20 November – ‘10 lessons learned about D&I in 10 years‘ by Elke Jeurissen (Lunch & Learn), hosted by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Elke Jeurissen’s insightful and thought-provoking presentation, ‘๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐๐,’ made a significant impact. Her expertise and commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment are truly commendable.
LDIA is excited to continue this important work, striving to create a more inclusive and equitable future, together with our members. While it may be more challenging than ever, we are determined to continue this vital mission.
Thank you to Veerle Van Hoorebeeck and the entire team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP for hosting this meaningful ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก & ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง session!
hashtaginclusion hashtaginclusiveworkplace hashtagequity hashtagequality
24 September – Displaced Legal Talent Initiative (DLTI)
On the 24th of September, we had the privilege of presenting the Displaced Legal Talent Initiative (DLTI) to all our LDIA members.
Within the framework of Displaced Talent for Europe, the DLTI aims to place displaced legal professionals into paralegal and business services roles, thereby creating legal pathways to safety and enhancing diversity within the legal sector.
We are grateful to all the participants and for everyone’s support in engaging the legal community. Last but not least, a special thanks to DLA Piper for hosting us and to Fragomen for leading this initiative.
We are excited to see more law firms step forward to recruit displaced talent and contribute to this impactful initiative.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to us at DT4E@iom.int to learn how your firm can participate and make a difference!
Fragomen, Talent Beyond Boundaries, IOM – UN Migration
DT4E is funded by the European Union.
inclusion talentbeyondbounderies walkthetalk
4 June – Bi-monthly meeting
โ๏ธ During our recent bi-monthly meeting, we had insightful discussions focused on the essential qualities and actions required to be an effective member of LDIA. We underscored the importance of not just preaching about diversity, equality, equity and inclusion (DEI), but also ensuring that we “walk the talk” by integrating DEI principles into our daily operations and long-term strategies.
โ๏ธ One of the key initiatives discussed was the launch of LDIA Labs, which specifically focus on addressing issues surrounding socio-economic diversity and now women in law. These initiatives are designed to foster diversity within the legal sector, cultivating an environment that embraces inclusivity.
โ๏ธ Furthermore, we brainstormed the idea of establishing an LDIA Academy. This academy would serve as a platform to support students, providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources to succeed in the legal profession.
โ๏ธ We believe that these initiatives, coupled with our ongoing commitment to DEI, will help us make significant strides towards creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal community. We look forward to sharing more updates as these projects progress and continue to evolve.
๐ We are grateful to Charlotte Wojda and the team at Van Bael & Bellis for hosting this concluding meeting as we approach the summer holiday season.
hashtagldia hashtagdiversityandinclusion hashtagequity hashtagequality
23 May – Championing LGBTQIA+ rights through EU Policy & Corporate Practicesย
Firstly, we at LDIA would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Kyriakos Fountoukakos, Kian O’Connell, and Herbert Smith Freehills for their exemplary moderation, organization, and hosting of the ‘All Together’ event, which focused on ‘Championing LGBTQIA+ rights through EU Policy & Corporate Practices’, and to all LDIA members for their attendance.
It was particularly enlightening to learn about the policies and measures implemented by the European Commission and the Cabinet of the Belgian Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity. We are grateful to have had such inspiring speakers as Silvan Agius, Susanne Knรถfel and Katarzyna Szkuta (PhD). Our Co-Chair, Kathleen M. (Kat) Van Nuffel, highlighted that the LGBTQIA+ community has certain expectations of governance. This is a significant point of discussion.
Furthermore, hearing about the corporate practices of industry leaders such as Agapi Patsa from Google and Melody Moodley from Abbvie in terms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was truly educational.
We eagerly anticipate continuing these important dialogues as time often feels too fleeting during such significant events.
hashtaglgbtqia+ hashtaginclusion hashtaghumanrights
16 April – Bi-Monthly meeting + workshop: Unlocking Neurodiversity Power
Thank youย Ferdaous Lahrichiย for enlightening us, during our bi-monthly meeting, on the crucial aspects of DE&I; for stimulating our thoughts and initiating a conversation on the transformation into a neuro-inclusive workplace. Recognizing neurodiversity and striving for a neuro-inclusive workplace is not only important, but also fundamental in fostering a truly inclusive environment.
We are grateful toย Fieldfisher Belgiumย for hosting the event, and toย Fragomenย for introducing an exciting new initiative, DT4E. It is a promising venture that we look forward to exploring in greater depth.
In addition,ย Kathleen M. (Kat) Van Nuffelย concluded our remarkable meeting with the latest news regarding the LDIA Lab, which is poised to embody multiple pillars to transform our words into actions. More to come.
#inclusionย #walkthetalkย #ldia
14 March 2024 – International Women’s Day – Panel discussion (All Together event)
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS:ย A DEEP DIVE INTO INITIATIVES FOR IMPROVING GENDER REPRESENTATION AT SENIOR LEVELS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION, hosted and organized by Wilson Sonsini
We extend our gratitude toย Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosatiย for orchestrating a truly inspiring event for all LDIA members: “๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐: ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฒ๐ป๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐น๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐น๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐น ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฒ๐น๐ฑ.” The panel featured distinguished speakersย Laura De Boel,ย Caroline Louveaux,ย Nathalie Laneret, andย Beatriz Martinez Molina, with moderation byย Hattie Watsonย in celebration of International Womenโs Day.
Throughout the discussion, the panel underscored the significance of telecommuting, flexible work schedules, part-time arrangements, office dynamics, and optimal event planning for fostering inclusivity. The dialogue also emphasized the necessity of mentorship and sponsorship programs in advancing the careers of female attorneys, alongside initiatives for coaching, leadership training, and confidence building.
The panel offered valuable insights, encouraging attendees to embrace imperfection, support one another, seek guidance, and learn from shared experiences. Highlighting the importance of fostering a firm culture where women are not only valued, but where their personal needs are accommodated. The conversation stressed the mutual benefits of diverse and inclusive work environments. Effective communication was emphasized as pivotal in facilitating collaboration between all stakeholders.
Acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by women in the legal profession, including talent management, the disproportionate representation of women in leadership roles, and the trend of female lawyers transitioning to in-house roles for improved work-life balance, both the panel and audience resolutely called for action.
To conclude,ย Kathleen M. (Kat) Van Nuffel, Co-Chair LDIA, emphasized that this discussion signifies the inaugural session of the upcoming LDIA Lab’s “๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐น ๐ช๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฝ,” signaling a proactive step towards addressing these issues and fostering positive change within the legal community.
1 February 2024 – 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE LAUNCH OF LDIA
As we stood on the threshold of celebrating the 5th anniversary of the launch of LDIA, we found ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together.
โOn 31 January 2019, we set out with a vision, a mission, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. We now mark this significant milestone and can look back with a sense of accomplishment at the collective achievements, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering dedication that has brought us to where we are today. In celebrating this anniversary, we took a moment to reflect on the collaborative spirit that defines us. It is the combined effort of every individual, each unique skill set, and the diversity of thought that has fueled LDIA’s growth and success.โ, noted LDIA Board membersย Caroline Williams (she, her, hers),ย Els Lagasse,ย Anna Duron (She/Her/Hers)ย andย Kathleen M. (Kat) Van Nuffel.
We are very grateful for the invaluable contributions to the panel discussion on mental health, led and moderated byย Muriel Marseille, Global Chief Risk Officer,ย Ashurst.
The insights of our panelistsย Julie Ivaldi, clinical psychologist and certified psychotherapist, Dr.ย Milie Nwoye, gynecologist and expert in endocrinologyย Stephanie Davidson, vice-prรฉsidente de la commission bien-รชtre psychosocial de l’Ordre, membre de la commission professionnelle et sociale de l’Ordre,ย Line De Decker, Transformational Business Leader | Global HR and Sustainability Executive, and keynote speakerย Richard Martin, Executive Officer of the MBC, made the event both enlightening and impactful. It was truly inspiring to hear each of them sharing perspectives, experiences, and knowledge on such a crucial topic. Their willingness to address the challenges surrounding mental health, break down stigma, and promote open conversations is commendable. The information shared not only increased awareness but also empowered many of us to approach mental health with a more informed and compassionate outlook.
โInclusion is not just a concept; it’s a way of lifeโ, and the closing remarks ofย Els Koninckx, Board Member Order of the Flemish Bar, beautifully articulated that. Her passion and sincerity left a lasting impact on all of us, motivating us to actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Finally, Alexander Decrans/Lola McQueen, graced the evening with an enchanting performance of ‘Million Dreams’ after sharing his personal journey through mental health challenges. As an advocate for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and a professional drag queen, Lola captivated us all with the powerful message that resonated: “Don’t just dream your live, but live your dreams! Never stop believing, never give up!”
More photos you can find here by MaximuZ.
2019 – 2023 EVENTS
