the expectations to deliver have grown, especially in people management, from employment to retention and advancement of talent.

On top of everything else, with the recognition of the power of social media and the heightened awareness of employees and the general public, there is also greater investment in promoting a diverse and inclusive brand and CDOs are often the point person, in both the good times and bad. As we have all seen through social media, there have been a number of bad times for high-profile corporations.

Panelists will share their experiences as CDOs, provide insight into the impact that CDOs can make to the bottom line and with people management, as well as challenges in serving as the catalyst to shift an entire firm or corporation towards a culture that is focused on diversity, inclusion and equity.

Moderator:
Kevin R. Lyn – Partner & Diversity Chair, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

Panelists:

  • Erica Bolden – Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Mercedes-Benz, USA
  • John Iino – Partner & Global Chief Diversity Officer, Reed Smith
  • Melique Jones – Director of Talent Pipeline & Diversity & Inclusion, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  • Peter Wilson, Jr. – Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Proskauer Rose LLP

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

INCOGNITO: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Global D&I Track

Enter the world of Michael Fosberg, who was raised in a working-class White family by his biological Armenian-American mother and adoptive Swedish stepfather. At the age of 34, with the announcement of his parents’ divorce, Michael begins the search for his biological father.

In his first call with his father, Michael discovers that his mother kept from him more than a few things about his biological father, changing his perspective on life in an instant.

Through a 50-minute one-man play, diversity is explored from a different and dynamic perspective, provoking open dialogue on issues of unconscious bias, diversity, identity and race. There will be a Q&A session following the play.

Presented by:
Michael Fosberg – President, Incognito, Inc.

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5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Welcome RECEPTION
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6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

PITCH SESSION NETWORK DINNER

Pitch Session Network Dinner is by Invite-Only. Your attendance must be confirmed in advance of the dinner.

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7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

MCCA DINE-A-ROUND

Looking to connect with colleagues during Pathways? Join your fellow attendees for an informal* Dine-A-Round dinner. Connecting in a smaller setting will allow you to benefit from diverse experiences and foster new relationships.

*Attendees must pre-pay for their meal online during registration in order to attend a Dine-A-Round dinner. Payments are non-refundable. However, wine and other beverage consumption will be paid by dinner attendees, separately. A menu separate from the full menu will be presented to the group. All restaurants will be able to provide separate checks.

The Dine-A-Round event will take place at restaurants within walking distance of the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel. Reservations will be arranged by MCCA and will range in size. Details to follow.

The Dine-A-Round event is open to registered Pathways attendees only.

Tuesday, OCTOBER 15, 2019

*Please note the agenda times are in EDT.

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7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK; Powered by Chevron
}

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast
}

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

DIVERSITY CAREER EXPO

Sponsored by: AMAZON

2019 Pathways Champion Sponsor

We know that in today’s world, career development and career mobility are closely intertwined, which is why we are offering an opportunity for our members to connect with each other in many different forums.

In 2017, MCCA launched the Diversity Career Expo at our annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference with great success. Prospective corporate employers connected with diverse talent from all over the country while promoting their legal department as an employer of choice. It was a fantastic opportunity for prospective candidates to learn about the different corporations, conduct informational interviews and learn why our member organizations may be an employer of choice and the key to their career development.

Join us again as we host the Third Annual Diversity Career Expo. Please keep in mind that any meeting does not in any way imply or guarantee an interview or a position. It is a forum for both parties to connect and learn more about each other.

We will also be posting current job openings at Pathways on the exhibit floor, on our conference mobile app, and all participating employers will receive digital copies of the submitted resumes before the Diversity Career Expo.

2019 DIVERSITY CAREER EXPO PARTICIPATING COMPANIES

AMAZON,  AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL,  DR1V,  FACEBOOK,  FREDDIE MAC,  GENERAL MOTORS,  MICROSOFT,  NATIONWIDE,  PRUDENTIAL,  STATEFARM  &  VMWARE

PROSPECTIVE CORPORATE EMPLOYER
If you are an interested prospective corporate employer, who may or may not have a current open requisition but, would like to connect with diverse talent for current open opportunities or long term planning please contact Sophia Piliouras at spiliouras@mcca.com for more details.

RESUME SUBMISSIONS
The Diversity Career Expo will be held over two days of the Pathways Conference. The Diversity Career Expo Application is now closed.

AMAZON INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW BLITZ

Amazon has once again partnered with MCCA to host its “Amazon Blitz” and meet with individuals interested in exploring opportunities with Amazon Legal.

*Applicants must register and attend the Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in order to be considered.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz Submittal Form is now closed.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz will be held over all three days of the Pathways Conference.

}

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

PITCH SESSION NETWORK

Sponsored by:
Amazon

2019 Pathways Champion Sponsor

MCCA’s Pitch Session Network (“PSN”) allows in-house counsel to connect with diverse law firm partners at majority law firms, diversify their preferred provider portfolios and hold law firms accountable for their diversity efforts. Member law firms and sponsors will have the ability to meet privately with in-house counsel to pitch the legal services they offer and develop meaningful connections with potential clients.

MCCA created the Pitch Session Network to address the lack of diversity at the equity partner level in law firms.

In collaboration with:

2019 PSN CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS

 

Eligible conference registrants interested in participating in the Pitch Session Network must complete the application form that will be made available as part of the 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference registration process. The application period for PSN is now closed.

To learn more about the Pitch Session Network, click here.

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9:00 AM – 10:45 AM

DEAR OUTSIDE COUNSEL: IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU – BEST PRACTICES WITH OUTSIDE COUNSEL

Presentation of the Paula L. Ettelbrick Award and 2019 Rising Stars Award Ceremony

Sponsored by: CONVERSE

Global D&I Track

While there has been continual growth in substantiating the importance of promoting diversity, inclusion and equity, real movement within law firms has been frustratingly slow, given the process is both time-consuming and expensive to implement as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Recently, this frustration was highlighted in an open letter to big law firms, signed by more than 170 general counsel and corporate legal officers, where law firms were put on notice that legal spend would be prioritized on firms committed to diversity and inclusion.

This panel will share best practices, challenges and achievements to spark discussion and provide guidance and motivation. With strategic implementation and support, small changes and improvements can lead to more significant progress, so that we can #AdvanceTogether.

Moderator:
Krishna Veeraraghavan – Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Panelists:

  • Sheila Davidson – Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, New York Life Insurance Company
  • Lanesha Minnix – Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Flowserve Corporation
  • Laura Schumacher – Vice Chairman, External Affairs & Chief Legal Officer, AbbVie Inc.
  • Karen Wilson Thissen – Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Ameriprise Financial

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

DEAR IN-HOUSE COUNSEL: IT TAKES TWO – UNLEASHING THE POWER OF DIVERSITY THROUGH INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

Sponsored by: RUSSEL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES

Inclusive Leadership and Management Track

Not only do law firms need to take action, in-house counsel need to be held accountable as well, especially general counsel and those in leadership. For real change, inclusive leadership is critical to drive management and employees to prioritize the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity.

Together with Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), MCCA developed a proprietary Inclusion Index Survey, to help organizations assess leadership, practices and culture to create a baseline metric of inclusion and measure progress over time.

Now what? How do you develop inclusive leaders? How do we create accountability for leaders, both in-house and in law firms?

The panel will discuss survey results, their experiences, how they lead by example and what it means to be an inclusive leader to effectuate change and develop a culture embracing diversity, inclusion and equity.

Moderators:

  • Cynthia Dow – Managing Director, Global Legal Practice Leader, Russell Reynolds Associates
  • Tina Shah Paikeday – Global D&I Advisory Services Practice Leader, Russell Reynolds Associates

Panelists:

  • Damien Atkins – Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, The Hershey Company
  • Willie Hernandez – Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • Jennifer Lagunas – Vice President, Corporate Legal, Governance, Operations & Assistant Corporate Secretary, AbbVie Inc.
  • Michael Tang – Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Agilent Technologies, Inc.

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

THE MILLENNIAL MAJORITY AND THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE

Talent Optimization Track

Millennials are now the majority in the legal profession and they are disrupting traditional legal workplace culture and business. It is no longer just about the bottom line, it is more about the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.

Attention to how millennials evaluate opportunities, employers and priorities is vital to employ and retain the future partners and leaders of the legal profession.

The panel will share their perspectives and experiences in hiring, retaining and working with the millennial majority and how their workplace culture and business is adapting to be competitive.

Moderator:
Gillian Hobson – Partner, Vinson & Elkins LLP

Panelists:

  • Stuart Alderoty – General Counsel, Ripple
  • Rama Balachandran – Associate General Counsel & Director, Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
  • Kathleen McMenamy – Director & Assistant General Counsel, VMware, Inc.
  • Alexis Mendoza – Vice President, Nokia Software General Counsel & Head of Customer Operations Legal for the Americas, Nokia Corporation

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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12:15 PM – 2:45 PM

LUNCHEON PLENARY – VIEW FROM THE TOP: THE IMPORTANCE OF RACIAL AWARENESS IN LEADERSHIP

Presentation of the George B. Vashon Innovator Award

Sponsored by: AMAZON

Inclusive Leadership and Management Track

While focus is on in-house counsel and law firms to change as an organization, the key for real change towards a more diverse and inclusive culture is for leadership to have more racial awareness and empathy. But how?

Dr. Courtney Cogburn, lead creator, together with the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab and Columbia University Research Lab, created 1000 Cut Journey, an immersive virtual reality experience that examines racism through virtual reality, where participants walk in the shoes of Michael Sterling, a Black male, and encounter racism first-hand.

The panel will delve into their experiences with the 1000 Cut Journey,how virtual reality can help create racial awareness with leadership to change systems, and the importance of leadership to lead by example to create a more inclusive work culture.

Moderator:
Jean Lee – President & CEO, MCCA

Panelists:

  • Dr. Courtney Cogburn – Assistant Professor of Social Work, Columbia University School of Social Work
  • Duane Holloway – Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary, United States Steel Corporation
  • Michele Coleman Mayes – Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, The New York Public Library
  • Samuel Reeves – Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Walmart International, Walmart, Inc.

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

ALLY WHO?: CALLING ALL ALLIES TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Inclusive Leadership and Management Track

Straight, white men are often mistakenly viewed as the primary source of the problem to a lack of diversity, inclusion and equity at law firms and corporations and at times, are excluded from the conversation.

In a culture focused on not only diversity and equity, but inclusion, the perspective has shifted to invite and leverage all allies, including straight white men, who can help effectuate change and #JoinTheMovement.

The panel will share their experiences and how they have served as allies to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in the legal profession.

Moderator:
Michael Gillespie – Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Panelists:

  • Brian Fogarty – Vice President, Global IP Litigation & Brand Protection, Nike, Inc.
  • Bjarne Tellmann – General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, Pearson Education, Inc.
  • Lance Wolf – Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Litigation & Investigations, Freddie Mac

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

AI + HR = RECIPE FOR DISASTER?

Talent Optimization Track

With current technology, the use of artificial intelligence is predictable. But in the world of human resources, where the focus is on the human component, how effective is the use of AI, with inherent human bias and unskilled implementation?

How far-reaching will employers use AI to assess a possible candidate? How can AI determine if a candidate is a good fit? How will a candidate’s personal online activity affect their evaluation? How can employers know that they are not overlooking the best candidate with the use of AI to reduce the pool of resumes?

The panel will discuss the myriad of questions surrounding the growing use of AI in hiring, the legal and ethical issues and how AI may affect the progress made towards developing a more diverse workforce in the legal profession.

Moderator:
Joseph Centeno – Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Panelists:

  • Enoch Liang – Chief Strategy Officer, LEGALMATION
  • Natalie Pierce – Co-Chair, Robotics, AI & Automation Practice Group & Diversity and Inclusion Council, Littler Mendelson P.C.
  • Neil Wilcox – Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Enterprise Shared Services, USAA

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

MERITOCRACY – WHAT DOES PEDIGREE MEAN IN A GAMED SYSTEM?

Talent Optimization Track

The recent college admissions scandal has placed the spotlight on meritocracy. Education has been viewed as the key to level out the playing field but access to education is not equal, nor does an applicant from an ivy-league school equate to the most qualified candidate for a position. Recognizing this, many companies no longer require a college degree.

What about law schools? Law schools are likely at risk of similar scandals, with law schools, law firms and companies all heavily focused on pedigree. The often prohibitive costs of law school affect the diversity of the incoming students as well. Is the diversity pipeline to the legal profession thwarted from the onset?

Panelists will discuss what pedigree means in a rigged system and whether less emphasis should be placed on law school pedigree to ensure top talent is not overlooked. The panel will share how their companies are changing their recruiting measures to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Moderator:
L. Scott Burwell – Partner, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP

Panelists:

  • Jennifer Ivan – Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation
  • Hannah Lim-Johnson – Chief Legal Officer, Senior Vice President, Kelly Services Inc.
  • Christophe Mosby – Associate General Counsel & Vice President, HP Inc.
  • David Pilson – Senior Director – Compensation, Benefits, & Securities Governance, eBay, Inc.

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

NETWORKING RECEPTION BY REGION

To advance together and make a collective impact on the profession, building a strong support network for business development and career advancement is key.

So, whether you are having beer, wine or soda/pop/coke, connect with colleagues from your region!

Signs will designate different sections of the room with the five regions of MCCA’s membership: Midwest, West, South, Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic.

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7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

MCCA GROUP DINNER BY REGION

Continue the conversation over dinner! Sign up for a Group Dinner, where the group reservation will be small to help facilitate deeper conversations.

The Group Dinner option is open to registered Pathways attendees only and will be categorized by region. The meal and drink costs are not included in your conference registration and Group Dinner participants are responsible for paying all dinner costs directly with the restaurant.

*Unlike the Dine-A-Round Dinners, MCCA will ONLY arrange for reservations, which will range in size (likely less than 12). The Group Dinners will take place at restaurants within walking distance of the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel. Details to follow.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 16, 2019

*Please note the agenda times are in EDT.

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7:30 AM – 11:00 AM

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK; Powered by Chevron
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast
}

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

AMAZON INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW BLITZ

Amazon has once again partnered with MCCA to host its “Amazon Blitz” and meet with individuals interested in exploring opportunities with Amazon Legal.

*Applicants must register and attend the Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in order to be considered.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz Submittal Form is now closed.

The Amazon Informational Interview Blitz will be held over all three days of the Pathways Conference.

}

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

PITCH SESSION NETWORK

Sponsored by:
Amazon

2019 Pathways Champion Sponsor

MCCA’s Pitch Session Network (“PSN”) allows in-house counsel to connect with diverse law firm partners at majority law firms, diversify their preferred provider portfolios and hold law firms accountable for their diversity efforts. Member law firms and sponsors will have the ability to meet privately with in-house counsel to pitch the legal services they offer and develop meaningful connections with potential clients.

MCCA created the Pitch Session Network to address the lack of diversity at the equity partner level in law firms.

In collaboration with:

2019 PSN CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS

 

Eligible conference registrants interested in participating in the Pitch Session Network must complete the application form that will be made available as part of the 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference registration process. The application period for PSN is now closed.

To learn more about the Pitch Session Network, click here.

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8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

“WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE.” LOOKING BEYOND THE RESUME: HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR BEST INTERVIEW GAME

MCCA Workshop in association with Groom Law Group

This interactive workshop will examine key practical interview skills for senior roles both in law firms and in-house departments.

We will hear from leaders in the legal profession about what impresses them during an interview. The workshop will include role play and interactive exercises in small groups to assist participants in how to practically bring skills in their resume and beyond to life.

Topics will include:

  • Telling your story and getting your message across in a clear, concise way.
  • Relating key leadership attributes to projects/cases you have undertaken.
  • How to approach interview questions strategically.
  • Projecting executive presence and leadership in an authentic manner.

This workshop is open to MCCA members only and has max capacity of 30 participants.

Moderator:
Dr. Catherine McGregor – Editor-in-Chief, Diversity & The Bar, MCCA

Panelists:

  • Jesse Dungan – Senior Corporate Counsel, AWS (IoT, Serverless, Mobile), Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Kelly Geloneck – Senior Associate, Groom Law Group
  • Kevin Keller – Director & Associate General Counsel, Amazon
  • Leslie Kowalski – Senior Counsel, IBM Corporation
  • Ross McSweeney – Associate, Groom Law Group
  • Christy Tinnes – Principal/Diversity & Inclusion Chair, Groom Law Group
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

NO EXCUSES: THE MOVE THE NEEDLE FUND

Global D&I Track

“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” – Nelson Mandela

The prevalent goal expressed with diversity and inclusion is to “move the needle” and equally prevalent, is the observation that there has been little movement of that needle over the last decade. Frustrated with little progress, some hold the position that diversity and inclusion will improve as a default, with the passage of time as the population grows more diverse.

Powered by the Diversity Lab, the Move the Needle Fund (“MTN Fund”) is a five-year model intended to help five law firms reach their diversity and inclusion goals as a collective group with more than two dozen trailblazing general counsel and an advisory group of influential legal community leaders supporting their efforts. The hope is that this unique approach will become the industry model for law and beyond.

The panel will share how the MTN Fund was formed, the collaboration and progress in advance of the official launch in January 2020 and the overall structure of the MTN Fund: 5 law firms. $5 million dollars. 5 years.

Moderator:

  • Caren Ulrich Stacy – CEO, Diversity Lab

Panelists:

  • Laurie Charrington – Associate General Counsel, Patent Litigation Team Lead, Intel Corporation
  • Kara Coggin – Chief of Staff, COO & Head of Strategic Transactions – Legal & Compliance Department, Bloomberg L.P.
  • David Hashmall – Chairman Emeritus, Goodwin Procter LLP
  • Mitch Zuklie – Chairman, Orrick

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

THE CHIEF LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER AS CULTURE LEADERS

Panel presented by: National Association for Diversity in Compliance (NADC)

While the roles of the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Legal Officer have traditionally focused on ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, it is now emerging as one that serves as a critical driver of cultural change across an organization. Numerous high-profile ethics scandals involving employee misconduct have underscored the important role the compliance & ethics function plays in encouraging employees to speak up and report issues, in investigating such issues and enforcing corporate codes of conduct, and maintaining an ethical culture. This session will examine the CCO and CLO as culture leaders, and explore how a strong CCO and CLO can create an ethical culture by maintaining an inclusive environment where diverse voices, at all levels, are valued and feel safe and empowered to speak up. This panel brings together legal, compliance & ethics leaders from various industries who share their insights on what it takes to be effective, inclusive drivers of culture.

Moderator:
Junna Ro – Vice President & Associate General Counsel, CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer

Panelists:

  • Noreen Fierro – Senior Vice President, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
  • Larry Midler – Executive Vice President & General Counsel, CBRE
  • Kim Yapchai – Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, Tenneco, Inc.
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10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

HELLO, I AM THE ATTORNEY, WHO ARE YOU? – CHALLENGES SPECIFIC TO BLACK WOMEN AND WAYS TO OVERCOME RACIAL AND GENDER BIASES

Talent Optimization Track

MCCA’s Bias Interrupters research revealed that 57.52% of women of color reported that they were mistaken for administrative staff, court personnel or custodial staff compared to 7.07% of white men – the largest differences in the report.

The panel will discuss challenges specific to Black women, from recruitment, retention, and advancement to partnership or general counsel, share effective strategies that law firms and corporations can consider to minimize unconscious biases, to fully benefit from the talented Black women attorneys and to create a culture of inclusion.

Moderator:
Samantha Grant – Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton

Panelists:

  • Yolanda Hawkins-Bautista – Associate General Counsel, Freddie Mac
  • Jorja Jackson – Senior Director, Global Labor & Employment, Salesforce.com, Inc.
  • Taiesha McBroom – Vice President, Corporate Counsel – M&A Law, Prudential Financial, Inc.
  • Michelle Silverthorn – Founder & CEO, Inclusion Nation

*This CLE has also been approved or has been submitted for approval for the special D&I, Elimination of Bias credit in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, and OR.

}

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

HIGH RISK BUSINESS OF MARIJUANA: THE COMPLEX LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING FINANCIAL SERVICES TO THIS INDUSTRY

Panel presented by: National Association for Diversity in Compliance (NADC)

The legalization of marijuana use in various states, in conflict with federal law, has provided unique, complex legal and compliance challenges for the financial services industry. The DOJ’s 2013 Cole Memo, together with guidance from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in 2014, enabled financial institutions to more easily navigate the challenges of providing financial services to Marijuana Related Businesses (MRBs). This has been further complicated by the 2018 rescission of the Cole Memo by Attorney General Sessions. The issues run the gamut from how to deal with the proceeds of marijuana sales under federal criminal anti-money laundering laws, and from lawful medicinal and recreational marijuana transactions, to conducting customer due diligence on MRBs as prospective financial services customers, to fulfilling compliance reporting obligations and considering potential investment decisions. Our panel of legal and compliance experts will explore how the financial services industry manages the high risk business of serving MRBs.

Moderator:
Charles Smith – Vice President, Enterprise Anti-Money Laundering & Sanctions, Prudential Financial Inc.

Panelists:

  • Guillermo Artiles – Partner, McCarter & English, LLP
  • Gina Jones – Chief Financial Crimes Officer, Equitable Holdings, Inc.
  • Daniel Kim – Assistant General Counsel, Global Financial Crimes Legal, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Steve Shine – Vice President, Corporate Counsel, Prudential Financial, Inc.
}

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

MEASURING THE INVISIBLE: HOW INCLUSION IMPACTS YOUR CORE BUSINESS METRICS

Presented by: Aleria

How can inclusion be measured? How does it impact your business? This interactive workshop will introduce a unique, human-centric framework to define and measure inclusion, to explain why inclusion should be the most critical element of any D&I strategy, and to demonstrate how to link specific inclusion initiatives to traditional business KPIs.

By attending this workshop you will learn to define and measure inclusion, and you will understand why inclusion is the basis for greater diversity, improved employee satisfaction and increased profitability.

Together, we’ll explore the “Categories of Inclusion” and discuss how this approach can help pinpoint where your team should focus for the greatest impact. We will use a software simulation platform that captures the complex ways in which inclusion impacts every facet of your organization. We will provide you with a D&I Toolkit that includes insights and resources specific to each Category of Inclusion.

This workshop is open to MCCA members only and has max capacity of 30 participants.

Panelists:

  • Paolo Gaudiano – Co-Founder & CEO, Aleria PBC
  • Lisa Magill – Co-Founder & COO, Aleria PBC

EVENT SPEAKERS

Registration & Fees

Registration Date:
Early-Bird (before June 30)
Regular (July 1 - October 13)
On-Site Registration (October 14 - 16)
MEMBERS
IN-HOUSE
$650
$800
$900
MEMBERS
LAW FIRMS
$800
$950
$1,200
NON-MEMBERS
GOVERNMENT / NON-PROFIT
$650
$650
$850
NON-MEMBERS
IN-HOUSE
$900
$1,050
$1,100
NON-MEMBERS
LAW FIRMS
$1,100
$1,300
$1,500
NON-MEMBERS
VENDORS
$1,100
$1,300
$1,500

PAYMENT MESSAGE

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted. Checks are accepted, although card payment is preferred. To ensure your payment is received and processed prior to the event payment deadline, you are strongly encouraged to pay by card.

MCCA Law Firm Members and Corporate Members: Please note as part of your company’s/firm’s membership benefits you may be entitled to a complimentary registration or a member discount rate for the conference registration.

For member complimentary registrations, members must obtain their complimentary codes from their “Company/Firm” and use them during registration. The complimentary codes should be entered in the discount code field at the Payment Page and members must click “Apply Now” to zero their balance.

For member discount rates to apply, members must select their “Company/Firm” from a drop down in Custom Information during the registration process. The member discount rate will automatically be applied at the Payment page.

For any questions or inquires, please contact events@mcca.com.

CANCELLATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

All cancellations MUST be received in writing.

Cancellations received before the “Early-Bird” deadline will be fully refunded minus a $100.00 administrative fee.

Cancellations received after the “Early-Bird” deadline but no later than 72 hours prior to the first date of an MCCA conference may, at MCCA’s discretion made on a case-by-case basis, apply a credit in the amount paid for the 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity® Conference towards attendance to MCCA’s 2020 Creating Pathways to Diversity® Conference.

There will be NO refunds or credits for cancellations received less than 72 hours prior to the first date of the MCCA Conference.

Any approved credits will be processed after the MCCA conference.

An organization may substitute one paid participant for another participant from the same organization.

Cancellations and requests for substitutions must be submitted to events@mcca.com.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLICY

MCCA will no longer accept financial hardship applications for the 2019 Creating Pathways to Diversity conference. Approved applicants will be notified no later than September 27, 2019.

This financial hardship policy applies to attorneys from MCCA member organizations, non-member organizations, or attorneys in public service. Attorneys who are unable to afford event registration fees due to financial hardship may petition for registration fee waivers or discounted registration fees. Full scholarships and discounts to attend MCCA’s conference are given priority to pro bono attorneys, judges, law professors, lawyers who work for nonprofit organizations, legal services organizations or government agencies, and unemployed attorneys with financial hardships. MCCA may waive or reduce the registration fee for MCCA conference at their discretion.

Additional Information:

MCCA will review applications on a rolling basis.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Full scholarship or reduced registration fees will not be granted retroactively.

Full scholarship or reduced registration fees are non-transferable from event to event or person to person.

MCCA will not review applications that are not submitted via the official application form.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Any special needs for facilities, visual aids or dietary requirements must be sent to events@mcca.com.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Click here to review the MCCA Conference Registration General Terms and Conditions.

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