Wednesday, September 9, 2026
12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Program
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour
In-person Event
The Warner Building
150 Ottawa Ave NW
Suite 1500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The West Michigan Black Legal Summit returns for its third year, bringing together legal professionals from across the region for an afternoon of learning, connection and community. This year’s theme, “This Moment, Our Movement,” reflects the belief that each year brings new opportunities and challenges while the commitment to building a strong, connected and inclusive legal community remains constant.
While rooted in the experiences of the Black legal community, this event is open to all who share a commitment to fostering a diverse legal community in West Michigan, without regard to race or any other protected characteristics.
Through a dynamic keynote and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will:
- Explore strategies for navigating identity in today's increasingly polarized workplace
- Learn about the many career paths available to professionals with a J.D.
- Engage in timely conversations addressing issues shaping the legal profession today
- Build relationships that strengthen collaboration and solidarity
- Leave energized to help shape a more connected, empowered and equitable legal community
Join us as we invest in one another, strengthen our community and continue the movement — together.
Cost:
Individual rate: $75
Student rate: $30
Agenda
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. | Registration and Lunch
12:30 – 12:45 p.m. | Welcome
Mark Wassink, Managing Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Ciarra C. Adkins, Esq., AQUME Law PLLC, Vice President, Floyd Skinner Bar Association
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | What Matters Most Now: Navigating a Legal Career and Life in an Era of Disruption
Maja Hazell, CEO and Executive Coach, Career Prep Coaching Services LLC
How do you define — and drive — success on your own terms in a world marked by relentless disruption? In this thought-provoking keynote, Maja Hazell explores how the pandemic, rapid technological change and profound social and political shifts have reshaped the way we work, lead and connect with one another. Through the lens of today's legal landscape, she will examine the future of work, the evolving role of the legal profession amid growing challenges to the rule of law, the erosion of a shared social contract and the balance between civic responsibility and self-preservation. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping their profession and practical insights for leading with purpose in an era of constant change.
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
Networking Break
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | Breakout sessions (concurrent)
1. A Seat at the Table: Careers, Leadership and the Power of a J.D.
Moderator: Ieisha Humphrey, Assistant Dean for Professionalism, Leadership and Bar Success, Michigan State University College of Law
Panelists:
Kellen Dotson, Judge, 61st District Court
Latesha Lipscomb, Civilian Violence Prevention and Intervention Manager, City of Grand Rapids
Shoran Reid Williams, Counsel, Pinsky Smith PC
This panel discussion will explore the diverse career paths of accomplished Black legal professionals highlighting how they have leveraged their legal training to lead in organizations and the courtroom, influence decision-making and create meaningful impact across industries and sectors. Attendees will gain a broader perspective on the versatility of a J.D. while hearing practical insights and career lessons from leaders who have forged their own unique paths.
2. Respect on Investment: Leading Before the Title Says You Can
Shariem Saterfield, Founder and Principal Consultant, Saterfield Coaching and Consulting
This session reframes leadership as something built through visible influence and consistent contribution — rather than conferred by title. Using the Respect on Investment framework, attendees will leave with three practical “deposits” they can make immediately to build authority and influence at any stage of their careers.
3. Bringing Your Whole Self to Work: Navigating Identity, Rights, Risks and Career Growth in a Polarized Workplace
Michelle Crockett, Partner, Honigman LLP
This session will explore the complex intersection of authenticity, employee rights, organizational expectations and career advancement. Attendees will examine the realities of navigating workplace culture in an era when social media activity, advocacy, political expression and public identity can influence professional opportunities and workplace relationships. They will learn about the legal protections, limitations and potential risks associated with self-expression in today's workplace, along with practical strategies for balancing professional aspirations, employer policies and personal integrity while fostering respectful workplaces across differing perspectives.
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | The Work Ahead
Facilitator: Tracey Brame, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Practice Preparation, Cooley Law School
Featured Speakers:
Tanya Grillo, Judge, 16th Circuit Court and Immediate Past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan’s Executive Board
Philip Hamilton, Partner, Hamilton Law, PLC, and President of Charles Pratt Bar Association
Ciarra C. Adkins, Esq., AQUME Law PLLC, Vice President, Floyd Skinner Bar Association
This interactive plenary conversation features leaders from affinity bar associations across Michigan. Together, participants will explore the current legal landscape, the challenges and opportunities emerging across their communities and the evolving role of affinity bar associations in supporting attorneys, law students and future leaders. Through guided discussion and audience engagement, this session will examine what the work ahead requires of all of us and how we can continue expanding opportunity and strengthening the legal profession together.
4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Closing remarks
2026 Black Legal Summit Planning Committee
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Happy Hour
When registering, kindly indicate if you will be attending the lunch and select your preferred breakout session.
Attire:
Business-casual attire is encouraged, but attendees are welcome to come as they are.
Parking:
Complimentary parking is available in the Warner parking garage accessible from Ionia Avenue NW between Pearl Street NW and Lyon Street NE. Take the elevators to 15R for direct access to Warner’s 15th-floor lobby. Warner will validate your parking ticket upon arrival.
View parking instructions.
