June 9-10, 2011 — Chicago

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Co-sponsored by

With Educational Support from
Practical Law Company
SJL Attorney Search, LLC
West LegalEdcenter

The theme for the 2011 Diversity Summit is, appropriately, Rethinking Success. In a climate where many diversity and legal career professionals are discouraged by the impact of the recession on diversity initiatives, it is important to regroup and find new ways of conquering old challenges. After years of slow but steady gains, many law firms are now confronting declining diversity headcounts. Faced with this stark reality, some diversity professionals have begun to ask whether the case for diversity has relied too heavily on numbers in the past. Are there better ways to measure and assess lasting cultural change in our profession? At the end of the day, this conference will attempt to ask and answer the question, how should we measure success in this changing world?

The sixth annual Diversity Summit will bring together NALP and ALFDP members, law firm partners, in-house lawyers, law school deans, industry consultants, and other legal career professionals who have an interest in continuing to expand diversity in the legal profession. The chief purpose of this exciting conference is to provide a forum for a robust exchange of information about the current challenges and innovations surrounding the issue of diversity in the legal employment arena. Participants will also enjoy multiple networking opportunities, allowing occasions to connect and share best practices.

This conference features four experts who are on the front lines of the discussion about diversity in the workplace and in the world. Come hear their ideas and thoughts about where we are today with this important topic and how we can measure success in this changing economy.

Our experts will explore such topics as:

• advanced lessons on core competencies
• advice and strategies from the client perspective
• steps to take to promote true inclusion
• the power of microinequities
• the link between diversity and leadership effectiveness

Join this discussion about where we are today and leave with new insights and skills that can be applied immediately in your workplace.

Schedule of Events — Thursday, June 9

For the complete schedule, including session descriptions and speakers, click here.

6:00 - 7:30 pm - Welcome Reception (Sponsored by Vault, Inc.) at Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street

Friday, June 10
at Northwestern University School of Law

Mandatory CLE Credit

The 2011 Diversity Summit is accredited in several mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) jurisdictions for varying numbers of credit hours. Please note that some jurisdictions do not accredit courses on law practice management. To obtain specific information on MCLE accreditation of this program, please contact Crystal Finch at cfinch@ali-aba.org.

Registration Information

Registration for the Summit is $295 for NALP and ALFDP members (with discounts for multiple registrants) and $395 for nonmembers. Conference registration is limited. Learn more and register here.

Hotel Information

We have a group rate of $199 at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 East Chestnut Street, (877) 813-7700. Hotel registration information will be accessible in the conference registration system.

Diversity Summit Planning Committee

• George Braxton, LeClair Ryan (through 2/11)
• Sharon Crane, Davis Polk & Wardell, LLP
• Sylvia James, ALFDP President, Baker Botts LLP
• Kristine McKinney, Faegre & Benson LLP
• Dana Morris, NALP Board Liaison, University of Maryland School of Law
• Eliza Park Musallam, American University Washington College of Law
• Elvera Pollard, Blank Rome LLP
• Rachel Simmonds-Watson, Debevoise & Plimpton
• Carol Sprague, NALP President, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP