Dreams …
Lynn L . Tavenner Tavenner & Beran , PLC
In wonderful collaborative fashion , the American College of Bankruptcy , supported by the American Bankruptcy Institute and their respective diversity committees , organized and presented the inaugural Discovering Restructuring Expertise and Mentorship Symposium ( DREAMS ) on the afternoon of November 9 , 2023 at Howard University School of Law ’ s Pauli Murry Suite and Moot Court Room in Washington , D . C . This highly successful , multi-faceted program was designed to ( i ) provide information to law students on insolvency careers , ( ii ) cultivate a pipeline of available candidates to professional firms with vibrant restructuring practices , and ( iii ) promote open dialogue among the insolvency professional community on ways for us to address inclusion and make available opportunities for all who aspire to join our wonderful insolvency industry .
The day began with a working lunch and programing for over 75 students , while the second half of the program was for practitioners and students alike . Discussions ranged from different types of professional opportunities in the bankruptcy and restructuring industry to empowering dialogue to advance a more equitable and inclusive insolvency profession . The event wrapped up with an energetic networking reception .
The student portion included a primer
on student loans , the most recent topic updates and alternative insolvency career vocations . The remainder of the symposium focused on empowering a more equitable insolvency profession and featured , among others , Robert Grey , Jr ., President of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity . It also highlighted documented research on bias in bankruptcy and ways to address diversity and inclusion challenges and truly turn dreams into reality through engagement and empowerment .
Special thanks to Howard University School of Law and Professor Matthew Bruckner for participating in and promoting this special event . The following bankruptcy judges also served as panelists and contributed countless hours to the preparation of the entire program : Judge Michelle M . Harner ( D . Md .), Judge Elizabeth L . Gunn ( D . D . C .), Judge Klinette H . Kindred ( E . D . Va .), and Judge Frank J . Santoro ( E . D . Va .). Their participation was both impactful and deeply appreciated . And huge thanks also are to the professionals who interrupted their busy schedules and happily contributed as moderators and panelists : Earl J . Barnes II of Sentara Health and current President of Just the Beginning , A Pipeline Organization ; Michael St . Patrick Baxter of Covington & Burling LLP ; Veronica Brown-Moseley of Financial Freedom Legal ; Prof . Pamela Foohey of Cardozo School of Law ; Elizabeth Gabaud of BakerHostetler ( Howard alum ); Lauren Friend McKelvey of Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLP ; Kevyn D . Orr of Jones Day ; Emony M . Robertson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld , LLP ( Howard alum ); Miles A .
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