Diversity: Events

Chicago BLSA 2008 Gala

Brian Harris (NW 2L), Jackie Stone, Tamera Kennard (NW 1L), George Spatz.

On Feb. 29, McGuireWoods attorneys once again attended the Chicago Council of Black Law Students Association Third Annual Chicago Renaissance Gala at the Ritz Carlton. The 2008 Gala was held in honor of Mayor Harold Washington. As a gold level sponsor, McGuireWoods filled a table with attorneys, a distinguished client, and local law school students. After dining, the keynote speaker Richard Gordon Hatcher, former Mayor of Gary, Indiana and the first African-American elected mayor of a major city addressed the group. The evening was a great opportunity for the Chicago legal community to come together and support CCBLSA's efforts

BLSA Award

On April 13, 2007, Northwestern Law School's Black Law Students Association chapter honored McGuireWoods as its 2006-2007 Diamond Sponsor at the school's annual BLSA dinner. McGuireWoods was singled out as the chapter's lead sponsor, and we received a plaque in appreciation of our efforts. Among featured speakers was alumna honoree Judge Marjorie Laws. Scott Glickson, Adam Grove, Kristina Gajewicz, and Amy Leytem (all McGuireWoods Chicago) attended the event, and shared a table with several Northwestern 1Ls including incoming McGuireWoods summer associate Kristen Jones.

Speed Mentoring

McGuireWoods co-hosted the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms' Speed Mentoring for Junior Associates event on March 28, 2007. Well-attended by lawyers from several Chicago firms, associates and partners sat on opposite sides of tables, and spent eight minutes giving and receiving advice on the practice of law at large firms. After several rounds, the partners had the opportunity to mentor six to seven junior associates. McGuireWoods’ partners Jim Harrington and Jeff Torres were among the mentors.

Global Tasting Reception

Pictured (left to right) Partner Marta Stein, Att
rney Recruiting Coordinator Amy Leytem, three students
and Jeremiah Posedel.

A global tasting theme encouraged attendees to mingle and enjoy a variety of cuisine at McGuireWoods' Second Annual 1L Reception on Feb. 15 in our Chicago office. Seventeen outstanding 1Ls, including 14 diversity students, attended from Northwestern, University of Chicago, and DePaul. Approximately 60 McGuireWoods Chicago attorneys and several of our 2006 summer associates offered students their perspectives on the firm.

CCBLSA Gala

Pictured from from top left (clockwise) George Spatz,
Dionne Hayden, Brittany Hamelers, Karen Sewell,
Kristen Jones, Melissa Suster, and Jackie Stone.

On Feb. 9, several McGuireWoods attorneys attended the Chicago Council of Black Law Students Association Second Annual Chicago Renaissance Gala at the Museum of Science and Industry. As a platinum sponsor, McGuireWoods filled two tables with attorneys and local law school students. After dining, the Hon. R. Eugene Pinchman and James Montgomery spoke to the group. The evening was a great opportunity for the Chicago legal community to come together and support CCBLSA's efforts.

Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women

On September 14, 2006, the women of the Pittsburgh office hosted a one-day conference and luncheon at the 3rd Annual Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women, which was held for the first time in Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The conference was attended by a sell out crowd of more than 5,000, almost exclusively women.

McGuireWoods sponsored a table of 10, and participated with our clients in many of the panel sessions that were led by nationally recognized leaders in a variety of fields. Among others, major conference sponsors included Wachovia, Xerox, Clear Channel, Mellon Bank, Bayer, Dollar Bank, Comcast, Duquesne Light, First Commonwealth Bank, The Heinz Endowments, Highmark Blue Shield, National City, PPG Industries, UPMC, 84 Lumber, Alcoa Foundation, and AllState. We gained valuable information from the talented presenters and panelists.

Linda Greenhouse Discusses Her New Book at New York Office

The inaugural women’s business development event for McGuireWoods’ New York office featured Pulitzer Prize winner and author Linda Greenhouse, who discussed her new book Becoming Justice Blackmun. Greenhouse has covered the Supreme Court for The New York Times since 1978. After giving a brief background of her research and the themes that play out in her new book, Greenhouse led a lively discussion about Justice Blackmun, the nomination of Judge Roberts, and the workings of the court in general.

Linda Greenhouse, author of Becoming Justice Blackmun.

McGuireWoods partners Christiane Zuņiga and
Anne Marie Whittemore.

American Bar Foundation Summer Diversity Fellowship Program

On June 27, 2006, McGuireWoods' Chicago office hosted a luncheon on behalf of the American Bar Foundation's Summer Diversity Fellowship Program - a program that provides research internships for undergraduate students. The ABF Fellows are ready to decide if they will pursue legal careers, thanks to the summer internship that is proving influential in the decision-making process.

Participants in ABF Summer Diversity Fellowship Program luncheon.
Richard Greenberg (far left) and Jackie Stone (far right)

Four college students joined some of our Chicago attorneys and summer associates for the lunch, including Managing Partner Richard Greenberg, Mike Chabraja, Karen Sewell, Dionne Hayden, Jeremiah Posedel, Jennifer Moore, Brittany Hamelers, and Shelli Marcano. Jackie Stone, our hiring partner, joined us from Richmond.

McGuireWoods Co-Sponsors the Chicago Bar Association "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers" Conference

McGuireWoods is pleased to be a Co-Sponsor of the "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers" conference to be held on May 12, 2006. This unique conference provides the legal community with information on issues of diversity and inclusion in addition to providing specialized skills training; strategies; resources and practical guidance for success; and a unique opportunity for women and minority attorneys to establish networks with leading lawyers. This conference also will highlight the achievements of women and minority lawyers, many of whom serve as inspirations and role models in the Chicago legal community.

McGuireWoods Named Diamond Sponsor at National BLSA Convention

McGuireWoods was pleased to serve as a Diamond Sponsor at the National Black Law Student Association Convention that was held in Washington, D.C., on March 22 – 26, 2006.

Women’s Leadership Forum – Spring Wine Tasting

The Women’s Leadership Forum held a wine tasting for the firm’s female attorneys and current or prospective female clients. The event was held at Everest on March 9, 2006.

Sarah Abraham, McGuireWoods attorney (left), and guests.

Guests at the March 2006 Wine Tasting.

McGuireWoods’ Chicago Office Hosts Chicago Committee on Minorities
in Large Law Firms

McGuireWoods’ Chicago office hosted the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms on November 4, 2005, at a reception welcoming incoming minority first-year associates in Chicago. This event was an exceptional networking opportunity for all participants.

Eric Reeves (McDermott Will & Emery), Gabe Rodriguez (Schiff Hardin),
and Marta Stein (McGuireWoods).

Thomas Sager (DuPont), Jose Isasi (Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd.), and
Jackie Stone (McGuireWoods),