Keynote Presentation: Be a Little Braver with David McQueen, Renowned Leadership Coach
Step into an extraordinary session with renowned leadership coach David McQueen in his keynote presentation, "Be a Little Braver." This empowering talk will inspire you to push beyond your limits and embrace courage in every aspect of your life. David will reveal how bold actions and confident decisions can transform your self-leadership and your ability to lead others. This is your chance to learn from one of the most influential and authentic voices in leadership.
My Path to Career Success: Highlights, Red Flags, and Avoidable Mistakes
Leadership Keynote: Hervé Ekué
Join us for an intimate and inspiring fireside chat with Hervé Ekué, the Global Managing Partner of A&O Shearman. In this keynote conversation, Hervé will share his personal journey as a Black lawyer rising to the top of a prestigious global law firm. Hear about the challenges he faced, the triumphs he celebrated, and the lessons he learned along the way. Gain exclusive insights into his strategies for overcoming barriers, fostering diversity, and leading with resilience and vision. This is a unique opportunity to be inspired by Hervé Ekué's remarkable story and to learn from his experiences in breaking new ground in the legal industry. Don't miss this captivating session that promises to be both motivational and enlightening.
Join us for a candid and compelling session featuring a panel of leading lawyers from both in-house and private practice. In this real talk session, our esteemed panelists will reveal the key actions and decisions that propelled them to success, along with the things they wish they hadn't done. They’ll uncover the red flags to watch out for and share the mistakes they made so you can avoid them. This is your chance to gain unfiltered insights and advice from top legal professionals who have navigated the highs and lows of their careers. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear the truth behind the journey to legal excellence and arm yourself with the knowledge to forge your own successful path.
How We Broke Barriers: Success Strategies from Powerful Leaders
Join us for an empowering session where influential women lawyers share their incredible journeys of breaking barriers and achieving success in the legal profession. These trailblazing leaders will discuss the strategies that propelled them to the top, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. Gain valuable insights into navigating the legal field, shattering glass ceilings, and leveraging your unique strengths to make a lasting impact. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and triumph from some of the most respected women in law. Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to forge your own path to success!
Shaping Tomorrow: Black Lawyers and the Evolving Landscape of Law
Join us for a forward-thinking discussion on the future of law and the unique challenges and opportunities facing Black lawyers. As the legal profession undergoes transformative changes, including the rise of AI and automation, it's crucial to examine how these shifts will impact Black legal professionals. In this session, we'll explore the potential effects of AI on Black lawyers' roles and career paths and discuss strategies for navigating these changes. From embracing innovation to exploring new avenues for growth and advancement, learn how Black lawyers can thrive in the evolving legal landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights and chart your course for success in the future of law.
Mastering the Art of Connection: Building Powerful Professional Relationships in Legal Practice: Insights from Across the Pond
Join us for a deep dive into the intricacies of navigating power dynamics, building strategic alliances, and advancing your career in the legal profession. Our distinguished panel of legal experts will offer firsthand experiences, actionable strategies, and cultural comparisons to help you thrive in the competitive landscape of legal practice. Whether you're a seasoned barrister, a corporate counsel, or a junior associate, this session promises valuable insights and practical guidance for mastering office politics on both sides of the Atlantic.
Unlocking Success: LinkedIn Mastery for Business Development and Career Growth
Transform your legal practice and position yourself as an authority in your field of law. Led by a seasoned industry experts, this immersive workshop offers tailored strategies and actionable insights designed specifically for Black legal professionals. From honing your personal brand to mastering influential communication and strategic networking, participants will acquire the essential tools and confidence to optimise their use of LinkedIn for career success. Whether you're a novice associate or a seasoned practitioner, take a proactive step towards your future success.
BCF Gala Dinner
Prepare for an evening of glitz, glamour, and entertainment as we celebrate the BCF LifeTime Award honouree with an exquisite three-course Gala Dinner. Hosted by the charismatic Eddie Nestor, enjoy entertainment throughout the evening and dance the night away to the beats of DJ Milktray. Join us for a night you won't forget!
Who's Got it Right? Multi-Generational Perspectives on the Legal Profession
​​Can Generation Z survive and thrive amidst the challenges of today's legal landscape? Will they revolutionise the profession or opt for an exodus? And what about the Baby Boomers—did they miss the mark? From contrasting work ethics to divergent career aspirations, no topic is off-limits!
DEI: Worth Fighting For or Time to Move On?
What is the relevance and impact of DEI initiatives on Black lawyers today? In this fiery but thought-provoking debate, we'll explore whether DEI efforts have been effective or detrimental, and whether it's time to rethink our approach. Is DEI a necessary fight, or should we pursue alternative strategies?
Healing Career Wounds: Strategies for Bouncing Back When Things Go Wrong
Experiencing career setbacks can be devastating, but it's something we all face at some stage in our professional lives. Join us for an invaluable session as we explore the crucial topic of career recovery. Learn how to recognise the early signs when things are going wrong in your legal career and discover effective strategies to bounce back. Our experts will provide practical advice on addressing career setbacks, navigating difficult situations, and putting yourself back on track. Gain insights into building resilience, leveraging support networks, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Don't miss this chance to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to heal career wounds and emerge stronger than ever.
David McQueen's Leadership Roundtable: Invite Only
Join an exclusive and transformative session with renowned leadership expert David McQueen. This invite-only roundtable brings together General Counsel, partners and senior barristers for an intimate and dynamic discussion on brave Black leadership in today's environment. Dive deep into critical topics such as strategic decision-making, innovative thinking, and building resilient teams. David McQueen will share his wealth of knowledge and practical insights, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaborative learning. This is a unique opportunity to engage with other Black legal leaders, share experiences, and gain invaluable leadership strategies to drive success in your organisation.
Choose Your Track: The High Performance Lawyer
Join one of our three targeted workshops each designed specifically for associates, in-house counsel and barristers. In these interactive sessions, we will explore the unique challenges and solutions for accelerating your career. Engage in dynamic breakout sessions where you will delve into tailored strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving professional growth. These workshops will provide a collaborative environment for sharing insights and best practices, guided by industry experts. To ensure a personalised experience, we will invite you to register in advance for the workshop that best aligns with your career path.
Lessons for Lawyers from Black Founders: Mastering the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Discover what Black lawyers can learn from Black founders in this inspiring and insightful session. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear from trailblazing Black entrepreneurs as they reveal their secrets to success. Uncover the entrepreneurial strategies, innovative mindsets, and key takeaways that propelled them to the top. Learn why embracing a founder's mentality is crucial for any entrepreneurial lawyer aiming to make a mark.
*Note that this is a draft Program and Black Counsel Forum reserve the right to amend this Program.