In this powerful season premiere, we sit down with Craig Leen, a leader in labor and employment law and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Craig shares his inspiring journey through private practice and impactful roles in government, including his tenure as Director of the OFCCP at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Drawing from personal experiences, including having children with autism, Craig discusses the critical need for DEI programs that embrace neurodivergence and foster inclusive workplaces. He also advocates for adding the "A" which stands for "Accessibility". Packed with insights, stories, and actionable advice, this episode highlights the transformative power of empathy, advocacy, and systematic change. Tune in to learn how we can all play a part in creating a more inclusive future.

=========================

Craig Leen is a partner at K&L Gates in the Labor, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice, where he co-leads the firm’s OFCCP and Affirmative Action Compliance focus. He previously served as the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S. Department of Labor, overseeing federal civil rights enforcement for contractors and leading initiatives in disability inclusion and pay equity. A frequent speaker on disability inclusion and accessibility, Craig combines his government and private sector expertise to help organizations develop effective and inclusive equal employment opportunity programs.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-leen-1a47155b/

K&L Gates Bio: https://www.klgates.com/Craig-E-Leen

Email: [email protected]

In this episode we share some deleted clips from our first talks from Episodes 1 and 2; similarly, we share out interview with ChatGPT which was intended for our Halloween episode, but we didn't feel it was ready for the interactive discussion we're used to with our guests.

Paulina Vera, a dedicated U.S. Immigration attorney and Professor at The George Washington University, helps people navigate their legal issues to stay in the United States. Known for her empathy and bedside manner, she adeptly handles complex situations and connects deeply with her clients' struggles. She also shares the personal challenges of balancing a demanding work life while maintaining her own sanity and well-being. Join us for an insightful conversation about compassion, resilience, and the human side of immigration law.

=====================

Guest Info:

Paulina Vera, Professor at The George Washington University Law School, Legal Associate at the GW Law Immigration Clinic, and Founder of Hermanas In The Law.

She is President of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia (HBA-DC) and Co-Chair of the Immigrant Legal Defense Task Force at the Hispanic National Bar Association. She has been recognized locally and nationally; she is the recipient of the GW Latinx Excellence Awards, Alma Award (2019), DC Courts Community Agency CORO Award (2019), Hispanic Bar Association of DC (HBA-DC) Rising Star Award (2019), and the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Top Lawyers Under 40 Award (2021).

Her passion project is managing an online community called Hermanas In The Law, where she features Latinas thinking about law school, Latina law students, and Latina lawyers. She is originally from Tucson, AZ and is the proud daughter of two immigrants.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-vera-00a89439/

Email: [email protected]

Ayana Johnson shares the importance of having a will, with cautionary tales of what can go wrong without one, including a story about a cat inheriting an entire estate. Tune in for practical advice and intriguing stories from her diverse legal journey.

=========

Guest Info:

Ayana Johnson, Johnson Legal

Attorney Johnson spent the first few years of her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where she prosecuted and indicted hundreds of cases. She later moved on to an estate planning law firm in Maryland, where she had the privilege of learning about asset and family protection through the use of estate planning documents. Further, Attorney Johnson has interned at the United States House of Representatives, at the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, for the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Delaware, and for the Delaware Department of Justice.

Phone: (929) 322-4006

website: ⁠https://johnson-legal.co⁠ (also, find her on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠)

We sit down with Staci Gellman, an Arbitration Specialist at Crowell & Moring, to explore her fascinating career journey from aspiring bankruptcy lawyer to international arbitration expert. Staci shares the unique challenges and opportunities in arbitration, the critical role paralegals play in large case teams, and the intricate logistics of organizing international hearings. With insightful advice for aspiring legal professionals, she highlights the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and practical learning in navigating complex cases and building a successful career.

=========

Staci Gellman's info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-gellman-7b876574/

Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro discusses her career journey which started as a mom right out of high school finding herself working as a legal secretary for a world-renowned international arbitration arbitrator. The support of those around her encouraged her to get her college degree and pursue a rewarding career as a paralegal first starting at the World Bank's ICSID institution and later in the private sector. Anna also shares her tips on work-life balance and how legal teams can work best with each other.

=====================

Guest Info:

Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro, Senior Paralegal at Dechert LLP

Anna started as a legal secretary and found herself into the world of International Arbitration. She later transitioned as a paralegal at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) which is an institution for International Investment Arbitration Disputes. After a few years, she transitioned to the private sector where she is currently a leader in the paralegal sector for international disputes.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaavilesalfaro/

Craig Gaver shares insights into his work in international arbitration, judgment enforcement, and sovereign immunity. Craig reflects on his career journey, from political science to international law, including his inspiring role in a wrongful conviction case featured in Netflix’s The Innocence Files. The discussion also highlights career advice for aspiring lawyers and the importance of balance and self-care in the demanding legal field.

================

Guest Info:

Craig Gaver is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of international dispute resolution experience, representing clients across industries like energy, mining, infrastructure, and finance. Craig is currently Counsel at Bluestone PC. His practice spans arbitration, litigation, enforcement of judgments, and issues involving sovereign immunity, economic sanctions, and public international law.

Website: https://www.bluestonelaw.com/team/craig-d-gaver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-gaver-96005b191/

Christine Falcicchio is an attorney, entrepreneur, and global co-chair of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations. Christine shares her inspiring journey, from reconnecting with her Italian roots to leading an international initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of arbitration practices. We dive into her advocacy for paperless and eco-friendly methods, the evolution of sustainability in the legal profession, and how her company, Sopra Legal, is revolutionizing legal submissions with interactive hyperlinking. Christine also highlights the importance of personal and professional sustainability, urging the global legal community to take the pledge for greener arbitrations. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, environmental responsibility, and creating lasting impact.

Special Guest Host: Christina Poehlitz, Global Policy Advisor at Arnold & Porter, and former guest from Episode 18

------------------

Guest Info:

Christine Falcicchio is an attorney, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate dedicated to transforming legal practice through technology and environmental responsibility. As the founder of Sopra Legal, she specializes in creating hyperlinked interactive eBriefs that modernize legal submissions. Christine is also a leader in the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, combining her passion for innovation with her commitment to promoting sustainability in the legal field.

Website: https://sopralegal.com/about-us/

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-falcicchio/

Pledge to sign the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations: https://www.greenerarbitrations.com/sign-green-pledge

Christina Poehlitz, an international policy advisor at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP, helps us demystify the world of lobbying. Christina redefines lobbying as advocacy at its core—helping individuals and organizations navigate the intricate political and policy landscape of Washington, D.C. She highlights the critical role of amplifying constituents’ voices and strategically communicating their priorities to policymakers. Christina also shares practical insights into the timing of advocacy efforts, the workings of the congressional calendar, and how to make meetings impactful. This conversation is an eye-opening guide to understanding the importance of advocacy in shaping meaningful policy change.

---------------------

Guest Info:

Christina Poehlitz, International Policy Advisor

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP

Website: https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/people/p/poehlitz-christina

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-poehlitz-a3380b157/

Serena Rwejuna, a partner at White & Case and a distinguished expert in energy law, shares her compelling journey, from her upbringing in North Carolina to her studies in psychology and business, to her eventual pivot to law. She delves into her multifaceted career, discussing her experiences in business school, navigating law school challenges at Duke University, and her work in higher education. Serena offers unique insights into the complexities of energy law, the global impact of energy regulations, and the crucial role of mentorship and community support. Tune in as she explores the significance of the energy transition, regulatory bodies like FERC, and the abundant opportunities awaiting the next generation in this evolving sector—all while exemplifying approachable and authentic leadership.

-----------------

Guest Info:

Serena Rwejuna, Partner, White & Case LLP

Serena A. Rwejuna is a partner at White & Case, co-leading the firm’s Energy Markets & Regulatory practice. With a focus on clean energy technologies, regulatory compliance, and global energy policy, Serena combines her legal expertise with a multidisciplinary approach to foster innovation and sustainability. Beyond her practice, she is dedicated to pro bono advocacy and leadership within various industry boards.

Website: https://www.whitecase.com/people/serena-rwejuna

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-agaba-rwejuna/