Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)

LCLD Nation, we are still riding the wave of energy from last week’s Spring Meeting in San Diego! It was incredible to see our newest class of Fellows and Pathfinders come together, forging connections that we hope will last a lifetime. We've loved seeing your posts—your reflections, takeaways, and moments of inspirations remind us why this community is so special. A huge thank you to our phenomenal speakers—Rudhir Krishtel, Carrie Fletcher, Chris DeSantis, Bryan Foster, Erin Hess, Chris Graham, Paula Edgar, Esq., Mary Abbajay, Denise “DT” Thomas, Katie Aldrich, and Heather Denniston DC CCWP—for sharing your insights with us. Let’s carry this momentum forward with us into the rest of the year! #LCLDNation

I’m still feeling the energy from the last two days at the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Fellows Spring Meeting in San Diego! The agenda was packed with thought-provoking sessions and speakers that truly challenged me to dig deep and think differently about leadership. But what made this conference even more special was the opportunity to connect with such an amazing group of fellows— each one bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. A huge thank you to Johnson & Johnson for nominating me (and co-fellow Laura McFalls) for this program and encouraging / investing in my development. I’m so grateful for the space to grow and build with such a dynamic group of leaders. Looking forward to continuing this journey and putting all that we’ve learned into action! #LCLDNation #LetsGetAfterIt

This year, I was selected as a 2025 LCLD Fellow! I have known about LCLD for over 10 years because I was previously selected as a 1L LCLD Scholar way back in 2012. While countless things have changed over the past 13 years, one thing remains the same: networking and continual professional development are still essential! At this week's Fellows Spring Meeting in sunny San Diego, I sharpened my #branding strategy, learned more about business chemistry, and expanded my network. The Spring Meeting was a resounding success! I am already looking forward to attending our Fellows Fall Meeting in my beloved City of Chicago! #LCLDNation #LCLD Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) #PaulaSays

Just wrapped an incredible few days in San Diego at the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinders Spring Conference. I’m so grateful to Quarles & Brady LLP for the opportunity to represent the firm alongside Lennox Mark, JD, LLM, and for being part of a workplace that actively invests in its people and in this powerful initiative. I met so many thoughtful, driven leaders who I know I’ll be seeing throughout my career. It’s amazing to think where we’ll all be one, five, ten, or even 20 years from now. A highlight for me was hearing from Denise “DT” Thomas, who spoke on the power of communication and how our mindset and self-talk shape our outcomes. Her words were equal parts inspiring and grounding. Our final evening aboard the USS Midway was unforgettable—sitting inside fighter jets, hearing firsthand from veterans who served on the ship, and watching the sunset over the bay with new friends. Just one of many moments that made this experience feel both surreal and so special. Excited for what’s ahead, and so proud to be part of this community. #LCLDPathfinders #Leadership #Quarles #Gratitude #USSMidway #LegalCommunity

Thankful to have spent the past few days in San Diego for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) 2025 Spring Meeting. Looking forward to the next year of the Pathfinders program to continue building leadership skills alongside the many attorneys in the program. If we connected over the past few days, please reach out! Honored that my firm ArentFox Schiff nominated me, Sarah L. Lode, Fernanda Sanchez Jara, and Anjelica L. Fuccillo to participate in the Pathfinders program.

And with that, the 2025 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Spring Meeting is over! At a time when the concept of "diversity" is under attack in the legal field, I am endlessly thankful for this space, and the community that came together to focus on interpersonal connection, professional development, and career success. My heart is energized by this experience, my practice is improved by the skills I've learned connections I've made, and my clients will be better served for it. Can't wait to see you all again in the fall!

Final day of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Spring Meeting in sunny San Diego! It has been a pleasure connecting and learning with attorneys from across the country, and an amazing opportunity to build long-lasting relationships. #lcldnation

I’m incredibly grateful to share two awesome career updates. Earlier this year, I was accepted into Littler’s Traditional Labor Law Apprenticeship Program. Our apprenticeship program is a strategic investment by the firm into Associate Labor talent. Many of you know I decided about two years ago that labor was MY thing. I’ve spent the last two years honing my expertise, and I couldn’t be more excited for the increased knowledge and resources that this apprenticeship will bring. Second, the firm selected me as a LCLD Pathfinder and I’ve spent the past two days in the beautiful San Diego at the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Meeting learning sooo much about myself. With all that is happening in the world, I cannot be more grateful for Littler’s intentional investments in my personal development and career development. A very special shout out to Joseph Greener who was also selected as a Pathfinder and Julia Diniz Tavares and Paul E. Bateman for all their hard work!

#TalentRising Tuesday ?? Congratulations to 2022 Pathfinder Hannah Becker and 2024 Pathfinder Alisha Moriceau, Esq. for being named among The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s 36 Under Thirty-Six Professionalism Award honorees! Recognized last month for their commitment to professionalism, ethics, and integrity, they continue to set the bar high in the legal profession. #LCLDPathfinder #Leadership

When law firms share more stories of women’s leadership, “they inspire the next generation of female leaders, challenge stereotypes, and create a positive feedback loop that encourages more women to pursue leadership roles and, because of their qualifications, thrive in them.” #WomenInLaw #WomenLeaders #DiversityInLaw