Developing the Words, Actions, and Achievements to Change Yourself, Your Practice, and Your Organization

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

This program examines how the duties of zealous representation, competence, and communication impact attorneys’ understanding and respect of the identities of clients and colleagues who are transgender, gender non-conforming, or neurodiverse, and offers practical guidance for creating a legal environment—and workplace—where everyone feels seen, respected, and effectively represented. Attendees will learn ways to:



• Identify the ethical obligations implicated in representing transgender, gender non-conforming, and neurodiverse clients, and in working alongside transgender and neurodiverse colleagues. 
• Apply the ABA Formal Opinion 500 framework to recognize how intake, communication, and documentation practices may inadvertently exclude or marginalize clients and co-workers. 
• Use inclusive language, including pronoun practices and gender-neutral drafting, to reduce bias in client-facing documents and workplace communications.
• Build a more inclusive practice and organizational culture by embedding inclusive practices structurally into everyday intake, engagement, and workflow processes.

We’ll gather just inside the entrance at Butler’s Orchard at 10:30 a.m. and then head out to the fields together to pick pumpkins. From there, the day is yours to enjoy! The Pumpkin Festival offers something for everyone, including hayrides, a corn maze, giant slides, farm animals, and plenty more.

Bring your family, bring a friend—everyone is welcome!

Space is limited, and tickets tend to go quickly, so please RSVP as soon as you know you can join us.

Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Rd.
Germantown, MD 20876

NY Chapter will be meeting in-person at a "watch party"- TBD

DC Chapter will be meeting in-person at a "watch party" - TBD 

Elena Kraus

As Executive Vice President & Chief Legal & Risk Officer of Whataburger Restaurants, Elena Kraus skillfully balances risk and opportunity to guide the company’s strategic decisions. She leads a dedicated team responsible for all aspects of legal governance, compliance, and risk for Whataburger, a 1,200-unit, 17-state restaurant brand recognized for having the highest average unit volume (AUV) in the QSR burger segment.  Prior to joining Whataburger, Elena served as Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Walgreens.