PLENARY | Exploring the Nexus Between Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Lawyer Well-Being (Qualifies for 1.5 Ethics & 1.5 Bias hours)

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Platinum Sponsors: The Hershewe Law Firm, PC, Joplin and The Bar Plan, St. Louis

Gold Sponsor: Thompson Coburn, LLP, St. Louis

Moderator: Athena Dickson, Chair of the Lawyers Living Well Committee and Member of The Missouri Bar Board of Governors, Siro Smith Dickson PC, Kansas City
Presenter: Denise A. Robinson, Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Mindfulness and Well-Being Consultant, Washington D.C.

Recent studies show that the well-documented mental health challenges for lawyers and other legal professionals are even worse for members of the profession who identify as people of color. While this should come as no surprise in light of the continued challenges the legal profession has with making meaningful change with respect to diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), not enough attention has been paid to the relationship between DEI and well-being. This program will explore why and how DEI efforts need to be augmented by a focus on well-being to improve the whole-person experience for all in the legal profession.

Program Objectives: 

• Understanding the importance of developing and evaluating efforts to promote well-being in the profession with a DEI lens.
• Exploring mindfulness as a key capacity to develop in helping lawyers address both mental health and DEI needs.
• Outlining practical strategies to foster a symbiotic relationship between organizational well-being and DEI programs.