The Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the United States, organized annually by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Since its inception in 1988, the event has served as a 'family reunion' for LGBTQ+ and ally legal professionals, providing a platform to reflect on shared history and to look forward to the future of the legal profession.
The 2023 conference, held from July 24 to July 26 in Chicago, Illinois, featured a diverse array of sessions and workshops. Key topics included diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the legal field, and methods to combat hateful speech within the profession. Notable sessions were "The Data Surrounding DEI: Insights and Strategies to Effect Lasting Change" and "Bracing for the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Revolution."
In addition to educational sessions, the event offered extensive networking opportunities, including a career fair designed to connect LGBTQ+ candidates with recruiters from law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. The conference also featured panel discussions with esteemed speakers, such as Alice L. Kessler, who moderated a panel on DEI benchmarking data, and Kevin Benish, who shared insights on the legal job search process for LGBTQIA+ community members.
The conference is ideal for LGBTQ+ and ally legal professionals, including attorneys, law students, judges, and recruiters, seeking to engage with a supportive community, gain insights into pressing legal issues, and explore career opportunities within inclusive environments.
Speakers(3)
Diana K. Ashton
General Counsel at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Diana K. Ashton serves as General Counsel at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, overseeing legal affairs.
Kenneth S. Guerra
Associate at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Kenneth S. Guerra is an Associate at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, focusing on intellectual property matters.
Matthew C. Berntsen
Partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
Matthew C. Berntsen is a Partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, specializing in intellectual property law.
Event Details
- Date
- July 24-26, 2023
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
- Audience
- LGBTQ+ and ally legal professionals, including attorneys, law students, judges, and recruiters
- CLE Credits
- Up to 990 minutes of CLE, including Ethics and DEI credits in some jurisdictions
- Attendees
- Approximately 1,700 attendees