The BMLA's 2022 Annual Summit: "We Rise Together"
Earlier this month the ‘Black Men Lawyer’s Association’ (BMLA), brought together a collective of world- class changing professionals within the law sector and young professionals aspiring to create change in law. At this summit, these professionals were able to develop connections, create a mentorship, new networks, as well as come together and learn how they can create a positive change within their sector. Taking place at various law firms in Chicago, such as Quarles & Brady LLP, Baker McKenzie as well as Kirkland and Ellis LLP, these professionals were able to gain insight and deep dive into learning how they can become better professionals for one another, investing in themselves and preparing to navigate various pathways within the law sector.
Photo Courtesy of Kai Brown, (iamkaibrown.com)
From general counsel to founding partners, partners to state representatives and judges, the BMLA curated a diverse array of speakers helping these professionals not only navigate, but gain insight into various career paths.
Some of the speakers included: Michael Wilder, Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA; Shareholder/Board of Directors Member, Littler Mendelson, P.C , Sunga Mkwezalamba, Co-Founder, BMLA; Corporate Counsel, Amazon, Curtis Tarver ll, State Representative of Illinois, Henderson Banks, Founding Partner, Henderson Banks Law, Jimmie Covington, Vice President, Counsel, Alliance Bernstein, Judge Jeffery l. Cummings, N.D. of Illinois, Eastern Division and more.
(Left to Right) Judge David Kelly, Cook County Circuit Court, Justice Carl Walker, Illinois Appellate Court, Judge Jeffery l. Cummings, N.D. of Illinois, Eastern Division, Judge Nathaniel Howse, Illnois Applellate Court, Judge Leonard Murray, Cook County Circuit Court, Judge Travis Richardson (Ret.), Chief Legal Counsel, Office of the Cook Country Clerk – Photo Courtesy of Kai Brown, (iamkaibrown.com)
Throughout the 3-day summit, these speakers would share their experiences and discuss a multitude of topics within their profession, including: “Professional Sacrifices”, “Mental Health In Law”, “The Power of Brotherhood” and “Investing In Each Other”, “Lessons In Leadership, “Bringing In Revenue”, “Defining Expectations”, “Overcoming Expectations”, “Being Black In Corporate America”, “Being Black In Politics” and more.
Photo Courtesy of Kai Brown, (iamkaibrown.com)
In addition to these sessions, attendees were able to give back by participating in “Dine Around” sessions. These sessions were great networking opportunities to discuss valuable information after the summit and also a chance for professionals to invest in Black Owned restaurants in Chicago such as The Delta, Kitchen + Kocktails, Eleven Eleven, Tribe and Privare.
Concluding the summit, Michael Wilder, Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA shared the importance of gathering over these three days and helping younger members understand how becoming a part of the BMLA community not only a safe space, but a resource to connect and grow with other black professionals.
Michael Wilder, Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA; Shareholder/Board of
Directors Member, Littler Mendelson, P.C. – Photo Courtesy of Kai Brown, (iamkaibrown.com)
“We Rise Together” was truly a success and we look forward to highlighting and amplifying the work of the ‘Black Men Lawyer Association’.
For more information on visit: blackmenlawyersassociation.org
Earlier this month the ‘Black Men Lawyer’s Association’ (BMLA), brought together a collective of world- class changing professionals within the law sector and young professionals aspiring to create change in law. At this summit, these professionals were able to develop connections, create a mentorship, new networks, as well as come together and learn how they can create a positive change within their sector. Taking place at various law firms in Chicago, such as Quarles & Brady LLP, Baker McKenzie as well as Kirkland and Ellis LLP, these professionals were able to gain insight and deep dive into learning how they can become better professionals for one another, investing in themselves and preparing to navigate various pathways within the law sector.
From general counsel to founding partners, partners to state representatives and judges, the BMLA curated a diverse array of speakers helping these professionals not only navigate, but gain insight into various career paths.
Some of the speakers included: Michael Wilder, Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA; Shareholder/Board of Directors Member, Littler Mendelson, P.C , Sunga Mkwezalamba, Co-Founder, BMLA; Corporate Counsel, Amazon, Curtis Tarver ll, State Representative of Illinois, Henderson Banks, Founding Partner, Henderson Banks Law, Jimmie Covington, Vice President, Counsel, Alliance Bernstein, Judge Jeffery l. Cummings, N.D. of Illinois, Eastern Division and more.
Throughout the 3-day summit, these speakers would share their experiences and discuss a multitude of topics within their profession, including: “Professional Sacrifices”, “Mental Health In Law”, “The Power of Brotherhood” and “Investing In Each Other”, “Lessons In Leadership, “Bringing In Revenue”, “Defining Expectations”, “Overcoming Expectations”, “Being Black In Corporate America”, “Being Black In Politics” and more.
In addition to these sessions, attendees were able to give back by participating in “Dine Around” sessions. These sessions were great networking opportunities to discuss valuable information after the summit and also a chance for professionals to invest in Black Owned restaurants in Chicago such as The Delta, Kitchen + Kocktails, Eleven Eleven, Tribe and Privare.
Concluding the summit, Michael Wilder, Chairman/Co-Founder, BMLA shared the importance of gathering over these three days and helping younger members understand how becoming a part of the BMLA community not only a safe space, but a resource to connect and grow with other black professionals.
Directors Member, Littler Mendelson, P.C. – Photo Courtesy of Kai Brown, (iamkaibrown.com)
“We Rise Together” was truly a success and we look forward to highlighting and amplifying the work of the ‘Black Men Lawyer Association’.
For more information on visit: blackmenlawyersassociation.org