Charting Your Legal Future-Boston
January 22, 2008
This program provided a unique and exciting opportunity for IL Students of Color to meet and network with a large number of Boston based practicing attorneys from our member organizations. In addition, both students and attorneys engaged in open discussions on important issues such as: Job Search Techniques and Strategies; The Summer Associate Experience; and Mentoring and Networking. This event was graciously hosted by Brown Rudnick Berlack Israels LLP.

Creating Best Practices Series II-"Evaluating and Mentoring Attorneys of Color"
January 16, 2008
The Boston Lawyers Group in conjunction with Brown Rudnick developed a series of programs focused on Creating Best Practices in the Hiring, Career Development and Retention of Associates of Color. Lisa Kirby, Manager of Professional Development and Training, Goodwin Procter LLP, acted as moderator for this second series panel discussion – Evaluating and Mentoring Attorneys of Color. The panelists Damon P. Hart, Esq., Holland & Knight LLP, Lourdes German, Esq., Edwards, Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Damian W. Wilmot, Esq., Goodwin Procter LLP. Panelists shared their views on conducting effective performance evaluations and offered recommendations on how to deliver constructive feedback. They also spearheaded discussions with hiring managers, professional development managers and recruiting staff personnel around defining new methods to train individuals on ways to be an effective mentor within each organization.

Welcome Reception for New Fall Associates of Color
November 12, 2007
This exciting and fun filled event, hosted by Seyfarth Shaw LLP was a huge success. Seyfarth Shaw treated the new associates to Las Vegas night; where genuine casino dealers worked the table games and the new fall associates tried their hands at poker and black jack. The Reception was a great opportunity for new fall associates of color to casually meet each other, network, and have fun.

Creating Best Practices Series I-"Tools & Practices for the Retention of Attorneys of Color"
November 6, 2007
The Boston Lawyers Group in conjunction with Brown Rudnick developed a series of programs focused on Creating Best Practices in the Hiring, Career Development and Retention of Associates of Color. Kathleen Bender Patton, Director of Professional Development, Brown Rudnick Berlack, moderated the first panel discussion - Tools and Practices for the Retention of Attorneys of Color. The panelists were Marijane Benner Browne, Esq., Dir., Lateral Partner Recruiting & Integration, Elizabeth Hurley, Chief Administrative Officer, Brown Rudnick, and Steven Wright, Esq., Partner, Holland & Knight LLP. Panelists shared their views on the challenges of retaining attorneys of color and offered recommendations on how to overcome those obstacles. They spearheaded discussions with hiring managers, professional development managers and recruiting staff personnel and defined new ways to promote retention within each organization.

Welcome Dinner for Law School Affinity Group Leaders
October 30, 2007
The Boston Lawyers Group (“BLG”) held its annual Welcome Dinner for Law School Affinity Group Leaders on October 30, 2007. The Law Offices of McDermott Will & Emery LLP, graciously hosted the event, and student leaders from several area law schools attended the dinner.

Sonia Bryan, the BLG’s Program Director, presented student leaders with an overview of the BLG’s programs, and solicited their assistance in disseminating the information to their members. Ms. Bryan engaged the leaders in discussions around ways in which the BLG can supplement its current programs or create new programs to assist students with their transition from law school to practicing law in Boston. For those student leaders who did not attend the Dinner, please provide your contact information to Ms. Bryan by e-mailing her at sbryan@thebostonlawyersgroup.com.

Courtroom Decorum Program
October 24, 2007
The BLG hosted a Courtroom Decorum Program on October 24, 2007. This mock trial event, was held at the Law Offices of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, and was designed to highlight the principles of courtroom decorum. The featured guests were the Hon. Sabita Singh, Massachusetts District Court Department who played the snippy sitting judge. The Hon. Kenneth Desmond, Jr., Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court Department, played the acerbic prosecutor. The Hon. Diana L. Maldonado, Chelsea District Court, was the sassy prosecution witness. The Hon. Roberto Ronquillo, Jr., South Boston Division of the Boston Municipal Court Department, played the often distracted defense attorney and both the Hon. Wilbur Edwards, Jr., Southeast Housing Court, and the Hon. Gwendolyn Tyre, Middlesex Juvenile Court, played jurors. The audience delighted in each judge’s performance and gained valuable insight into improving their behavior during court appearances. The skit was followed by a question and answer period and a cocktail reception.