From the group that brought you Tough Talks, the VTLA’s Diversity & Inclusion Alliance will host its first Open Zoom Meeting on February 28, 2023 at 12pm. The Topic: Representing LGBTQ Clients from Intake to Trial.
With this Open Zoom Meeting, hopefully the first of many to come, the DIA looks to create a forum where members can seek advice and collaboration on diversity and inclusion related issues they are facing in the office and the courtroom. The forum is open to all members and all members are welcome to submit questions or issues they hope to discuss in advance of the meeting. We will cover as many questions as possible during the hour-long meeting, gathering recommendations and suggestions from fellow members who have encountered similar experiences. Consider it a live interactive version of our listserves!
Our first meeting on February 28 will focus on issues with representation of LGBTQ clients, with an eye toward stimulating conversation on this issue in advance of the presentation by Convention Speaker Stephen Skinner on the morning of March 24. We might consider such issues as how and when to use gender neutral pronouns, how to present LGBTQ clients to juries, how to present medical issues that might be unique to a transgender client, and more.
So, whether you have a question to submit, seek to share your unique knowledge and experience on these issues, or simply wish to observe the conversation, grab your lunch and plan to join us February 28 at 12 pm!
All desired questions/issues to be discussed should be submitted to DIA co-chairs Emily Smith (Emily.Smith@AllenandAllen.com) and Samantha Sledd (ssledd@novainjurylawyers.com) by February 27.
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VTLA is committed to maintaining an environment that is inclusive, safe, respectful and welcoming, free of prejudice, fear and harassment, for all its members, staff, vendors and guests, at all times. Anything inconsistent with these ideals is contrary to VTLA’s values and mission and will not be tolerated. Any attendee of a VTLA event, or their guest, who is unable to abide by these standards may, at the discretion of VTLA, be removed from the event, barred from future events and/or, if a member, have their membership terminated.
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