A National Town Hall Series

    Black Lawyers in America

    Featuring Three African American Former Presidents of the ABA

    About the Program

    Against the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic meltdown, familiar tragedies have brought us again to another moment of outrage and protest. But there is something different this time. Perhaps the pandemic has given everyone – especially nonminorities – the grim understanding that African Americans have always known: Leaving the house for something as simple as a jog or a trip to the convenience store could turn fatal.

    We all have hope that this moment will be different and that we will see meaningful change. We also have doubts and questions. In this town hall series, we will examine the struggle for change and racial equity in the legal profession from the past, present and future.

    Session 1

    Session One: The Foundation

    Over the course of their distinguished careers, former ABA presidents Dennis Archer, Paulette Brown and Robert Grey, Jr. have advocated for the change so many now seek and have helped create a foundation of racial equity upon which the profession can now build. This discussion will identify the issues and set the table for a solution-driven dialogue.

    Speakers

    Dennis Archer
    Chairman Emeritus, Dickinson Wright
    President, American Bar Association, 2003-2004
    Mayor of Detroit, 1994-2001
    Associate Justice, Michigan Supreme Court, 1986-1990

    Paulette Brown
    Senior Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Locke Lord
    President, American Bar Association, 2015-2016

    Robert Grey, Jr.
    President, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, 2010 to present
    President, American Bar Association, 2004-2005
    Board Member, Legal Services Corporation, 2010 to present
    Retired Senior Counsel, Hunton Andrews Kurth

    Guest Speaker

    Judy Perry Martinez
    President, American Bar Association, 2019-2020
    Of Counsel, Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn
    Vice-President and Chief Compliance Officer, Northrop Grumman Corporation 2011-2015

    Moderator

    Joseph K. West
    Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Duane Morris LLP
    President & CEO, Minority Corporate Counsel Association, 2011-2015

    Session 2

    Session Two: The Focus

    As our society increasingly becomes aware of the historic inequities that continue to impact people of color generally and Black Americans in particular, the legal profession is likewise coming to terms with this reality. Black lawyers are grossly underrepresented and underappreciated in the legal profession and are still more likely to be affected by bias – both conscious and unconscious – throughout their careers. Our panel will discuss the existing strategies and approaches that firms and corporations can use to make the profession more diverse and inclusive. We will also examine and explore other solutions that have yet to be implemented broadly. Listeners will come away with guidance and action items.

    Speakers

    John O. Gaidoo
    Assistant General Counsel
    Cummins Inc.

    Michele Coleman Mayes
    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
    The New York Public Library

    Benjamin F. Wilson
    Chairman
    Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.

    Guest Speaker

    Matthew A. Taylor
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Duane Morris LLP

    Moderator

    Joseph K. West
    Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
    Duane Morris LLP

    Session 3

    Session Three: The Future

    The next generation of Black legal leaders will discuss the future of the profession. What are their expectations? What do they want to contribute? How will they transform the profession? What challenges do they face and where will they seek their support? How will they harness the energy of social change movements to effectuate change in the boardrooms?

    Speakers

    Tiffany Harper
    First Deputy Treasurer, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, Office of the Treasurer, City of Chicago

    Brandon Harrell
    Deputy General Counsel, Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee

    Karl Riley
    Clerk for the Hon. Johnnie B. Rawlinson, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

    Welcome Remarks

    Joseph K. West
    Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Duane Morris LLP; President & CEO, Minority Corporate Counsel Association, 2011-2015

    Moderator

    Rachel W. Patterson
    Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Duane Morris LLP

    Session 4

    Session Four: Black Leaders in the Government - Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions 

    This series concludes with an open descussion with Black political leaders in local and federal government, for a firsthand account of the extraordinary responsibilities they must bear in serving their constituents while acting as voices of change in this emotionally and racially charged environment.

    Speakers

    Muriel Bowser
    Mayor of Washington, D.C

    Sheila Jackson Lee
    U.S. Representative, 18th Congressional District of Texas

    Stacey E. Plaskett
    U.S. Representative, U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large Congressional District

    Welcome Remarks

    Joseph K. West
    Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Duane Morris LLP; President and CEO, Minority Corporate Counsel Association, 2011-2015

    Moderator

    Wendell Edward Pierce
    Actor and Activist