| 8:00 a.m. |
Registrant Check-in
Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor |
8:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
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Excellence in Diversity Reception honoring Sponsors and Co-hosts
Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor
Open to speakers, sponsors, co-hosts, and registrants |
8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
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Acknowledgments
Sponsor and Co-host Recognition/Sponsor and Co-host Representative Photos
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- Susan R. Laporte, Partner, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA, Conclave Chair
- Demarcus J. Gordon, Partner, Kelly Hart Pitre, New Orleans, LA, Conclave Co-Chair
- Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Conclave Co-Chair
- Co-chairs, LSBA Diversity Committee
- Chair and Co-chairs, Conclave
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| 9:00 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. |
Welcoming Remarks
Recognition and Introduction of Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- Kristen D. Amond, LSBA Young Lawyers Division Chair, 2024-2025, Kristen Amond, LLC, New Orleans, LA
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| 9:05 a.m. - 9:10 a.m. |
Welcoming Remarks
- Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, New Orleans, LA
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9:10 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
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Welcoming Remarks
Introduction of Plenary Session One Speaker
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- Susan R. Laporte, Partner, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA, Conclave Chair
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9:20 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
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Plenary Session One - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Thrive Together: Cultivating Self-Actualization in Diverse Legal Environments
Join mindset author and TEDx speaker Sonia Jhas to explore the transformative power of self-actualization within the legal profession. In this inspiring keynote, Sonia will delve into the intersection of personal fulfillment, diversity, and inclusion, illuminating pathways for individuals and organizations to thrive amidst challenges and differences. Through personal anecdotes, research insights, and practical strategies, attendees will gain valuable tools for fostering inclusive cultures, embracing authenticity, and unlocking their full potential.
- Sonia Jhas, Best Selling Author and DEI Expert, Toronto, Canada
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10:20 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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Networking Break
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10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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Plenary Session Two - Artificial Intelligence - 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Artificial Intelligence: Promises, Challenges, and the Transformation of the Legal Profession
This session will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the legal field. It will discuss the societal benefits and associated risks of AI, emphasizing critical issues such as accuracy, confidentiality, and bias. The focus will extend to the legal profession, highlighting how AI can improve the delivery of legal services and broaden access to justice. Additionally, the session will examine AI's applications within courtroom settings and underscore the necessity for ongoing education of legal professionals in leveraging AI technology effectively.
- Daniel W. Linna Jr., Director of Law and Technology Initiatives, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, IL
- Julian Posada, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, American Studies Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
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Transition Break |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. |
Luncheon, Presentations, Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award
River Ballroom, 3rd Floor
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Introduction of Recipient of Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award
- Susan R. Laporte, Partner, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA, Conclave Chair
12:00 p.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
- Susan R. Laporte, Partner, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA, Conclave Chair
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12:10 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
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Keynote Session- 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour
River Ballroom, 3rd Floor
The Future of the Legal Profession: From Diversity to Democracy and Everything In-Between
Join us for an engaging conversation with American Bar Association President Mary Smith as she discusses diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. From the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision to attacks on law firms and corporate diversity programs to the ABA's policies and programs on diversity, this conversation will be focused on how lawyers can ensure that the legal profession reflects America. President Smith, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, will discuss her Native American heritage and the state of Native Americans in the legal profession and in Louisiana. Finally, she will discuss the work of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy and the relationship between DEI and democracy.
- Mary Smith, President, American Bar Association, Washington, D.C.
- Wayne J. Lee, Moderator, Partner, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA
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| 1:10 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. |
Transition Break |
1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
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Plenary Session Three - Best Practices (Jury Selection) - 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Seeking Diversity in Jury Selection: Best Practices
Juries act as the conscience of the communities from which they are drawn. Jury diversity ensures that this “conscience” truly reflects the community. A panel of three experts approach the issue of diversity from three perspectives. Paula Hannaford-Agor, from the National Center for State Courts, addresses pretrial efforts and research in this area. Dr. Jeffrey Frederick, renown trial consultant, addresses the issue of diversity in voir dire and jury selection, focusing on the need to avoid stereotypes and providing tips for being more effective in voir dire. Lindsey Cheek, veteran trial attorney, compliments the discussion with views from the trenches based on her years of trying cases before juries.
- Jeffrey T. Frederick, Ph.D., Jeffrey Frederick Trial Consulting Services, LLC, Charlottesville, VA
- Paula Hannaford-Agor, Director, Center for Jury Studies, Williamsburg, VA
- Lindsey A. Cheek, The Cheek Law Firm, LLC, New Orleans, LA
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| 2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Networking Break
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| 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
Plenary Session Four - Pipeline to Diversity in the Legal Profession (DEI and the U.S. Supreme Court) - 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour
Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Navigating Diversity and the High Court
In July 2023, the United States Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFAA), authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, held that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act makes it illegal for colleges and universities to consider race in their admissions decisions. The Supreme Court applied strict scrutiny to colleges and universities to consider race in their admissions decisions. The Supreme Court applied strict scrutiny to colleges' consideration as race as a factor requiring that schools' policies by narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest.
SFAA ignited a discussion in the country about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and race preferences, in not only the public sector, but also the private sector. Diversity became politicized, and even law firms became targets of lawsuits.
This session will explore the impact of SFAA and how race is being considered in implementing and assessing the legality of diversity initiatives in both the public and private sector. Panelists will examine cases both before and after SFAA, and the impact of SFAA as it relates to Title VI and Title VII.
- Alena M. Allen, Dean, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
- Esther G. Lander, Moderator, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, Washington, D.C.
- John C. Brittain, Professor of Law, University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Washington, D.C.
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