Ark Group & Managing Partner’s annual

WOMEN LEGAL 2016 Advancing the dialogue on gender diversity in the legal profession, while illustrating the business imperative for the retention and succession of female leadership

How can women make the bold moves they want for themselves and effect real change? Representative participation within law firms has been a topic of discussion for decades. And little has changed. Only about 18% of equity partners in the nation’s largest firms are women and they earn 89ȼ on the dollar for comparable tenure, revenue production, hours and client development. And, there is no denying the societal barriers women face when asking for something for themselves. If the attainment of power and influence is dependent upon being considered a "rainmaker" then women must also benefit from origination practices and policies that propel careers forward.

As the influence of the baby boomers begins to wane, we can begin to see the impact of the “Millennial Generation” becoming more obvious. Work-life balance issues (historically at the heart of most law firm “women’s initiatives”) are no longer just about women. Increasingly, men also want careers that take “personal life” into account. In fact, their interests are surprisingly more aligned with our own.

To what extent might this next generation of leadership bridge the gender gap and change the dynamics that have negatively impacted the retention and advancement of women in law?

Ark Group’s WOMEN LEGAL conference will once again provide an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas and experiential wisdom as we collectively discuss the challenges facing women in the profession, as well as identify opportunities to open up business dialogues and make useful connections—turning strategic relationships into mentors, sponsors and clients.

We are pleased to bring this program to Chicago this spring! The conference agenda features a series of TED-style talks in the morning—followed by several highly interactive panel discussions and case studies in the afternoon, on topics such as:

Rainmakers: Born or Bred? Developing a Healthy Appetite for Risk Turning Expectations Into Reality... Closing the Wage Gap for Women in Law How to Connect and Network like a Super Hero Millennials: The Fierce Urgency of Now Implicit Bias: Fact or Fiction? Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Different Strokes for Different Folks: The Professional Journey of Four Successful

Lawyers

We hope you will join us-along with your peers this May 19th in Chicago! Law firms cannot thrive without a commitment to institutional sustainability and a culture that supports equitable compensation, designed to incentivize the right behaviors.

May 19, 2016 University of Chicago, Gleacher Center

Chicago, IL

With Key Contributions & Real-World Illustrations from:

Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Victoria L. Donati, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Crate & Barrel Holdings, Inc.

Audrey Rubin, J.D., Vice President, COO, Aon

Laurel G. Bellows, Past President, American Bar Association, The Bellows Law Group, P.C.

Heidi B. Friedman, Partner, Founder, Firmwide Women's Initiative, Thompson Hine LLP

Susan Poncher Greenspon, Partner, Dentons

Angela Meyer, Vice President, Client Services, Exponent

Christa Steele, former President & CEO, Mechanics Bank

Deborah Epstein Henry, Esq., Founder & President, Flex-Time Lawyers LLC; Co-Founder & Managing Director, Bliss Lawyers

Cathy Fleming, Partner, Fleming Ruvoldt PLLC

Harold Ruvoldt, Partner, Fleming Ruvoldt PLLC

Stephanie Scharf, Scharf Banks Marmor LLC

Shanin Lott, Managing Director, Talent & Professional Resources, Stikeman Elliott LLP

Meredith E. Ritchie, Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Alliant Credit Union

Margo Wolf O'Donnell, Shareholder, Vedder Price

Marcia Owens, Partner, Hamilton Thies & Lorch LLP

And Others!

London | New York | San Francisco | Miami | Chicago | Sydney | Melbourne

Since 2006, Ark Group, Managing Partner, & Wilmington Group have led the way in advancing women’s initiatives in the legal profession world-wide—helping to collectively

identify opportunities to open up business dialogues and make useful connections—turning strategic relationships into mentors, sponsors and clients!

CLE credit has already been approved for this workshop in a number of states. Please contact Peter Franken at 312.212.1301 or by email at pfranken@ark-group.com for more details!

Register to attend before April 1st to receive your 15% Early-Bird Discount!

8:30AM Registration & Networking Breakfast

9:00AM Opening Remarks - Conference Chairperson Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

9:10AM Rainmakers: Born or Bred? Business development is a critical element to being a successful lawyer, regardless of where you are in your career or where you are practicing (law firm, in-house, non-profit). Law firms have been training attorneys on the tactics of rainmaking for years. But what are the characteristics that make a successful rainmaker? Research shows that the characteristics of rainmakers are quantifiable and not bound by gender. This two-part opening session will begin with the findings of a groundbreaking study conducted by Patricia Gillette, which suggests that these lessons do not differentiate successful rainmakers from their colleagues. The study (based on psychometric testing and behavioral interviewing of successful rainmakers) is focused on personal characteristics that make rainmakers successful (which tends to be quite different from what most people have heard about rainmaking). Ms. Gillette will share the results of this study, examine how firms can make meaningful and significant changes to their business development training, and then provide insights and perspectives culled from our esteemed panel of rainmakers and in-house counsel – as they describe how they incorporated tools and traits into their own experience and practice (further illustrating the characteristics that help lawyers develop a significant book of business), and debate whether or not they agree with the study results!

Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Audrey Rubin, J.D., Vice President, COO, Aon, Susan Poncher Greenspon, Partner, Dentons, Angela Meyer, Vice President, Client Services, Exponent, Christa Steele, former President & CEO, Mechanics Bank

10:00AM TED-Style Talk Developing a Healthy Appetite for Risk in Your Career Research increasingly supports the value of risk and failure to gain greater success. But how do you build up a tolerance for taking calculated risks? How do you confront your fear of failure that is preventing you from taking action? During this session, attendees will learn how to anticipate fallout, confront the worst possible scenario and focus on resiliency as a means to propel yourself forward. You will hear about triggering events that can give you the courage to finally make a change. Or, how taking small steps and recognizing that day-to-day failures are a part of life will give you the confidence to dream bigger and pursue more. We will delve into how to strike the elusive balance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone while not being reckless. Through personal anecdotes and candid conversation, attendees will leave this session inspired to confront what you are most afraid of, consider what is needed to overcome your reservations and determine the necessary steps to take strategic risks and reap the rewards.

Deborah Epstein Henry, Esq., Founder & President, Flex-Time Lawyers LLC; Co-Founder & Managing Director, Bliss Lawyers

10:25AM Morning Networking & Coffee Break

10:45AM TED-Style Talk Turning Expectations Into Reality... Closing the Wage Gap for Women in Law Large law firms cannot thrive without a commitment to institutional sustainability and a culture that supports equitable compensation, designed to incentivize the right behaviors. Yet, statistics are clear. Only about 18% of equity partners in the nation’s largest firms are women and they earn 89ȼ on the dollar for comparable tenure, revenue production, hours and client development. And, there is no denying the societal barriers women face when asking for something for themselves. What is the effective way for women to push back when suitable credit is not being given? What practical actions by firms would ensure equality? If the attainment of power and influence is dependent upon being considered a "rainmaker", then women must also benefit from origination practices and policies that propel careers forward. This lively discussion will focus on negotiation and communication strategies that influence compensation decisions, ideally making the compensation process more transparent (including the presence of women on compensation committees), creating a level playing field for female and male partners.

Laurel G. Bellows, Past President, American Bar Association, The Bellows Law Group, P.C.

11:10AM TED-Style Talk How to Connect and Network like a Super Hero This presentation will address the current professional environment for women lawyers and focus on how women can help women develop themselves and their practice. Practical tips and tricks will be shared and the participants will have

the opportunity to actively participate in a short networking exercise. Although overwhelming to some, it does not take superpowers to succeed in creating a network that can support your personal and professional goals.

Heidi B. Friedman, Partner, Founder, Firmwide Women's Initiative, Thompson Hine LLP

11:35AM TED-Style Talk Millennials: The Fierce Urgency of Now Whatever you call them, Millennials or Gen Y’ers, they are changing the way businesses work. And the legal industry is no exception. This next generation of lawyers is rocking the boat or righting the ship – depending on your perspective as they balk at the traditional law firm structure and challenge the rules that have defined our industry for decades. The impact this could have on law firms and in house legal departments cannot be overstated. These lawyers are looking to change the way attorneys are hired, evaluated, compensated, and promoted. They are calling into question the way work gets done and who does it. They see their careers in terms of years, not a lifetime; they expect loyalty but aren’t willing to give it. And the brass ring of partnership doesn’t hold the same allure for them as it did for their baby boomer parents. What does all this mean? Will it positively affect our industry? That is what we will explore in this session.

Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

12:00PM Networking Luncheon

1:00PM PANEL DISCUSSION Implicit Bias: Fact or Fiction? Implicit bias has catapulted into the spotlight in the last several months as organizations begin to be challenged by women who claim they have been denied opportunities and equal compensation because of the stereotypes and hidden biases of decision makers. Some experts say this explains why, even 50 years after the passage of Title VII, there is still a dearth of women in high level positions in companies and law firms. Others say the concept of implicit bias is illusory and that the absence of women in the higher echelons of corporate America is due to a pipeline issue or lack of ambition or choices women make about their careers. In this discussion, we will examine implicit bias and whether it helps explain the lack of women in positions of power and leadership in law firms and companies.

Victoria L. Donati, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Crate & Barrel Holdings, Inc., Stephanie Scharf, Scharf Banks Marmor LLC, Shanin Lott, Managing Director, Talent and Professional Resources, Stikeman Elliott LLP Moderator: Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

1:45PM CASE STUDY Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Few who practice in big firms do not at some point fantasize about starting or joining a small firm. Many women in particular tend to consider to leaving Big-Law and going solo. In this segment, two refugees from Big-Law who are living the fantasy will discuss the pros and cons of jumping from Big-Law to boutique law. They will tell about the values and cultures of firms as a function of size and the management issues and personal issues involved. They will also discuss the steps necessary to make the decision...should I do this? and how do I do this? Attendees will gain a unique insight, and a checklist to do a self-evaluation in making a major go or don’t go decision.

Cathy Fleming, Partner, Fleming Ruvoldt PLLC Harold Ruvoldt, Partner, Fleming Ruvoldt PLLC

2:30PM Afternoon Networking & Coffee Break

3:00PM PANEL DISCUSSION Different Strokes for Different Folks: The Professional Journey of Four Successful Lawyers There is no one size fits all when it comes to a legal career. Rather, attorneys must decide for themselves what work environment best suits their personal and professional goals. And, in this new world, moving in and out of firms and companies is no longer the exception to the norm. This panel of highly successful women lawyers will share their personal stories of what motivated them to make career choices, like staying at a big firm, trying to make partner, leaving a firm to go in house, and leaving the formal workplace.

Meredith E. Ritchie, Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Alliant Credit Union, Margo Wolf O'Donnell, Shareholder, Vedder Price, Marcia Owens, Partner, Hamilton Thies & Lorch LLP

3:45PM Closing Remarks Patricia K. Gillette, Partner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

WOMEN LEGAL 2016

PROGRAM AGENDA: Thursday, May 19, 2016 - Chicago, IL

WOMEN LEGAL 2016 (May 19, 2016 - Chicago)

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Venue and Accommodations

This conference will be held at the University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center - located at 450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive Chicago, IL 60611— located in the heart of Chicago's business community, just blocks

away from the Loop. For more information including rates at nearby hotels please contact Peter Franken at Pfranken@ark-group.com or at 312 212 1301

Who Will Attend This Conference

Women Legal 2016 is developed exclusively for individuals focused on advancing the increasingly-important dialogue on gender diversity and equality in the legal profession today. This program aims to candidly address and illustrate the business imperative for female leadership as

well as provide a roadmap to overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of leadership positions within law firms and corporate legal departments.

PLEASE NOTE: Ark Group cannot be responsible for assisting potential attendees in obtaining visas to the country in which this event is being held. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and visa

Conference Registration (law firms) $995 Registration for corporate/in-house counsel $495

EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT: I am registering before April 1st and would like

to claim my 15% early bird discount! ($845.75)

For team discounts, call Peter Franken at 312 212 1301

Please note: payment must be received in full prior to the event to guarantee your place

Registration conditions 1. Registrations can be submitted at any stage prior to the event, subject to availability. A limited allocation is being held and registering early is therefore recommended, in the event of the registration not being accepted by Ark Group the total amount will be refunded. 2. Payment must be received in full prior to the course. 3. All speakers are correct at the time of printing, but are subject to variation without notice. 4. If the delegate cancels after the registration has been accepted, the delegate will be liable to the following cancellation charges: - Cancellations notified over 45 days prior to the event will not incur a cancellation fee. - In the event of a cancellation being between 45 and 30 days prior to the event, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged. - For cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the event, the full delegate rate must be paid and no refunds will be available. 5. All registrations submitted by e-mail, fax, or over the telephone are subject to these booking conditions. 6. All cancellations must be received in writing. 7. Ark Group will not be held liable for circumstances beyond their control which lead to the cancellation or variation of the program. 8. Please make checks payable to Ark Group USA. Ark Group USA will not use your email address or information for any purpose other than distributing our conference and event notices.

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+1 312 212 1301

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Register online at: usa.ark-group.com

Ark Group

401 S. LaSalle St. Suite 1200-H

Chicago, IL 60605

EARN CLE CREDIT

CLE credit has been approved for this conference in a number of states, including IL. For more details, please contact Peter Franken at 312-212-1301 or by email at pfranken@ark-group.com

A R K G R O U P U S A Organization

WOMEN LEGAL 2016 - Chicago

The University of Chicago - Gleacher Center

450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive Chicago, IL 60611

312.464.8787 http://www.gleachercenter.com/

THIS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT: MAY 19, 2016 — CHICAGO, IL

Loew’s Chicago Hotel 455 North Park Drive Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 312-840-6600 Reservations: 877-868-8232 http://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown/ Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers 301 E. North Water Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 1.877.242.2558 > Reservations http://www.sheratonchicago.com Embassy Suites Chicago ~ Downtown/Lakefront 511 N. Columbus Drive Chicago, Illinois 60611 312.836.5900 > Reservations http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/CHIREES-Embassy-Suites-Chicago-Downtown-Lakefront-Illinois/index.do InterContinental Chicago 505 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 1.312.944.4100 > Reservations http://www.icchicagohotel.com/index.cfm Chicago Marriott Downtown 540 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 312.836.0100 > Reservations http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chidt-chicago-marriott-downtown-magnificent-mile/

For a complete list of Chicago hotels please visit the following link http://www.choosechicago.com/chicago-hotels/

The following hotels are located 1-2 blocks walking distance from the Gleacher Center:

The Gleacher Center is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago’s business community just blocks away from the Loop and steps away from Magnificent Mile shopping, restaurants and hotels. It is easily accessible from public transportation and adjacent parking lots.