Foley’s Black Attorney Affinity Group Retreat Fosters Meaningful Connections

Foley & Lardner is dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion where a diverse spectrum of people have the opportunity to excel.

This month, Foley’s Chicago office was pleased to welcome members of the firm’s Black Attorney Affinity Group for an in-person retreat. The group gathered for a day and a half of programming and activities devoted to creating connections among and exploring and supporting the experience of our Black attorneys.

The first half-day was dedicated to informal social and networking activities, including a gathering at Top Golf followed by a group dinner where attendees – including many of our new lateral attorneys – made connections in real time.

Affinity group co-chairs Sara Madavo and Phil Philips kicked off the second day with opening remarks followed by a speed networking session led by Director of Diversity & Inclusion Alexis Robertson and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Ajah Joseph. Partners and senior counsel attended a breakout session on the Partner Compensation Process led by partner Jeanne M. Gills while associates and of counsel attended a breakout session on Building Your Brand led by Madavo and senior counsel Olivia Singelmann. All attendees came back together for an interactive session on Networking and Developing Business as a Black Lawyer led by Gills and partners Clyde Tinnen and Von Bryant.

Foley’s Affinity Groups serve as catalysts to promote inclusion, build community, and provide leadership opportunities for diverse attorneys within the firm.

Click here to learn more about our diversity and inclusion efforts.

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