Event Description
Online registration for this
event is closed, please e-mail kkozicky@mnbars.org
to register.
Remote Event
The program will cover the following
topics:• The speakers will consider how lawyers from a different
national origin and culture are selected or not selected by clients because of
client assumptions on how well we know the U.S. legal system and can or cannot
complete the job;
• How immigrant lawyers use their own personal
immigration story to support an understanding of immigrant clients’ needs – not
only for immigration law matters but also in other legal matters like business
ownership, employment law, or family law/domestic relations;
• How
immigrant lawyers are perceived by judges and colleagues in the profession and
how bias can creep into attitudes of competence towards immigrant attorneys
because of English spoken with accents;
• How there are positives and
negatives associated with clients from the same national origin select immigrant
attorneys because of a shared cultural/ethnic heritage;
• How immigrant
attorneys are able to use their life experience and language skills to
differentiate themselves from native-born attorneys for business
development;
• How immigrant attorneys interact with clients of various
nationalities and the logistics and complications of translators and
interpreters in client relationships, and how those issues impact the
administration of justice;
• How immigrant attorneys deal with gender
considerations, that is, male clients who are uncertain and/or uncomfortable
with representation by women; and female clients who may face cultural barriers
and ethnic traditions in speaking freely with men, including a male
attorney. In the immigration law context this might include pursuing
claims about gender violence.
In addition to the above, the panel will consider the impact of
their immigrant status and history as it relates to the Supreme Court’s Race
Bias and Gender Fairness Task Force Reports, including as noted above how
speaking with an accent might be viewed prejudicially in connection with the
administration of justice.
It is noted that immigrant attorneys are
also often representing clients in underserved areas as well as people of
diverse backgrounds and cultures where client attitudes towards the justice
system may be based on other contexts.
Moderator: TBD
Panelists:
Soledad Bardelli, Associate Attorney, Revilla Law Firm, P.A.
Juventino Meza, Co-founder, Unidos MN
Renate Sharp, Founder and President, European Christmas Market
Cost:Section Member: Free
Member, not in section: $15
Non Member- $45
Law Student & New Admittee: Free
CLE Credits: 1
Elimination of Bias applied for-503471
Registration
Deadline: 11am, April 16th. To register after that time, email the program
manager.
Remote
Participation: Remote instructions will be emailed
to you the day prior to the event. A calendar file with a Zoom link is available
for download in the automatic receipt.
Program Manager: Kelly Kozicky |
kkozicky@mnbars.org |
612-278-6351
Payments/Cancellations: Please register online or over the phone by credit card
whenever possible. If you must pay by check, please use this registration
form. Need to cancel? Please see our cancellation
policy .
Accommodations: We are
committed to creating an inclusive environment in which all members can
participate fully. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this
event, please notify the program manager with at least 72 hours notice prior to
the meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations.
Thank you.