This workshop will engage both distinguished panelists and audience members to discuss the needs of LGBT lawyers and LGBT Diversity initiatives from the perspective of our straight allies. The panel will focus on the importance of creating an inclusive work environment, the importance of individuality in the workplace, successes and failures in LGBT diversity initiatives, and marketing LGBT diversity.

This workshop will present a concise roadmap and discussion of best practices in LGBT employment. You will leave the workshop with a checklist of best practices, strategies, and resources for implementation in your workplace.

A panel of legal practitioners with experience working in government, non-profit, small and large firms guided by a law career services professional will discuss the tools, considerations and critical aspects to find, research and evaluate gay-friendly employers in each of these legal arenas.

This workshop will present practical tips that you need to learn how to use your diversity to advance your professional agenda through internal and external networks, appropriate self-promotion and pro bono opportunities. Learn how to act as a liaison to external diversity organizations while increasing your organization’s visibility in the community. You will find that you can create your own buzz while impressing decision makers favorably.

How to distinguish oneself through diversity. Legal employers are focused on increasing diversity in the profession. Clients demand it and diverse attorneys are uniquely positioned to distinguish themselves and leverage for professional advancement opportunities. This workshop will present practical tips that you need to learn how to use your diversity to advance your profession agenda through internal and external networks, appropriate self-promotion and pro bono opportunities. Learn how to act as a liaison to external diversity organization while increasing your organization’s visibility in the community. You will find that you can create your own buzz while impressing decision makers favorably.

Motivations for engaging in pro bono vary as much as the benefits lawyers receive when participating in such work. Historically pro bono was an ad hoc activity, now firms centralize and streamline their complimentary legal services. The LGBT community represents a huge unmet need for legal services. This workshop will focus on pro bono models that work for the LGBT community. Presenters will include both representatives of nonprofits that have received the bounty of millions of dollars worth of top-quality legal services and the firms — AND solo practitioners — that love them! Come and find out how your nonprofit or firm or solo shop can make a match!