Heritage and History Month Q & As
One of the most meaningful traditions in our DI & B programming is hearing directly from colleagues about the heritage and history months that matter to them. In their own words, our attorneys share how their backgrounds and cultures have shaped who they are today.
Black History
What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers?
While honing legal skills is critical for young attorneys, it is also important to focus on business development. Build your network, connect with peers, and seek mentors and sponsors. There are many ways to do this, but one fun way is to get involved in organizations such as the National Bar Association, the nation’ s largest and oldest bar association for predominately Black attorneys and judges. Business development is a learned skill, just like becoming a great trial lawyer is a learned skill.
Walter D. Davis Jr. is an intellectual property litigation attorney in Washington, D. C., and is a member of the BR Black affinity group.
Women’ s History
What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers?
When I went to law school, I thought I would work at a big law firm for two to three years and then leave; I didn’ t think it was possible to become a partner as someone who also wanted to start a family. I would say keep your mind open and find mentors who you can openly communicate with— you really don’ t know how your career will turn out!
Kathryn C. Appling is a real estate attorney in New York and is a member of the BR Women affinity group.
Pride Month What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month is a time for me to visibly express my allyship in support of my family, friends, and colleagues in the LGBTQ + community. It’ s important for me to stand proudly with the community and offer my support in any way I can.
Dennis M. P. Ehling is a business litigation attorney in Los Angeles and is a member of the BR Pride affinity group.
The BRoader Impact- 2026 Annual Report 21