Dykema-Hosted Panel to Discuss Advancement of Diversity And Inclusion in Legal Sector

General Counsel From Five Major Corporations Will Share Perspectives on July 31

Press Releases

7.18.12

Dykema will host a panel discussion, “Maintaining Momentum on Diversity and Inclusion: Perspectives from the General Counsel’s Office,” on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. The two-hour event will take place in the GM Learning Center in Detroit’s Renaissance Center, and will start at 3 pm. The discussion will focus on how corporations and law firms are addressing matters of diversity and inclusion, and whether sufficient progress is being made against these initiatives.

Among the issues to be explored:

  • why do diversity and inclusion matter to the legal community?
  • when hiring outside counsel, what importance is placed on the law firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts?
  • what measures are used to evaluate a firm’s commitment to diversity?
  • how well are law firms doing to implement and expand diversity programs?

The event will feature five panelists, each representing the General Counsel office of a corporation with a major presence in Southeast Michigan.

  • Vernon G. Baker II, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Meritor
  • Ronald E. Hall, Jr., Vice President and General Counsel, Bridgewater Interiors, LLC
  • Angelique Strong Marks, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Behr America, Inc.
  • Michelle A. Carter, General Counsel, Allied Human Services, Inc.
  • Leah Maguire, Senior Counsel, Owens Corning Corporation

Sherrie Farrell, Managing Member of Dykema’s Detroit office and Chair of the Firm’s Diversity Committee, observes, “The legal profession has wrestled with the issues of diversity and inclusion for decades. While some progress has been made, much remains to be done. Our panelists will not only provide a candid assessment of where our profession stands, but offer practical suggestions to help improve diversity.”

Peter M. Kellett, Dykema’s Chairman and CEO, adds, “Inviting these five general counsel to share their insights, underscores the value we place on inclusion and diversity. Who better to provide an unbiased assessment of how the law firm industry is doing on these measures?”

To attend this event, please contact Janice Seigel at jseigel@dykema.com. Please note that seating is limited.

About Dykema

Dykema serves business entities worldwide on a wide range of complex legal issues. Dykema lawyers and other professionals in 11 U.S. offices work in close partnership with clients – from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies – to deliver outstanding results, unparalleled service and exceptional value in every engagement. To learn more, visit www.dykema.com and follow Dykema on Twitter.