Lawyering in a Diverse World Archives
Past Workshops/Events At a Glance
2010-2011 Trainings and Workshops
October 2010
The Edge that Cuts: Intersections of Transphobia, Racism, Economic Injustice, and the Law
Sponsored by the Seattle University Law Review and Seattle Journal for Social Justice with support from Lawyering in a Diverse World Program at Seattle University School of Law. View the schedule of events.
Diversity Table Talk
The small group conversations are facilitated by trained individuals provided by Seattle University's Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Table Talk is an informal, facilitated conversation over a meal. Participants discuss whether a personal philosophy of lawyering is needed and how such a philosophy can fill the gap between a lawyer's duty to a client and a lawyer's personal value of taking on the larger issue affecting that client. This is important as students prepare to take on their roles as legal interns/future lawyers. These conversations and personal reflections better prepare students to serve diverse communities.
November 2010
Disability Rights: Ethics and Practical Skills
Join us for an engaging program about how to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities, including how to effectively interview people with disabilities and how to ensure compliance with the RPCs when representing clients with disabilities. In addition, participants will learn how to issue-spot special education issues in housing, family & public benefits cases.
The Evening with the Equal Justice Community event is an opportunity for students and legal aid attorneys to meet informally in groups related to their practice area(s) of interest. It is co-sponsored by the School of Law's Public Interest Law Foundation and Access to Justice Institute.
January 2011
Racial Justice Leadership Institute Skills Training
The Racial Justice Leadership Institute is designed to foster SU law students' leadership skills for working toward racial justice. This opportunity will offer 40 students dedicated time to focus on recognizing and naming systems of racial privilege and oppression in legal education and the legal profession while building skis to work for racial justice. Due to the nature of the Institute, a commitment to participation for the entirety of the process (all four sessions) is required.
March 2011
Civil and Criminal Advocacy Strategies for Protecting Civil Rights CLE
An engaging discussion on police accountability in light of the increasing number of incidents and reports of police misconduct. Sponsored by Seattle University School of Law's Lawyering in a Diverse World Series and the Task Force on Race and the Criminal Justice System.
April 2011
Diversity Table Talk
The small group conversations are facilitated by trained individuals provided by Seattle University's Office of Multicultural Affairs.
2009-2010 Trainings and Workshops
- September 27 - Racial Justice Leadership Institute
- October 13 - Poverty Law Simulation & CLE
- November 2 - Diversity Table Talk
- January 23 - Inclusion, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Competence as a Justice Imperative
- February 22-February 25 - Diversity Week "The Intersections that Connect Us"
- February 25 - The Dollars and Sense of Diversity: The Value of Diversity & How to Achieve It
- March 5 - Dealing with Racial/Ethnic Bias in the Courtoom
- April - Diversity Table Talk
September 2009
Racial Justice Leadership Institute
Discussion Leader: Dean Spade, Professor of Law, Seattle University School of Law & Jolie Harris, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The Racial Justice Leadership Institute (RJLI) is designed to foster Seattle University School of Law students' leadership skills for working toward racial justice. This opportunity offers 40 students dedicated time to focus on understanding white supremacy, recognizing operations of racial oppression in general and in the legal profession, and building skills to work for racial justice.
October 2009
Poverty Simulation & CLE
Presented and facilitated by Fé Lopez, Assistant Director for Student Life and Roxanne Mennes, Director, Continuing Legal Education and Therese Norton, 2L. As part of Social Justice Week, this poverty simulation is a unique interactive workshop where participants role-play what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. Students gain awareness about the way in which various legal and social service systems come together in the lives of people living in poverty.
November 2009
Diversity Table Talk
The small group conversations are facilitated by trained individuals provided by Seattle University's Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Table Talk is an informal, facilitated conversation over a meal. Participants discuss whether a personal philosophy of lawyering is needed and how such a philosophy can fill the gap between a lawyer's duty to a client and a lawyer's personal value of taking on the larger issue affecting that client. This is important as students prepare to take on their roles as legal interns/future lawyers. These conversations and personal reflections better prepare students to serve diverse communities.
January 2010
Inclusion, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Competence as a Justice Imperative
Discussion Leader: Ada Shen-Jaffe, Senior Advisor to the Dean
Ada Shen-Jaffe facilitates an interactive work session where students learn about and review frameworks that can strengthen their effectiveness as advocates and leaders in an increasingly diverse and global world. Students look at some of the basic building blocks of self-awareness and "EQ" (emotional intelligence), and move on to anti-oppression frameworks relating to status, social rank and power that can help ground students' work as professionals, wherever their career paths take them, in the increasingly important justice imperatives of inclusion, diversity, and cross-cultural competence.
February 2010
Diversity Week
"The Intersections that Connect Us"
February 22-February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22
Haiti: A Call to Service and the Importance of International Aid
Anupa Iyer (2L; President, Health Law Society) will moderate a panel of experts from the medical and legal community who will discuss the devastating impact of the earthquake in Haiti and the importance legal and medical aid plays in the efforts to rebuild a country.
Korematsu Center: New Haven Firefighters Appeal
Professors Robert Chang and Natasha Martin, along with a law student researcher, will present and discuss the work that the Korematsu Center is doing with the appeal of the New Haven firefighter's discrimination suit.
Tuesday, February 23
Invisible People: Those Who Don't Look the Other Way
Andra Kranzler (2L; Member, BLSA Executive Board) will moderate a panel that will take a panoramic look into the Seattle homeless community and the issues they face. The panel will discuss the tragedies that have put some homeless individuals on the streets, as well as the hurdles members of the homeless community face when looking for a job. Panelists come from Real Change, Fare Stare, SYLAW, and the Homelessness Speaker Bureau. Also featuring the photography project "Helping Our Brothers Out", the work of a local artist, Bernard Nguyen.
Gay is NOT the New Black
Jolie Harris (Assistant Director, Seattle University Office of Multicultural Affairs) takes on the problematic cliché that is makings its way around in Gay is NOT the New Black. The passage of Proposition 8 for gay marriage in California was blamed on people of color who supported Obama but not the marriage initiative. This inflated claim had a heyday in the media, which as a far from objective power structure is known to create conflict. But these messages were taken as factual. Harris will screen her short film and lead a small group discussion after to discuss these issues.
Attorney General's Office Brownbag: Diversity in Public Service
Small panel made up attorneys from AGO's office will discuss prepared scenarios illustrating issues relating to diversity that attorneys in public service face on a day-to-day basis.
Wednesday, February 24
Diversity from the Perspective of the Bench
Seattle University School of Law is honored to host two justices of the Washington State Supreme Court. Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson will discuss the groundbreaking work of the Gender and Justice Commission and the Minority and Justice Commission. They will also speak about experiences from their own lives that illustrate the importance of being exposed to different viewpoints and cultural perspectives in order to avoid negative biases in litigating and judicial decision making.
Examining the Glass Ceiling: Wage Disparities Between Genders
Myra Downing, Executive Director of the Gender and Justice Commission, will moderate a panel of female attorneys from different age groups and racial backgrounds who will react to recent data on the wage gap. The women will address a series of questions that will reveal the panel's perspective on whether the glass ceiling still exists and how they feel it impacts them in their careers, if at all. Interim Dean Annette Clark will conclude the discussion with insights about how to deal with glass ceiling attitudes in salary negotiations strategies.
Criminalization of Undocumented People: The Reality of Injustice
Sandy Restrepo (1L; Community Organizer, El Comite Pro-Reforma Migratoria Y Justicia Social) will moderate a panel that will include various members of the legal community who will discuss the criminalization of undocumented workers. Attorneys will also relay the prejudices undocumented immigrants face and will also describe personal experiences they have faced while working with the injustices faced by immigrants.
Serving Cultural and Economic Minority Communities
Elizabeth Hendren, 1L, will moderate a panel discussing the issues that arise in representing diverse communities. Wyking Allah, from the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center, will speak about his work and what he would like to see in a lawyer from a client's perspective. Professor O'Neill will speak about her experiences representing Native American tribes and will give an attorney's perspective on representing diverse communities. Participants will be challenged to think of what respectful and meaningful representation should look like, as well as what we can start doing now as law students to address these issues.
Networking Beyond your Gender and Cultural Identity
You've heard before that it helps to "be connected" and to "network." But nobody ever tells you how you are supposed to do that. Professor Heidi Bond has no lawyers in her family tree. She can't golf, doesn't watch football, and is allergic to calling people on the phone - especially if she doesn't know them. She nonetheless has a pretty good look at how the mysterious network of connections works. She'll demystify it for you... and explain how you can make your diversity work for you, rather than against you.
Diversity Week Reception
With Remarks from Salvador Mungia,
President of the Washington State Bar Association
In partnership with the Student Bar Association, Seattle University School of Law host the Diversity Week Reception. This reception will cap off our Annual Diversity Week, which provides opportunities for our law school community to learn and dialogue about important diversity-related issues and to celebrate academic excellence and education for justice achieved through diversity.
February 2010
The Dollars & Sense of Diversity: The Value of Diversity & How to Achieve It
Presented by Lourdes Fuentes and Mark O'Halloran.
This CLE will address two questions: "What is the value of diversity?" and "How do you achieve that value?" The sessions is divided into three parts: The business case, recruitment and retention strategies, and making a commitment to diversity.
Diversity in the law profession is important for many reasons including demands by clients, the diversity of corporate America, the changing demographics of our country, the need for different points of view to solve complex issues in our interconnected world, and the needs of the new generation of law graduates who expect to work in a diverse and vibrant workplace. In addition to providing the framework for a discussion on the value of diversity, this session goes a step further and provides practical information on doing an internal audit, exploring recruitment and retention strategies, and learning the steps for reaching desired results. Participants gain tools to: measure where they are and where they are going; idenfity strategies and approaches that would work in their environment; access the trends in successfully creating a diverse workforce.
March 2010
Dealing with Racial/Ethnic Bias in the Courtroom
Lawyers representing either side in a criminal or civil case can and should seek decisions that are free of racial bias for tactical and ethical reasons. This training will discuss why avoiding racial bias is in the mutual interest of both sides in criminal and civil litigation. This training will also discuss techniques designed to reveal racial bias in potential jurors and promote race-neutral decision-making in the courtoom. 3.0 Ethics CLE Credits.
Register now: www.regonline.com/Mar0510
April 2010
Diversity Table Talk
The small group conversations are facilitated by trained individuals provided by Seattle University's Office of Multicultural Affairs.
2008-2009 Trainings and Workshops
- September 27, 2008 - Inclusion, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Competence as Justice Imperatives
- October 7, 2008 - Law Student Diversity Table Talk: Race, Gender, and the Election
- October 7, 2008 - How to Be a Mentee & Creating Useful Networks
- November 8, 2008 - The Disability Perspective
- January 24, 2009 - Cross-Cultural Lawyering
- February 23 - 26. 2009 - Diversity Week
- March 28. 2009 - Safe Spaces
- April 4, 2009 - Bias in the Courtroom
September 2008
Inclusion, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Competence as Justice Imperatives
Discussion Leader: Ada Shen-Jaffe, Senior Advisor to the Dean, Seattle University School of Law
In this interactive work session, students learned about and reviewed frameworks to strengthen their effectiveness as advocates and leaders in an increasingly diverse and global world. They looked at some of the basic building blocks of self-awareness and "EQ" (emotional intelligence), and moved onto anti-oppression frameworks relating to status, social rank and power.
October 2008
Law Student Diversity Table Talk: Race, Gender, and the Election
Presented and facilitated by Seattle University Office of Multicultural Affairs. This was a student-initiated event.
Diversity is an important component of who and what we are as a law school; the more we discuss critical issues of race, class, gender, ability and sexual orientation, the better we can continue to advance social justice.
Table Talks are informal, small group, facilitated conversations over a meal. Participants were given background reading (short reading) in advance to spark conversation about the intersection of race and gender in political power.
How to Be a Mentee/Creating Useful Networks
Discussion Leaders: Fe Lopez, Assistant Director for Student Life and Stacey Lara-Kerr, Associate Director of Center for Professional Development.
"How to Be a Mentee" is a presentation on the does and dont's of being a good and effective mentee. Having mentors is extremely important in a law stduent and young attorney's career. They can provide much needed guidance and can often be an advocate in obtaining and retaining a job.
"Creating Useful Networks" is a presentation on how law students can create and maintain networks within the legal community. This is a presentation on how law students can create and maintain networks within the legal community. This is an opportunity to find out the diverse variety of legal networks in our community and how to create your own.
November 2008
The Disability Perspective
Presented by Andrea Kadlec, David Carlson and Stacie Siebrecht from Disability Rights Washington.
This training focuses on understanding and advocating for people with disabilities. You will learn about the protection and advocacy system established by the federal government and the services Disability Rights Washington (DRW) provides. After getting an overview of the different types of disabilities, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of using people first language and the disability culture. Participants also will participate in a game to educate individuals as to the important roles people with disabilities have played in our history and the critical developments in the disability civil rights movement. The training also will provide some tips on interviewing individuals with disabilities so as to obtain accurate information from a person with a disability. Finally, participants will learn about how to apply the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) to providing services to people with disabilities with a specific focus on RPC 1.14 and 1.6.
January 2009
Cross Cultural Lawyering
Discussion Leader: Professor Paul Holland, Director, Seattle University School of Law Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic
To be effective in our multicultural society, lawyers must develop the ability to anticipate, identify, and overcome culture-based assumptions, their own and those of the many others with whom they interact (e.g., clients, co-counsel, opposing counsel, judges). This highly interactive session is intended to introduce students to a variety of practices which will improve their ability to avoid the pitfalls of our human tendency to make such assumptions.
February 2009
Diversity Week
February 23-February 26. 2009
Monday, February 23
ATJI Social Justice Monday
Interactive workshop using techniques of the Theatre of the Oppressed. Facilitated by Jaspreet Chowdhary, featuring members of Stage Advocates.
The Status & Future of Diversity in Times of Economic Downturn: Can the U.S. Afford Diversity?
Roundtable dialogue with Prof. Delgado & Prof. Stefancic.
Roundtable Dinner with Members of the Law Review & Seattle Journal for Social Justice
Tuesday, February 24
Attorney General's Office - Diversity Luncheon
Informal luncheon with AAGs: Pedro Bernal, Diane Cartwright, Elijah Forde, Jonathan Mark, Jacqueline Walker, and Maureen Ann Mannix, as moderator.
Screening for "My Wife"
David Rothmiller's unique documentary humanizes the struggle for full LGBT marriage equality and getting Washington state to pass equality legislation. Sponsored by OutLaws and American Constitution Society.
Wednesday, February 25
Minority Law Student King County Courthouse Tour & "Discover Law Buddy Day"
Law students will be paired with youth, observe trials, and attend a networking lunch with members of the bar and bench.
Student Organizing Tabling Fair
If you have been waiting for a chance to get involved, the time is now! Each organization will display/talk about what "diversity" means to them.
Roundtable Discussion with the Honorable Mary Yu, Ms. Marcine Anderson,, and Ms. Twyla Carter
An open-ended conversation on their perspectives of the legal experience as multiracial persons of color. Sponsored by APILSA.
Thursday, February 26
What is the Meaning of Diversity Today?
Are we in a post-racial society now? With an African-American President, does diversity take on a new meaning? Are these discussions still relevant? Roundtable dialogue with Professors Martin and Mahmud.
The International Perspective: What Is the Meaning of Diversity Today?
Are we in a post-racial society now? Dialogue with Professors Slye and Chinen.
"Minority Voting Rights" CLE with Professor Avila
Learn how methods of election deny people of color a meaningful opportunity to participate in the political process. WSBA Young Lawyers Division CLE. SU Law students may attend at no cost.
Diversity Week Reception
Come celebrate! Network with alumni and attorneys from the legal community and specialty bar associations. Keynote speaker: Jeff Robinson of Schroeter Goldmark & Bender.
March 2009
Safe Spaces
Discussion Leader: Dr. Manivong J. Ratts, Department of Counseling and School Psychology, Seattle University School of Education
This training focuses on being an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community. Basic LGBTQ concepts and theories as well as strategies on how to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ individuals are explored. Participants will have opportunities to practice ways to address anti-LGBTQ comments and develop skills to address common LGBTQ-related questions. Upon completion of the training, each participant will receive a Safe Space notebook and emblem that can be displayed in one's office. The emblem represents a safe environment that is supportive and affirming of LGBTQ individuals. Note: This training is intended for those who are committed and ready to be allies to the LGBTQ community. It is not meant as a forum for debating LGBTQ issues. This training is sponsored through a grant from the Pride Foundation.
April 2009
Bias in the Courtroom
Discussion Leaders: Jeff Robinson, Attorney, Schroeter Goldmark Bender, and Jill Otaki, Assistant U.S. Attorney
Lawyers representing either side in a criminal or civil case can and should seek decisions that are free of racial bias for tactical and ethical reasons. This training will discuss why avoiding racial bias is in the mutual interest of both sides in criminal and civil litigation. This training will also discuss techniques designed to reveal racial bias in potential jurors and promote race-neutral decision-making in the courtroom.
Sullivan Hall