Sponsored by: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion SIG
Domains: Business Development & Communications
BoK Competencies: Presentation Skills & Message and Strategy Planning

This unique panel discussion convenes leaders in DEI and legal marketing to discuss what works—and what doesn’t—when lawyers and marketers address DEI topics in pitches, proposals, websites, PR, social media, and more.

We’ve gathered voices from inside and outside the legal industry to help LMA’s members learn and grow in this critical area:

Michael Coston, Moderator: Michael is the CEO of Coston Consulting, a Black-owned business advisory firm that advises clients on strategy, business development, and DEI matters. He previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer of McKool Smith for nearly a decade. The National Diversity Council has recognized Michael among the Top 100 Most Influential African American Leaders in Business, and Lawdragon named him to its list of the 100 Leading Legal Consultants and Strategists.

Tahisha Fugate, Law Firm Marketer: Tahisha has built her career around helping sophisticated law firms with growth strategy and branding. Now, she is pioneering a new role at the intersection of business development and DEI client relations at Orrick. Having worked her way up the BD ladder at renowned AmLaw 100 and 200 firms, Tahisha knows perfectly well the challenges that legal marketers face in communicating with clients about DEI topics.

Jennifer Jaskolka, In-house Client: Jennifer is the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at ModivCare, which she recently joined after nine years at Xcel Energy, a Fortune 300 company. Jennifer has extensive experience hiring lawyers and evaluating law firm marketing content. Jennifer is deeply invested in advancing DEI efforts in the legal industry, having been involved in and led numerous diversity organizations and efforts through the years.

Imani Pope-Johns, Legal Outsider: Imani serves on Capitol Hill as the new Director of Communications for U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut. For three years, Imani managed public relations and communications at Howard University, a historically Black university, and she has similar experiences helping other organizations and small businesses to reach target audiences. Imani’s experiences outside of the legal industry offer unique insights and lessons that legal marketers will be well advised to absorb and adapt.

Learning Outcomes:

• Convey Credibility: Share examples of how law firms can convey credibility in their marketing, BD, PR, social media, etc. 
• Deliver on Promises: Discuss effective ways that clients have delivered on the DEI promises in marketing, BD, PR, social media, etc.
• Acknowledge Imperfection: Discuss effective ways to say “we’re not there yet, but we’re working on it.”

Price: 
Members: Complimentary
Prospective Members: $79