First Chair Awards Conference & Gala 2019

The First Chair Awards Conference & Gala is an annual event that honors in-house counsel from some of the nation's most recognized companies for their significant contributions to the legal community. The 2019 edition marked the eighth year of this prestigious gathering, bringing together attorneys from private practice and their accomplished in-house peers to celebrate excellence in the legal profession.

The full-day conference featured a General Counsel roundtable, providing insights into the evolving role of in-house counsel and the challenges they face. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in various breakout sessions led by esteemed law firm practitioners and members of the in-house community. One notable session, "Hot Topics in Employment Law," included panelists such as Cheryl Orr from Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Allison Eckstrom of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Leslie Wallis of Ogletree Deakins, and Jeffrey Widman of Fox Rothschild, with Kim Metrick of Walgreen Co. serving as moderator.

In addition to the educational sessions, the event offered ample networking opportunities, allowing legal professionals to connect and share best practices. The evening concluded with a gala where outstanding in-house counsel were recognized for their achievements. Drinker Biddle was a Platinum Sponsor of the event and the exclusive sponsor of the gala's highest honor, the "Drinker Biddle General Counsel Award."

This event is ideal for in-house counsel and private practice attorneys seeking to stay abreast of current legal trends, engage in meaningful discussions, and celebrate the accomplishments of their peers in the legal community.