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Recent Programs & Events
The Cadwalader Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosts programs and events throughout the year that are designed to increase cultural competence, celebrate history and heritage and educate attorneys on how to work effectively on diverse teams.
A Safe Place
June 6, 2023
Adam Heintz, Director of Pro Bono Services at Legal Services NYC, and Joy Wefum, Board Member at Legal Services NYC, joined us to discuss Legal Services NYC’s work fighting poverty and pursuing asylum for LGBTQ+ clients.
Joyce Vance – Democracy 2023: Keeping the Republic
April 18, 2023
Joyce Vance, MSNBC legal analyst who co-hosts the Café Insider with Preet Bharara and Sisters-in-Law podcasts, joined us for a conversation on the state of our democracy
Elevating and Promoting the Next Generation of Diverse Lawyers and Professionals
October 12, 2022
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Cadwalader Black & Latino Association hosted a fireside chat with Roberto Concepión, Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity and Employment Counsel at WeWork, and Jessica Ortiz, Deputy Inspector General and Director of Investigations at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Roberto and Jessica discussed their career paths and how to elevate and promote the next generation of diverse lawyers and professionals.
The Morning After: The Post-Dobbs Legal Landscape
Wednesday, September 28
Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law, NYU Law School, joined us to discuss the Dobbs decision, its importance and its implications for a broad range of civil rights.
Queeroes: The People who Made LGBTQ History
June 8, 2022
Kevin Jennings, the CEO of Lambda Legal, joined us to discuss both familiar and hidden stories from the LGBTQ community that paved the way for the freedoms we all-too-often take for granted.
Fireside Chat with Multidisciplinary Artist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
May 25, 2022
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Cadwalader Asian Pacific American Attorney Resource Group hosted a fireside chat with Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, a multidisciplinary artist, educator and activist. Amanda discussed her background and inspiration for her work such as the “We Are More” installation, a vibrant, joyful ode to the diverse of AAPI voices and stories.
Closing Rikers, Saving Lives
April 26, 2022
Stanley Richards, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Fortune Society, and Zachary Katznelson, Executive Director of The Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, joined us to discuss the history of Riker’s Island, the formation and role of the Lippman Commission, and what’s next for Rikers and beyond.
Civil Rights in the Crucible of COVID
February 2, 2022
Hayley Gorenberg, Legal Director for the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and Natalie M. Chin, Associate Professor of Law at the CUNY School of Law, joined us to discuss the COVID pandemic’s illumination of myriad civil rights challenges implicating race, disability, gender and the environment.
Service in Combat, Service for the Community: A Conversation with Former Congressman Max Rose
November 9, 2021
In celebration of Veterans Day, the Cadwalader Veterans Affinity Network hosted a webinar with Max Rose, distinguished military veteran and former congressman for the 11th district of New York. Max discussed how his time in combat prepared him for his service in Congress and continued service in the community.
Stopping the Hate: Can We Unite Our States?
October 12, 2021
Amy Feinman and Christopher Magyarics of the Anti-Defamation League joined us to discuss the continuing rise of hate crimes in the U.S. and how we can work together to combat hatred and discrimination.
A Discussion of Racial Subordination in Latin America and Its Influence in the USA
October 7, 2021
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Cadwalader Black and Latino Association hosted a webinar with Tanya Hernández, Archibald R. Murray Professor of Law, Associate Director & Head of Global and Comparative Law Programs and Initiatives at Fordham Law School Center on Race, Law & Justice. Professor Hernández discussed the history of African descendants in Latin America, the representation of Afro-Latinos in America, and how the history of Latin American states has played and continues to play a role in colorism in America.
Pride 2021: He/Him/Swim
June 10, 2021
Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender NCAA Men’s Division 1 athlete, joined us to discuss his experience as a #transgender athlete, #LGBTQ advocacy, and more.
The Anti-Asian Hate Crime Bill: Understanding the Past and Activating the Present
May 18, 2021
In commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Cadwalader Asian Pacific American Attorney Resource Group hosted a webinar with Phil Tajitsu Nash, an Adjunct Lecturer in the University of Maryland’s Asian American Studies Program and board member for the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). Phil covered a brief history of Asian Americans, the impact of the pandemic on the Asian American Pacific Islander community and the passage of the new Anti-Asian Hate Crime Bill.
In the Room Where It Happened
March 3, 2021
Cadwalader hosted a scholarly discussion of the constitution’s executive powers, the electoral college and more with Saikrishna Prakash, a James Monroe Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Talkback Discussion with the Production Team of the HISTORY Channel’s Documentary Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage
February 22, 2021
In celebration of Black History Month, the Cadwalader Black and Latino Association hosted an interactive discussion with Kirk Fraser, Executive Producer/Director, and Bryna Jean-Marie, Co-Producer, of the History Channel’s documentary Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage. Kirk and Bryna shared their experiences interviewing, writing, directing and producing the documentary; as well as discussed the connection between the Tuskegee Airmen, one of the first youth activist groups, and today’s civil rights movement.
Securing Elections in Insecure Times
October 14, 2020
Cadwalader hosted a timely discussion on Securing Elections in Insecure Times with guest speakers Leigh Chapman, Director, Voting Rights Program, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Sophia Lin Lakin, Deputy Director, Voting Rights Project at the ACLU.
The Reasonable Officer
August 5, 2020
Our Civil Rights Series continued with a discussion of Graham v. Connor, the Supreme Court case that sets the standard for a “reasonable officer” in police brutality cases. Guest speakers included Woody Connette, the attorney who represented Graham in his initial court case; Karol Mason, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice; and Ed Chung, Vice President for Criminal Justice Reform at American Progress.
LGBTQ Rights and COVID-19: Lessons from the Past, Opportunities for the Future
June 23, 2020
In celebration of Pride Month, the Cadwalader Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI) hosted a Civil Rights Series webinar titled "Pride With GLAD - LGBTQ Rights and COVID-19: Lessons from the Past, Opportunities for the Future." Guest speakers Janson Wu and Bennett Klein of GLAD, a civil rights organization focused on LGBT communities, discussed the parallels between the COVID-19 pandemic and the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Juneteenth: America’s Other Independence Day
June 19, 2020
Cadwalader, in partnership with the Association of Black Women Attorneys, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and the Office for Diversity & Inclusion at the New York City Bar Association, welcomed Dr. Fredara M. Hadley, a historian of black culture and ethnomusicology professor in the Department of Music History at The Juilliard School. Dr. Hadley led us through a discussion of the history of Juneteenth and provide commentary and context for a curated musical playlist that commemorates the holiday.
Harvard: Affirmative Action Battleground
February 25, 2020
Guest speakers Jin Hee Lee, Senior Deputy Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, and Jeannie Park, President of the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance and co-founder of the Coalition for a Diverse Harvard, led a discussion of the recent decision in the Harvard Affirmative Action case.
An Evening with New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
February 11, 2020
In celebration of Black History Month, the Cadwalader Black and Latino Association hosted Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate. Mr. Williams discussed his career, as well as the challenges and visions for the Office of the New York City Public Advocate.
Cadwalader Hosts Census 2020 ‘Know Your Rights’ Phone Bank
January 29, 2020
Cadwalader's Black & Latino Association, in collaboration with LatinoJustice PRLDEF and Univision Communications, hosted a 2020 Census "Know Your Rights" phone bank. The phone bank gave Spanish speakers an opportunity to call in with questions and receive information on the upcoming 2020 Census and its importance.
Civil Rights Series - Can the Right to Bear Arms Coexist with Gun Control?
November 6, 2019
Adam Skaggs, Chief Counsel & Policy Director of Giffords Law Center, and David Chipman, Retired ATF Special Agent and Senior Policy Advisor at Giffords,
joined us to discuss the right to bear arms and gun control.
A Discussion with LatinoJustice PRLDEF President Juan Cartagena on (CR)Immigration
October 2, 2019
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Cadwalader Black and Latino Association hosted Juan Cartagena, President and General Counsel of LatinoJustice PRLDEF. Mr. Cartagena discussed “(CR)Immigration”— the intersection of criminal and immigration law— the expanding criminalization of immigration and how (CR)Immigration is impacting the Latinx community.
Civil Rights Series - Bearing Witness: One Survivor’s Account of the Holocaust
September 19, 2019
Our 2019 Civil Rights Series continued with guest speaker Bronia Brandman, who shared her story as a Holocaust survivor.
Civil Rights Series - The Children Shall Lead Us
June 12, 2019
In celebration of Pride Month, Cadwalader’s Civil Rights Series featured M. Currey Cook of Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization focused on LGBT communities. The program was followed by the 2nd Annual Fabulous Party.
Civil Rights Series - #MeToo #YearTwo
February 6, 2019
Our 2019 Civil Rights Series opened with guest speakers Carmelyn Malalis, Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and Suzanne Goldberg, Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, joining us for a discussion of the #MeToo Movement.
A Discussion with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Criminal Justice Reform
October 10, 2018
Cadwalader's Black and Latino Association (CBLA) hosted Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez as part of the firm's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Mr. Gonzalez discussed his career as the first elected Latino District Attorney in New York State, criminal justice reform and his groundbreaking initiative, Justice 2020.
A Discussion with United States Army Brigadier General William B. Dyer III
Sept. 27, 2018
The Cadwalader Veterans Network welcomed U.S. Army Brigadier General William B. Dyer III to the D.C. Office. Brigadier General Dyer discussed his extensive military career, and how military service shaped his legal career and professional networks. He also offered insight on the balancing of civilian and reserve careers and the attributes that the various branches of the military look for when recruiting candidates.
Civil Rights Series – One Person, One Vote?
September 26, 2018
Guest speakers Natasha Merle, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Wendy Weiser, Director of the Democracy Program at Brennan Center for Justice, NYU School of Law, joined us for a discussion about voting rights, political gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Civil Rights Series - Reports from the Trenches
July 25, 2018
Vanita Gupta, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Rachel Tiven, CEO of Lambda Legal, joined us to review the most pressing civil rights issues of 2018.
Fred Korematsu and His Fight for Justice
June 4, 2018
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, uprooting some 120,000 Japanese-Americans – two-thirds of them American citizens – from their homes on the West Coast and forcing them into concentration camps. Fred Korematsu refused to go. He was arrested and convicted of violating the Executive Order and related military proclamations. The reenactment of this seminal case, told through narration, reenactment of court proceedings, and historic documents and photographs, was developed and presented by members of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, including Cadwalader attorneys Jessica Wong and Kathy Hirata Chin, the Honorable Denny Chin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the Honorable Kiyo Matsumoto of the Eastern District of New York, and the Honorable Ona Wang of the Southern District of New York. Fred Korematsu's daughter, Karen Korematsu, played herself in the reenactment and gave closing remarks.
Civil Rights Series – Closing the Borders
March 8, 2018
Our Civil Rights Series continued on March 8 with Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), joining us to discuss DACA, the border wall, due process and citizenship.
Civil Rights Series - Still Marching Into Selma
January 31, 2018
Our 2018 Civil Rights Series opened with Richard Cohen, President of the Southern Poverty Law Center, discussing the organization's plans for 2018.
Civil Rights Series – Rock Paper Scissors: Religious Freedom or Equal Rights?
November 1, 2017
During the fifth installment of the Civil Rights Series, Janson Wu, Executive Director at GLAD and Columbia Law Professor, Suzanne Goldberg, led a discussion on the class of two core American values – religious freedom and freedom from discrimination. We discussed historical cases and the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.
Civil Rights Series – Fanning the Flames: The Rise in Hate Crimes in America
September 13, 2017
The fourth installment in the Civil Rights Series featured the Anti-Defamation League’s Kenneth Jacobson, Deputy National Director and Christopher Magyarics, Senior Investigative Research. They discussed the rise in hate crimes in America
Civil Rights Series – Marching for Justice: A Discussion with Women’s March Founders
July 19, 2017
The third installment in the Civil Rights Series featured three of the founders and organizers of the historic Women’s March that took place around the world on January 21, 2017. Panelists, Mrinalini Chakraborty, Head of Field Operations & Stratefy Women’s March Inc., Emma Collum, Head of Field Operations & Strategy Women’s March, Inc. and Breanne Butler, Director of States & Global Women’s March, Inc. discussed the history of social activism, the genesis of the march and future plans.
Civil Rights Series – The Domino Effect: If Abortion Rights Fall, LGBT Rights Are Next
June 20, 2017
Cadwalader’s LGBT Network and Women’s Leadership Initiative co-hosted the second program in the Civil Rights Series, “The Domino Effect: If Abortion Rights Fall, LGBT Rights Are Next”. Rachel Tiven ,CEO of Lambda Legal, and Nancy Northup, President & CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, led an open discussion of their February 22, 2017, Washington Post op-ed on LGBT rights, reproductive rights, and the intersectionality of each group’s civil rights.
This Land is Our Land: Oyama v. California
May 31, 2017
Cadwalader’s Asian Pacific American Attorney Resource Group, the Asian American Bar Association of New York and special guests Hon. Denny Chin of the United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit, Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York presented the reenactment of the historical case Oyama v. California. Through narration, the reenactment of court proceedings and historic photographs, the cast retold the captivating story of Kajiro and Fred Oyama’s legal battle against the State of California for its use of the Alien Land Law against a Japanese American family.
Civil Rights Series – Civil Rights in 2017
May 10, 2017
Cadwalader’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion welcomed Vanita Gupta to the firm as the first speaker in the Civil Rights Series. As former head of the Civil Rights division at the U.S. Department of Justice and the President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Gupta discussed civil rights law in the Obama Administration, progress made and anticipated civil rights issues under the new administration.
Constance Baker Motley, James Meredith, and the University of Mississippi
February 8, 2017
Cadwalader’s Affinity Networks, especially its Black & Latino Association, and special guests Hon. Denny Chin of the United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit, Hon. William F. Kuntz II and Hon. Margo K. Brodie of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York presented a historical reenactment of the James Meredith’s legal battle to be admitted to the University of Mississippi in the 1960’s. The cast was able to retell the compelling story of Constance Baker Motley’s representation of James Meredith through reenactment of court proceedings, narration and historic photographs.
