18th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession

General Information

August 7, 2026
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, 2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA

The LSBA’s inclusion of a program in its CLE programming is not to be deemed a statement or an endorsement of the views expressed therein by the LSBA or any member of the LSBA. Speakers on LSBA programs were carefully selected for their knowledge, but neither the LSBA nor the speaker warrant that the presentations or materials were free of errors, or will continue to be accurate. Statements in the presentations and their materials should be verified before relying on them. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect opinions of the LSBA, its sections, or committees. Views expressed are those of the authors and contributors only.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Registration:
Registration (BEFORE July 10, 2026) $110
Registration (AFTER July 10, 2026) $135

The LSBA is not responsible for any expenses associated with travel, lodging, or other costs incurred by the registrant. This also applies in the event that the LSBA must cancel the conference for any reason.

Audio or video recording or transcription of any portion of the conference is prohibited unless express consent is granted by the LSBA.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE

The LSBA must adhere to facility capacity constraints, so please indicate during the registration process if you will attend the Excellence in Diversity reception.

Registration Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to diversity@lsba.org.

Telephone cancellations will not be accepted. Cancellations received in writing by July 24, 2026, will be fully refunded minus a $30.00 administrative fee. If written confirmation of cancellation is not received by July 24, 2026, no refunds or credits will be issued of any kind. Credits will be processed within two weeks of the cancellation request.

On-site Registration Policy:
It is the policy of the LSBA that NO CASH shall be accepted for any transaction. Payment may be made by personal check or via the LSBA registration portal if open on the day of registration.

Online
Attorney Registration

Paper Registration
Louisiana Attorney/Out of State Attorney Form

Paper Registration
Non-Attorney Form

Paper Registration
Student Form

Sponsorship
Opportunities

Exhibitor Opportunities Are Available
View Fees and Details

Hotel Information

The LSBA has reserved a block of rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans at a discounted rate of $260 per night (excluding taxes and fees). You are urged to make reservations early, as there are only a limited number of rooms available at the discounted rate listed above. The LSBA room block is reserved for conference attendees only.

Make Hotel Reservations

Hotel cancellation policy:
All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card by TBD and the credit card will be charged a deposit of night's room and tax when the reservations are made. Any request received after July 7, 2026 will be handled on a space and rate availability basis only. Please note that if your plans changed and you do not timely cancel your room reservation by 3:00 p.m.on August 3, 2026, you are responsible for the room charge.

Wi-Fi Access
Wireless access will be available in the conference area and main lobby. Please note, electrical outlets will be limited.

Speaker Highlights

Plenary Session One
Dr. Arin N. Reeves, President, Nextions LLC, Chicago, IL

Dr. Arin N. Reeves is a renowned researcher, best-selling author, and trusted advisor to global leaders navigating the evolving landscape of leadership and workplace culture. Her work spans critical themes, including emotional intelligence, energy management, diversity and inclusion, transformational leadership, generational dynamics, and organizational change.

Arin is the author of several influential books, including The Next IQ, One Size Never Fits All, Smarter Than A Lie, and In Charge. Her newest title, Ethical Influence Under Pressure: Choosing Integrity to Create Change that Endures, dives into what it means to create change with integrity and the deeper architecture of influence in our world today.

Beginning her career in law, Dr. Reeves earned her doctorate in sociology from Northwestern University. As founder and managing director of Nextions, a firm specializing in workplace culture change, and creator of The JEDI Collective, Arin has redefined how leaders and organizations approach progress.

Keynote Session
Victor M. Jones, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc, New Orleans, LA

Victor Jones serves as Senior Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Through his work at LDF, Victor has helped thousands schoolchildren in the Deep South obtain the equal educational opportunities they are constitutionally entitled to receive, as recognized by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education. In addition to education equity, Victor recently began focusing his work on voting rights issues. He is a member of a team of attorneys at LDF who filed a federal lawsuit challenging racially discriminatory electoral maps in DeSoto County, Mississippi, under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

For his work, Victor was recognized in 2024 as the LSBA’s Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year. He is also the 2023 recipient of the LSBA’s Children’s Lawyer of the Year Award.

Victor is a frequent guest commentator in local and national news outlets on civil rights issues. He is the author of two law journal articles that focus on children’s civil rights issues: COVID-19 and the Virtual School to Prison Pipeline (41 Child. Legal Rts. J. 105 (2021)) and To Bryce Gowdy, With Love: Prioritizing Medicaid’s EPSDT Mandate for America’s Most Vulnerable Youth (48 S.U.L.Rev. 127 (2020)).

Victor received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Xavier University of Louisiana. Prior to practicing law, Victor was a public school kindergarten teacher.

Plenary Session Three
Brian Steel, Partner, The Steel Law Firm, P.C., Atlanta, GA

Brian Steel has tirelessly defended those accused of criminal misconduct since 1991 and has built a national criminal defense practice in state and federal courts based on exhaustive preparation, creative and novel motions, skillful appellate advocacy and zealous courtroom showdowns. Brian’s ability to obtain not guilty verdicts in seemingly unwinnable cases reflects the commitment he gives to his clients and his command of the law. As an appellate attorney, Brian has over 45 reversals to his credit and in excess of 300 published opinions.

Brian handles cases ranging from RICO, wire fraud, and money laundering to murder, armed robbery, drug offenses, rape and child sex offenses in both state and federal courts. Brian has represented clients in death penalty prosecutions and was even successful in having an entire death penalty prosecution dismissed when he proved his client’s innocence.

Exhibitors

LSBA's Diversity Committee's LGBT Subcommittee
Louisiana Bar Foundation
Disability Rights Louisiana
Maps Mediation & Arbitration

Luncheon

SOUP STARTER

Chicken-Andouille Sausage Gumbo, White Rice

OR

Vegetarian

Chef's Seasonal Vegetable Soup

ENTRÉE

Chicken Bordelaise
Roasted Baby Carrots, Mixed Mushrooms, Pomme Puree

OR

Oven Roasted Local Redfish
Meuniere, Haricot Vert, Brabant Potato

OR

Vegan

Roasted Cauliflower Steak
Garlic Tahini, Garbanzo Salad, Za'atar and Citrus Vinaigrette

DESSERT

Carrot Cake,
Mississippi Honey Mascarpone

OR

Vegan

Chocolate Avocado Mousse,
Seasonal Berries

Special Requirements / Questions

Please contact the LSBA if you have a disability, dietary restrictions or a food allergy which may require special accommodations at this conference. The LSBA is committed to ensuring full accessibility for all registrants.

Lactation Room:
A lactation room for breastfeeding individuals to express milk while attending conclave is available. You are responsible for requesting access to the space and following the guidelines for use.

Lactation Room Guidelines:
Attendee must request use of the room via email at diversity@lsba.org.

Please provide name, LSBRN, phone number, time room is needed and length of time that lactation room is needed.

Pumping equipment:
Should you choose to leave any items in the room, know that these are not the responsibility of LSBA or host hotel.

Please keep the space neat and orderly. If there is a cleaning issue, please report the issue to LSBA staff at the check-in desk.

If you have any additional comments or questions regarding lactation space or access, please email the Member Outreach and Diversity team at diversity@lsba.org.

Questions?
Contact the Member Outreach and Diversity team members by email at diversity@lsba.org.

Excellence in Diversity Reception

The Excellence in Diversity Reception honoring Sponsors will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans at 8:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m. Speakers, sponsors, and registrants are invited to attend.

We hope you can join us and look forward to your continued support of the LSBA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

Agenda
5.00 CLE Credit Hour(s)

Time:	Details:
8:00 a.m.	Registrant Check-In Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor
8:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.	Excellence in Diversity Reception Honoring Sponsors Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor Open to speakers, sponsors, and registrants.
8:40 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.	Welcome Remarks Chair and Co-Chairs, LSBA Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Chair Kellen J. Mathews, Partner, Adams and Reese, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Co-Chair Rachel M. Scarafia, Special Counsel, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Co-Chair Recognition and Introduction of Edward J. “Ed” Walters, Jr., 2025– 2026 LSBA President Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Chair
8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Welcome Remarks Plimsoll Ballroom Foyer, 3rd Floor Edward J. “Ed” Walters, Jr., 2025–2026 LSBA President, Founder, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.	Recognition and Introduction of Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor Edward J. “Ed” Walters, Jr., 2025–2026 LSBA President, Founder, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
9:05 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.	Welcome Remarks Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, New Orleans, LA
9:15 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.	Introduction of Plenary Session One Speaker Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Chair
9:20 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.	Plenary Session One - DEI 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor Thriving Through Transition: Preparing Lawyers for the Future of Practice The legal profession is navigating one of the most significant periods of transition in decades. From evolving expectations around diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to post-pandemic workplace shifts and the integration of artificial intelligence, legal organizations are being challenged to rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent. This session will explore practical strategies to help lawyers thrive amid uncertainty while strengthening the profession's future. Participants will examine how changing legal and organizational landscapes are influencing mentoring relationships, feedback practices, and professional development. The program will also provide realistic guidance on the opportunities and limitations of AI in legal practice, helping attorneys identify the uniquely human skills that remain essential to exceptional lawyering. Attendees will leave with concrete, practice-ready approaches they can implement immediately to support lawyer development, foster stronger professional relationships, and prepare themselves and their organizations for the future of legal practice. Dr. Arin N. Reeves, President, Nextions LLC, Chicago, IL
10:20 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Networking Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.	Plenary Session Two - Emerging Technologies 1.00 Ethics Credit Hour Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor AI, Ethics, and the Legal Profession Generative AI is already embedded in the platforms lawyers use every day such as legal research, drafting, document review, and e-discovery. This CLE moves past the question of whether to use AI to the more pressing one of how to use it competently and ethically. Designed for both new and experienced attorneys, the session covers how AI and generative AI actually work, why "hallucinations" happen, and the real risks they pose to accuracy, confidentiality, and client privilege. Participants will work through the governing ethics framework alongside Louisiana-specific guidance, including state Supreme Court direction, Act 250, court standing orders on AI disclosure, and the importance of human oversight. Through real cases, attorneys will leave with practical safeguards for verifying AI output before it reaches a client or a court, and a foundation for building sound firm-level AI governance. Graham H. Ryan, Moderator, Partner, Jones Walker LLP., New Orleans, LA Anna Mercado Clark, Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP, New York, NY Donald L. X. DePass, Counsel, Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells, Washington, D.C. Haley Z. Bible, Legal Counsel, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA
11:30 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.	Transition Break
11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.	Luncheon, Presentations, Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award River Ballroom, 3rd Floor 11:40 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Acknowledgments Sponsor Recognition 11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Introduction of Recipient of Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Chair Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award Recipient Susan R. Laporte, Attorney at Law, New Orleans, LA 12:00 p.m. - 12:10 p.m. Introduction of Keynote Speaker, Victor M. Jones, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Monica M. Vela-Vick, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA, Diversity Committee Chair
12:10 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.	Keynote Session 1.00 General Credit Hour River Ballroom, 3rd Floor Is Louisiana the Epicenter of the New Civil Rights Movement? This session examines how Louisiana has become the focal point of several consequential civil rights battles that are reshaping national law. Victor Jones of the Legal Defense Fund will explore three interconnected legal developments: the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais and its sweeping impact on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act; legislative and political efforts to restructure the judiciary in Orleans Parish; and the state’s accelerating push to close decades old school desegregation cases. Drawing on active litigation, this program will highlight how the Voting Rights Act, Brown v. Board, and the 14th Amendment are under simultaneous pressure. Attendees will gain insight into emerging doctrines that Louisiana attorneys and judges must be prepared to navigate as civil rights enforcement enters a new era. Victor M. Jones, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, New Orleans, LA
1:10 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.	Transition Break
1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.	Plenary Session Three - Criminal Law 1.00 Ethics Credit Hour Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor Zealous Advocacy: Leveling the Playing Field to Achieve Justice This session will cover how effective litigation requires a focused strategy which can only be executed when counsel has a command of the entire universe of facts and understands the relevant law. Counsel must engage in methodical preparation to develop strong claims, arguments and narratives. Once the preparation phase has been completed, counsel must engage in trial advocacy with discipline and determination, and adherence to the ethical rules governing an attorney's conduct. Brian Steel, Partner, The Steel Law Firm, P.C., Atlanta, GA
2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Networking Break
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Plenary Session Four - LGBT Legal Issues 1.00 General Credit Hour Plimsoll Ballroom, 3rd Floor A Quarter Century of Struggles for LGBTQ+ Equality Examining how constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people evolved in the dozen years preceding the Obergefell marriage equality ruling (2015) and the dozen years since. Lesli D. Harris, Moderator, Special Counsel, Baker Donelson, New Orleans, LA Chris Erchull, Senior Staff Attorney, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Boston, MA Paul M. Smith, Visiting Professor from Practice, Georgetown Law School, Washington, D.C.

Materials

The LSBA is working on ways to reduce the amount of paper we use at conferences and symposia. This is an effort both to be responsible toward our environment and to increase the quality and timeliness of the resources provided through this learning experience.

To view the course materials for this year's Conclave, please click the download link beside a session title below to obtain the materials available for that session. We recommend that you do so PRIOR to the conference.

If you choose to review the materials from an electronic device, we strongly suggest that you charge the device's battery, as electrical outlets are limited.

9:20 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. – Plenary Session One

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Plenary Session Two

12:10 p.m.- 1:10 p.m. – Keynote Speaker

1:20 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. – Plenary Session Three

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Plenary Session Four

Speaker Biographies

Dignitaries

Plenary Session One - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dr. Arin N. Reeves, President, Nextions LLC, Chicago, IL

Plenary Session Two - Emerging Technologies

Graham H. Ryan, Moderator, Partner, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA
Anna Mercado Clark, Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP, New York, NY
Donald L. X. DePass, Counsel Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells, Washington, D.C.
Haley Z. Bible, Legal Counsel, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA

Keynote Speaker

Victor M. Jones, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc, New Orleans, LA

Plenary Session Three - Criminal Law

Brian Steel, Partner, The Steel Law Firm, P.C., Atlanta, GA

Plenary Session Four

Chris Erchull, Senior Staff Attorney, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Boston, MA
Paul M. Smith, Visiting Professor from Practice, Georgetown Law School, Washington, D.C.
Lesli D. Harris, Moderator, Special Counsel, Baker Donelson, New Orleans, LA

Thank You to Our Sponsors...

The LSBA Diversity Committee and Conclave Subcommittee would like to take the time to thank all of our generous sponsors who support the Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession.

Sponsorship Form

CONCLAVE BREAKFAST LEVEL

Jones Walker LLP

PLATINUM PLUS LEVEL

Kean Miller LLP

Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert, L.L.C.

Deutsch Kerrigan LLP

PLATINUM LEVEL

LSBA Civil Law and Litigation Section

Phelps

GOLD LEVEL

LSBA Class Action, Mass Tort and Complex Litigation Section

Liskow

Louisiana District Judges Association

Fishman Haygood, L.L.P.

Kelly Hart Pitre

Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann L.L.C.

McCranie, Sistrunk, Anzelmo, Hardy, McDaniel & Welch LLC

Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater New Orleans Chapter

LSBA Trusts, Estate, Probate, and Immovable Property Section

LSBA Government and Public Law Section

Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, LLC

Christovich & Kearney, L.L.P.

Strauss, Massey, Dinneen LLC

SILVER LEVEL

Ogletree Deakins

Laborde Siegel, LLC

Irwin, Fritchie, Urquhart, Moore & Daniels, LLC

Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C.

maps - Mediation Arbitrations Professional Systems, Inc.

Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

COFFEE SERVICE SPONSOR *No Longer Available*

LSBA Inclusive Practice Section

Blue Williams, L.L.C.

BRONZE LEVEL

LSBA Art, Entertainment and Sports Law Section

The Kullman Firm APLC

Taylor Porter Brooks & Phillips, L.L.P.

MG+M

Zuber Lawler & Del Duca, LLP

LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center