Several area law firms have joined together to host the inaugural West Michigan Black Legal Summit on Thursday, Sept. 5.
The half-day summit expects to draw more than 100 lawyers, judges, law students and legal professionals for a mix of educational sessions and networking opportunities. Sessions will focus on practice development, community engagement, self-care and more.
Deesha Dyer, founder and CEO of social impact firm Hook & Fasten, will serve as the keynote speaker on “From Imposter to Impact.” A dynamic storyteller, Dyer will share her experience working as social secretary for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and its intersection with imposter syndrome, joy, healing and community. This session is open for the media to attend.
“We want this first summit to provide an opportunity for the Black legal community to come together to address issues important to all of us,” said Mandice McAllister, Warner’s DEI manager and a member of the summit planning committee. “While we may compete as law firms, we should unite in our efforts to build a cohesive and connected Black legal community where all can thrive.
“We look forward to gathering together to connect and to share ways we can positively impact the West Michigan community, grow within the legal profession and enhance our careers.”
The summit will be hosted by Warner Norcross + Judd LLP from noon-6 p.m., 150 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 1500 in Grand Rapids. The event, which is open to all who have a commitment to ensuring a diverse legal community in West Michigan, was planned by a committee of eight legal professionals from private practice, the courts and state government.
Six law firms are co-sponsoring this event: Barnes & Thornburg, Dickinson Wright, Miller Canfield, Miller Johnson, Varnum and Warner. Event sponsors shared the following thoughts on the importance of participation:
- Barnes & Thornburg Diversity Partner Dawn R. Rosemond: “We are proud to sponsor the 2024 Black Legal Summit as it provides a pathway for diverse attorneys to network, collaborate and ideate with their peers. As a firm, we hold ourselves responsible for empowering our talent by creating and supporting opportunities for diverse attorneys and business professionals to grow and advance in their careers. The Black Legal Summit is the latest example of how we are activating that commitment.”
- Dickinson Wright CEO and member Michael C. Hammer: “Dickinson Wright has long been among the most prominent legal service providers in the state of Michigan and beyond. Foundational to our firm’s continued success are the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Dickinson Wright is proud to be recognized as a diversity leader in Michigan and across our firmwide footprint, and our sponsorship of the West Michigan Black Legal Summit is just one way that our firm demonstrates our commitment. Dickinson Wright looks forward to joining peers from across the region at this important Summit and contributing our perspective on how best to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the profession.”
- Miller Canfield: Chief Diversity officer and Deputy Executive Officer Michelle Crockett: “We are honored to sponsor the Black Legal Summit, a vital event that brings together the Black legal community to address crucial issues and foster meaningful dialogue. Our firm is committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. By participating in this summit, we hope to inspire collaborative solutions and drive positive change within our industry. We look forward to the impactful discussions and innovative ideas that will emerge from this gathering.”
- Varnum Chair Jon Bylsma: “Varnum is proud to sponsor the inaugural West Michigan Black Legal Summit. Joining forces with our colleagues at the leading West Michigan law firms to support the summit sends a powerful message to Black talent and the market, underscoring our collective commitment to foster diversity and inclusion.”
- Warner Managing Partner Mark Wassink: “Our hope for this first summit is to create a welcoming space where legal professionals committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging can gather together in a spirit of unity. As a profession, it is important to be intentional in convening conversations like these to collectively advance our diverse legal community.”
Registration for the summit is open.