Partner Kim R. Walberg served on a three-member panel at the Illinois State Bar Association Leadership Academy’s daylong session “Diversity Trends in the Profession.” The session was held on Fri., Feb. 21 at the ISBA Chicago Regional Office.

The session kicked off with a discussion by three judges, Hon. Veronica Armouti, Hon. Geraldine D’Souza and Hon. Vincent F. Cornelius who provided personal insights on the theme “The Diversity View from the Bench.”

Walberg and fellow attorney panelists addressed questions concerning diversity challenges and trends they have experienced in their careers to enlighten the 24 Leadership Academy class members.

1. What are the biggest challenges or hurdles you observe law firms/legal employers facing with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion?
2. What are the biggest challenges or hurdles you face as a diverse professional with respect to doing this work in the legal profession?
3. How can the attorneys help move the needle on diversity, equity and inclusion in their law firms/legal employers?
4. What are the trends you see in the diversity work being done in the legal profession? In other words, what’s the new frontier of your work?
5. What is happening right now in your organization and/or the legal profession that gives you hope, makes you excited, or otherwise makes you feel positive about the direction the profession is moving?

Walberg concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, including breach of contract, business torts, shareholder disputes, class action defense, construction litigation, zoning litigation, commercial lease disputes, enforcement of restrictive covenants, trust litigation and Section 1983 civil rights litigation. She is a member of Taft’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is a 2020 executive committee member.