Evolutions, Revolutions and Convolutions – The Impact of DEI on the PD Professional

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Evolutions, Revolutions and Convolutions – The Impact of DEI on the PD Professional  
Do you remember when there was no “equity” in the diversity and inclusion conversation?
Were you overwhelmed by a sudden demand for increased programming and training around DEI in 2020?
Has your personal identity as a diverse or "non-diverse" PD professional ever impacted your work?
Do you wonder what lasting impact this DEI “buzz” will have on the future of your career or organization?
 
You’re not alone, so let’s talk about it.
 
In this session, a panel of experienced PDC members will share their candid insights on the evolution of DEI in the legal industry over the last 30 years, including the personal and professional impact it has had on their careers. Following the panel, you will have the chance to join your PDC colleagues for small-group breakout sessions and collective reflection. We hope to foster a productive dialogue about how PDC members can support each other through the challenges and triumphs of navigating DEI issues and expectations as a legal PD professional, both historically and in light of the recent national conversations around race. 

About the Presenters:

Michael P. Beltrán 
Michael is in his 25th year of working in NYC Big Law.  Most recently, he joined Latham & Watkins LLP as their Global Partner Integration Senior Manager where he is responsible for the integration and development of internally promoted partners. Michael is a Certified Professional Coach and his career has spanned all areas of legal talent management including but not limited to recruiting, professional development, and diversity. He has been an active member of the PDC since 2007, having worked on the Programming Committee overseeing their webinar curriculum as well as the newly formed DEIB Committee, served twice on the Nominating Committee and spoken at PDC, NALP and NYCRA conferences.  He is currently the co-chair of PDC's New York local group. Michael obtained his B.B.A. from Loyola University Maryland and M.B.A. from The Lubin School of Business at Pace University. 

Christelle Dorcil
Christelle Dorcil is the Global Manager of Associate Engagement at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.  She began her legal career as a corporate associate with Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft LLP in New York and practiced law in both New York and Connecticut before transitioning into PD as the Professional Development Manager for Skadden's Antitrust and Real Estate practices. Christelle earned her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and has a B.F.A. from Long Island University.  She also holds a brain-based coaching certification through the NeuroLeadership Institute and a Mental Health First Aid certification. 

Angelique Hager
Angelique Hager cares deeply about helping people, building great teams, and coaching others to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

As Orrick’s Director of Diverse Talent & Firmwide Training, Angelique works closely with firm leadership and across departments to drive training and coaching programs aimed at developing, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. She brings together leading industry experts to create global multi-day academies, retreats – including Orrick’s Attorneys of Color Retreat and LGBTQ+ Attorneys Retreat. She also collaborates with Orrick’s affinity groups to support and advance their initiatives. Angelique is committed to ensuring that Orrick’s culture of belonging is incorporated throughout the firm’s approach to training and development.

Valarie Howard
Valarie is the Senior Manager, Talent Evaluation, and On Boarding at Jenner & Block.  She is a seasoned law firm management professional who is passionate about learning and development.  She is responsible for developing and executing the onboarding process for new associates and lateral attorneys, trusted advisor to firm leadership to manage the annual performance review process, mentor program, and departmental budgeting.  She is an impactful team player with strong organizational and project management skills.  Valarie obtained her BA from Roosevelt University and MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.  In her spare time she enjoys running, working out, spending time with family/friends, traveling (pre-pandemic), reading, and occasionally cooking.  

Kristen Uhl Hulse
Assistant Professor of the Practice, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Kristen teaches in the top-ranked Legal Externship Program at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, leveraging over seventeen years of experience lawyering and leading professional development in large and mid-sized law firms and advising law students about private sector legal careers.  She joined Denver Law from the San Francisco-based law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP, where as Director of Attorney Recruitment and Professional Development she worked closely with partners and associates on a broad range of recruitment, retention, mentoring, training, and other professional development initiatives.  Kristen began her legal career as an investment management associate with Dechert LLP in D.C. and London.  To round out her practice with Dechert, she served on multiple firm-wide committees and launched a pro bono clinic for registered charity organizations.  She then transitioned to the law school setting to hold career and professional development advisory roles with Georgetown University Law Center, Columbia Law School, and the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.  
 
Kristen serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Development Consortium (PDC).  She is also active in the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) and the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA).  She publishes and presents frequently on strategies for advancement in private practice, emerging legal opportunities, and collaboration between law school faculty and legal employers to produce practice-ready graduates.