Drake Law School is sponsoring “The Past, Present, and Future of Diversity and Inclusion within the Central Iowa Legal Community” on Friday, Oct. 23, 1-6:30 p.m., Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University.
The event, which is open to students, legal professionals, and human resources personnel, will examine the importance of diversity and inclusion in providing quality legal services throughout central Iowa.
Speakers will discuss the key components of an effective and sustainable diversity and inclusion program. In addition, a panel moderated by Joseph Jones, senior vice president of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, will lead participants in a discussion designed to support the development of a tangible community action plan.
Marty Martin, president of Drake University, will also give a welcome and talk about why diversity and inclusion is a pressing priority for the Des Moines legal profession.
Featured speakers are Erin Lain, assistant dean for academic services at Drake Law School; Mark S. Cady, chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court; and Paul Gowder, associate professor of law at the University of Iowa College of Law.
Panelists include Andrea Charlow, associate dean and professor of law at Drake Law School; Sharon Gaddy-Hanna, vice president of staffing and development at Bankers Trust; Cornel Fuerer, vice president legal at DuPont Pioneer; Kristine McKinney, director of diversity and inclusion at Faegre Baker Daniels LLP; and Leanne Valentine, vice president and associate general counsel at Principal Financial Group.
Following the event, Drake Law School will host a networking reception in Cartwright Hall, Kern Commons, where the Des Moines Diversity Chorus will perform.
Continuing education accreditation includes four hours of Iowa State and two hours of Iowa Federal credits for attorneys (application pending) and four hours of NALA, including one hour of ethics, for paralegals.
Registration is $50. Sign up now online.
For more information, including parking details and a complete schedule, visit the event website.
Student volunteers are also needed for the event. Volunteer duties include greeting attendees, serving as speaker attendants, helping with audio/visual needs, staffing the registration table, and assisting with signage. If you are interested in volunteering, email Jennie Zwagerman at jennifer.zwagerman@drake.edu.
In addition to Drake Law School, other sponsors include Bankers Trust, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, DuPont Pioneer, Wells Fargo, Dorsey & Whiney LLP, John Deere Financial, Nyemaster Goode PC, Principal Financial Group, Hott Off the Press Printing Company, the University of Iowa College of Law, Nationwide, Wellmark, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Iowa Chapter, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.