Balch’s Brandi A. Russell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management, will present at the 17th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference on Nov. 21 at 2:20 p.m. EST. Brandi, along with other industry professionals, will lead a panel discussion about the realities of recruitment, retention and career advancement of African American lawyers in large law firms. The virtual conference will take place Nov. 18-22.
Based upon their collective experiences, panelists will share how the law firm recruitment process works and what law firms are really looking for in associate candidates. They will discuss common retention issues concerning African Americans, as well as best practices for professional development and career advancement in the legal profession.
The National Black Pre-Law Conference was founded by author/publisher, documentary filmmaker/producer, social entrepreneur, non-profit founder and leader, and lawyer Evangeline M. Mitchell. Throughout the years, she has helped empower thousands of prospective Black law students by providing information, resources, and connections many otherwise would not have access to.
Evangeline created the conference to provide a powerful forum to help increase the numbers of excellent, strategic and competitive African American law school applicants, students and graduates nationwide. The conference is designed to provide aspiring Black lawyers with access to empowering information, resources, and contacts that will assist them in the challenging journey ahead in pursuing admission into law school, success in the law school experience and on the bar exam, and beyond.
In her role at Balch, Brandi works alongside firm leadership and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council to lead the firm’s diversity strategy, addressing opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion at every level. In addition, she has expanded recruitment and retention initiatives with a focus on next generation talent. Brandi also directs the implementation of the firm’s professional development program to ensure attorneys have the resources needed to achieve their career goals and deliver great value to clients.
