Moving Pittsburgh's Legal Community Forward, Together

UPCOMING EVENTS

CLE: Remote Work/Return to Work and DEI Implications

October 18 from 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual

The PLDIC’s Corporate Roundtable will present a free virtual CLE, “Remote Work/Return to Work and DEI Implications,” on Friday, October 18 from 12-1:30 p.m. The webinar will include a presentation from Professor Mark Ma of Pitt Business about current research and data on this topic; a panel discussion featuring Professor Ma, PLDIC Board member Don Bluedorn, Babst Calland; Janet Lee, Ansys; Kevin Carter, Alcoa, and moderated by Cassie Yeager, Ansys. There will also be breakout groups for guided Q&A conversations. The event will offer 1.5 hours in PA CLE Credit (sponsored by PLDIC member Babst Calland).

Pittsburgh Legal Career Symposium

October 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Washington

We need your help spreading the word about this exciting opportunity to learn more about our Pittsburgh legal community! Please share this event with your connections in the DC, MD, VA area!

The PLDIC will host its first ever Pittsburgh Legal Career Symposium for law students in the DMV area on October 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The free event’s goal is to educate, recruit, and expand networking opportunities for students interested in learning about the Pittsburgh legal community. The Symposium will include representatives from the city’s wide and diverse legal community, including ambassadors from various sized law firms, major corporations, non-profit organizations, and PLDIC leadership. Attendees will have ample opportunity to meet with these representatives in a casual setting to learn about and ask questions that they may have about Pittsburgh. Students will also be able to provide their resumes to the legal employers in attendance and sign up for opportunities to be connected to more Pittsburgh area lawyers. Drinks and light Hors D’oeuvres will be provided.

2024 PLDIC Annual Members Meeting

November 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Colleagues and law students of our 63 member organizations are invited to join the PLDIC for its most important member gathering of the year on November 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. This year, we are pleased to present a panel discussion on the local, state, and national implications of the 2024 elections on DEI in the legal industry. The panel will feature a national perspective from Lisa Kirby, President of Inclusive Talent Systems at Diversity Lab; a state perspective from Maraleen Shields, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness; and a local perspective from Felicity Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Pittsburgh. Member organizations will also hear remarks from Board Chair Eric Cottle, learn about the PLDIC’s 2024 accomplishments and 2025 goals and objectives from Executive Director Ena Lebel, vote on Board business, and hear updates from our three committees and the Young Professional Advisory Board. The third annual “PLDIC Volunteer of the Year” award will also be presented. Cocktails and appetizers will be provided.

Registration is open for the third annual PLDIC Members Holiday Party on Thursday, December 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mattress Factory. Guests will have free access to peruse the entire art museum while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, music, a photobooth, and networking with fellow colleagues and students from our 63 member organizations! New this year, each attendee will receive one raffle ticket to be entered to win a grand prize (to be announced) at the end of the evening! As a bonus, if you bring a colleague who hasn’t attended a PLDIC event before OR a non-PLDIC member interested in learning more,* you will receive an extra raffle ticket to increase your chances of winning. Please register by December 6. *Please indicate that you a bringing someone by selecting “2” tickets at registration. In order for winners to accept their raffle prize, they must be present at the event when the winner is announced.

Over 25 people attended the 2024 Susan Yohe Scholar Meet & Greet on Thursday, September 5 from 5:30-7:30 at K&L Gates – including Susan Yohe herself and all six scholars! In addition, there were eight PLDIC Board members present, two PLDIC staff members, four YPAB members, one leader from the University of Pittsburgh, one leader from Duquesne Kline, and two K&L Gates employees. This year’s recipients are Miranda Schramm (Robert Morris University ’25), Pitt Law; and Nia Latham (Pennsylvania West University ’23), Duquesne Kline. With the scholarship now in its third year of existence, there are now scholars at both schools in the 1L, 2L, and 3L levels. Special thank you to PLDIC member K&L Gates for hosting and sponsoring the event. Additionally, thank you to PLDIC member Duquesne Light Company for their continued sponsorship of this scholarship. Photo credits: Corey McDonough, K&L Gates.

On September 25, the PLDIC had the opportunity to send one of our member organization employees, Willie Mae Starr-White of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP, to The Advanced Leadership Institute's inaugural Unlocking Leadership Excellence Workshop! Please see a quote from Willie Mae about her experience, below. Photo credit: TALI

"It was an extraordinary experience. The workshop was not only engaging and motivating but also incredibly encouraging. Through the DISC Personality Survey, I gained valuable insights into my leadership style, which was both enlightening and empowering. One of the highlights for me was the segment on the formula for success, where we focused on creating actionable plans and statements. This practical approach to leadership was both inspiring and practical. A quote that resonated deeply with me was, 'Vision without a plan is an illusion.' This powerful statement underscored the importance of strategic planning in achieving our goals. Additionally, the workshop provided a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and network with other exceptional leaders and colleagues. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained have been invaluable. Overall, this was a remarkable experience and a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth."

The PLDIC could use a few more volunteers for upcoming sessions at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, part of our Legal Career Pathways Program. Through interactive exercises, career captures, and fun fact patterns, PLDIC volunteers encourage Pittsburgh area youth to consider pursuing a legal career. Our dedicated working group meets monthly to develop the program and partnerships. If you are interested in volunteering for a session or joining the working group, please contact Ena Lebel.

Have you checked out the new PLDIC member dashboard yet? This member only section of our website is packed with resources from our programs, events, and more. Watch a short video explaining the new and improved PLDIC Member Dashboard, including what’s new and how to use the updated features. Don't forget to let us know what you think!

Pathways to Leadership: The Bench – Federal Court

October 3 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Koppers Bldg. The ACBA Committee for Diversty and Inclusion will host this program that will feature a panel of esteemed judges of diverse backgrounds who will discuss their own paths to the Federal bench.

The Natural Hair Discrimination Community Forum

October 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall, 7th Floor

The University of Pittsburgh Office of Professional Development and the Office of Equity and Inclusive Excellence will host this event featuring Hon. La'Tasha D. Mayes, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 24th District.

Disability Must Be Part of DEI – With Special Guest Prasanna Ranganathan October 16 at 4 p.m., Virtual Ritu Bhasin will be joined by Prasanna Ranganathan, a renowned DEI, accessibility, and disability inclusion advisor, author, and consultant to discuss why disability and accessibility are often left out of DEI programming and how we can address this erasure; how we can create workplace environments that are accessible, barrier free, and inclusive for people with disabilities; the importance of recognizing intersectionality, including Prasanna’s experiences; and how to be an ally in cultivating belonging for people with disabilities.

2024 Supporting Survivors Summit

October 25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Cranberry Township

Join Women’s Center & Shelter for an all-day conference for learners interested in both the basics and emerging issues related to supporting survivors of domestic violence.

EmpowerEd Launches Inaugural Program at Urban Pathways Charter School!

EmpowerEd, a non-profit dedicated to promoting educational equity and mentorship for underserved communities, is kicking off its first program this fall at Urban Pathways Charter School in downtown Pittsburgh. This initiative will engage students through hands-on workshops that inspire and expose them to a variety of career paths beyond sports and entertainment. Their mission is to help students see diverse examples of success, with a special focus on Black and Brown professionals thriving in different industries. By broadening their perspectives, they aim to empower students to dream big and pursue new opportunities for their futures. EmpowerEd is seeking law students, legal professionals, and attorneys who are willing to offer their time, expertise, or mentorship to assist with their educational initiatives. Their involvement—whether through guest speaking, leading workshops, or providing one-on-one mentorship—would significantly enrich our efforts to empower the next generation of leaders. For more info about the program or to get involved, visit their website or email.

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