Mandice McAllister has had a week to digest and discuss the impact of the recent West Michigan Black Legal Summit. The event was sponsored by six West Michigan law firms and the Grand Rapids Bar Association to encourage networking, talent development, and increased representation of diverse professionals. As the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, McAllister wasn’t surprised discussions focused on investing in intentional community building.
“We talked about our experiences in our communities, practicing law. How do we cultivate a closer, more connected community within our firms and within the broader context of the city and the region that we live in?”
She noted its hard to get diverse talent to come to an area and stay if they don’t see themselves represented in leadership or professional success.
“In the legal market, that would be partnership. Do I see people like me reflected in partnership? It’s easier – I wouldn’t say easy but easier – to bring talent. Its much harder to retain talent.”
She says organizers are already discussing the next annual summit, along with more frequent opportunities to connect diverse legal professionals for networking throughout the year.
