IWIL Catalyst – February 2024

Best Friends at Work: Can They Transform the Legal Workplace?

Michael A. Ellenhorn, Founder & CEO – Decipher Investigative Intelligence

Do you have a best friend at work? Legal workplaces can be punctuated by stress, competitiveness, poor health, and lack of engagement and fulfillment. Data reveals that having a workplace best friend counteracts these very challenges. In Best Friends at Work: Can They Transform the Legal Workplace? (INSERT LINK), Michael Ellenhorn, attorney and founder & CEO of Decipher Investigative Intelligence, walks us through the studies on workplace friendships and provides guidance for organizational leaders to create cultures of trust and collaboration.

Michael Ellenhorn is a lawyer, solicitor (England & Wales) and the Founder & CEO of Decipher Investigative Intelligence. Michael was recently appointed to the IWIL Board of Directors. As founder and CEO of Decipher Investigative Intelligence, Michael Ellenhorn helps his clients create safer, more productive, and more profitable workplaces by equipping them with the investigative intelligence that drives successful talent strategies.

Michael believes that empowering leaders to make more insightful and successful talent decisions, based on intelligence-driven transparency, is both the right thing to do and one which will change workplace culture and performance for the better.

With more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry, first as a trial lawyer and then as a leader in the international legal talent space, Michael and his team are well-positioned to counsel clients on winning talent strategies.

Michael earned his B.A. from the University of Washington, his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, and studied business at the Cass Business School, City University of London. Michael is committed to community investment and serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Wellbeing in Law.

Amplifying Personal Branding: A Catalyst for Company Well-Being and Culture

By Sameena Safdar, Esq.

What’s the relationship between personal branding and a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace? In Amplifying Personal Branding: A Catalyst for Company Well-Being and Culture, Sameena Safdar examines this important issue, providing guidance about how leaders who amplify employees’ brands can boost retention and productivity. She shares personal insights along with wisdom from experts Nita Cumello, Lynnette Espy-Williams, and Kevin Slaughter, to outline key considerations in the interplay between individual identity and fostering engagement, belonging, and success in the workplace.

Sameena Safdar is a personal branding and digital media strategist. A former practicing lawyer and federal clerk, Sameena spent years in legal technology sales and marketing, before founding Amplify Your Voice LLC in 2021 to help companies and individuals find and share their voices in the world.

Sameena helps clients overcome their imposter syndrome to intentionally and authentically share their personal brands with others. She believes you cannot enjoy professional success without a life incorporating a healthy well-being and living authentically. She coaches lawyers, legal professionals, and others on using social media to authentically share their brands to boost visibility, drive business development, and enjoy the well-being of living authentically.

Sameena writes and speaks nationally on personal branding, social media, legal technology, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also serves on the advisory boards of The Blue and Black Partnership, Justice Technology Association, and Citi Arbitration. She has served as a co-chair of the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia since 2019.

Additionally, Sameena raises teens in Washington, DC, taking advantage of all the museums, festivals, national parks, theatres, and restaurants the city offers, and spends far too much time on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (fka Twitter).

February 2024

IWIL ALERT

NEWS & MORE

RECORD ATTENDENCE AT OUR 2024 CONFERENCE!

Over 800 people attended the 2024 Well-Being in Law Conference on January 23-25! This was a record turnout. And we had over 350 law students join this year to learn more about well-being! Thank you to everyone who joined us to hear some incredible presentations in the four unique tracks: Individual, Workplace, Law School, and this year, our State & Local Task Force Well-Being focus.

There are so many people to thank for their help in making this year’s conference such a success.

Thank you to the IWIL Board of Directors for your leadership and support. To the VP of Programming, Dr. Anne Brafford, for another truly inspired event.

HUGE Thank You…

Program & Conference Planning: David Jaffe, Tracy Jenkins, Brooke Welch, Brandy Wilson, Carl Ficks, Libby Clark, Danyale Phillips, Chanelle Blevins, Amy Guldner, Michele Powers, Ellen Ostrow, Jordana Confino, Shannon Callahan, Krista Larson, Tara Antonipillai, Carla Barrow, Karen Munoz, Jessica Moore, Johnna Story, Tracy Kepler, Bree Buchanan, Matt Hrutkay, Mary Ellen Connerty, Marisa Coppel, Kate Amato, Heidi Alexander, Ek Amato, Laurie Capello, Danielle Hall, Martha Knudson, Rachel Casper, Kris Mereigh, Raul Ayala, Michele Powers, Melissa Berry

Support to our speakers: Jessica Moore, Tracy Kepler, Libby Clark

Conference MC’s: Marcie Dickson, Mike Kasdan, Chris Newbold, Michael Ellenhorn, Anne Brafford, Tara Antonipillai, Heidi Alexander, Shailini George, Danielle Hall

And thank you to all our speakers!

Keynote: Dr. Laurie Santos

Jarrett Green, Khara Kelsch, Nita Cumello

Jonathan Beitner, Kendra Brodin

Cedric Ashley

Francesca Acocella, Krista Larson, Shailini George

Kris Mereigh, Marcia Narine Weldon, Stephanie Mitchell Hughes, Mariette Clardy-Davis

Justice Lee Solomon, Jennifer Clayton, Ryann Peyton, Pamela Moore, Javoyne Hicks, Hetal Challa, Molly Ranns, Beth Walker, Jessica Lewis Kelly, Maryt Fredrickson, Joan Bibelhausen, Tanyee Cheung, David Williams, and Martha Knudson

Azeemah Kola

Heidi Gardner and Csilla Ilkei

Jordan Confino

Jay Hall, Daniel Saar with Javoyne Hicks and Martha Knudson

Michelle Thompson

Katie Stanley

Kara McCarthy Perry, Pearlette Ramos, Aubrey David

Amy Johnston, Ashleigh Frankel

Rudhir Netzel, Heather Hale, Jenn Bauer, Emily Mott

Benjamin Grimes

Carl Ficks, Esperanza Franco

Ben Carpenter, Shannon Callahan, Norma Jackson, Michael Kraut, Richard Martin, Adeep Segkar

Janet Stearns, David Jaffe

Mark Goldberg, Meghan Stokes

Joshua Jones

Behind the Scenes Support: Caroline Bentley, Linda Bernetich, Ivy Caro, Murphy McLaughlin

REED SMITH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL WELL-BEING: BREE BUCHANAN

The Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) named Bree Buchanan as the second Reed Smith Award for Excellence in Well-Being in Law recipient. The Reed Smith Award is the highest honor bestowed to someone in well-being circles by recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding lifetime contribution towards fostering systemic change by destigmatizing mental health, strengthening resiliency, and creating a synergic approach to work and life in the legal profession.

Bree’s name has been synonymous with the well-being in law movement. Drawing on the passion instilled by her own story of recovery, Bree’s fingerprints are everywhere as it relates to launching, developing, and inspiring a commitment to make well-being serve a core centerpiece of professional success. The award was presented on January 23, 2024, at the IWIL 2024 conference. read the full story about Bree’s Award below!

FROM IWIL’S CATALYST TEAM

Original content from the IWIL community on the subject matters that matter:

Best Friends at Work: Can They Transform the Legal Workplace? By Michael A. Ellenhorn, Founder & CEO- Decipher Investigative Intelligence

Do you have a best friend at work? Legal workplaces can be punctuated by stress, competitiveness, poor health, and lack of engagement and fulfillment. Data reveals that having a workplace best friend counteracts these very challenges. In Best Friends at Work: Can They Transform the Legal Workplace?, Michael Ellenhorn, attorney and founder and CEO of Decipher Investigative Intelligence, walks us through the studies on workplace friendships and provides guidance for organizational leaders to create cultures of trust and collaboration.

Amplifying Personal Branding: A Catalyst for Company Well-Being and Culture by Sameena Safdar, Esq.

What’s the relationship between personal branding and a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace? In Amplifying Personal Branding: A Catalyst for Company Well-Being and Culture, Sameena Safdar examines this important issue, providing guidance about how leaders who amplify employees’ brands can boost retention and productivity. She shares personal insights along with wisdom from experts Nita Cumello, Lynnette Espy-Williams, and Kevin Slaughter to outline key considerations in the interplay between individual identity and fostering engagement, belonging, and success in the workplace.

PATH TO WELL-BEING SPEAKER SERIES

Green Justice, Black Lawyers: A Discussion Around Eco-Advocacy, Environmental Wellness, & Well-Being

In this enlightening session, we delve into the pivotal role of Black lawyers in the environmental justice movement, bridging the gap between legal advocacy and the pursuit of environmental wellness and community well-being. “Green Justice, Black Lawyers” offers a unique exploration of how these dedicated professionals are not only championing the legal battles against environmental injustices but also pioneering the integration of wellness into the environmental narrative. This session not only explores the significant contributions of Black legal professionals to combating environmental injustices but also illuminates the vital role of Black lawyers in the environmental justice sphere and the intersection of their professional advocacy with personal and community well-being.

Join us for a compelling conversation and live Q&A, where we celebrate the achievements, address the challenges, and champion the well-being of Black lawyers dedicated to making a difference in the environmental justice landscape. Together, we’ll explore pathways to resilience, wellness, and effective advocacy in the pursuit of a healthier planet and equitable communities.

POST IWIL24 ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

FREE Post-Conference Engagement Sessions with 4 Conference Speakers!

Friday, March 8, 1-2 pm ET: Jordana Confino – The Perfectionist Paradox

Thursday, March 14, 4-5 pm ET: Cedric Ashley – Unleashing the Power of Purpose

Friday, March 22, 4-5 pm ET: Kendra Brodin & Jonathan Beitner – Setting Boundaries 101

Monday, March 25, 4-5 pm ET: Ashleigh Frankel & Amy Johnston – Rest Ethic

SAVE THE DATE

Well-Being in Law Week returns May 6 – 10, 2024!

More information is coming soon.

Want to Contribute Ideas For the 2024 Well-Being Week in Law?

We’d love to hear from you at one of our online conversations. Registration here for one of three upcoming times.

Dates:

Monday, February 12^th at 1:30 PM ET

Monday, March 11^th at 1:30 PM ET

Monday, April 8^th at 1:30 PM ET

Would You Like to Present During Well-Being Week In Law?

Calling all movers and shakers, storytellers, and sages! Well-being Week in Law is back, dedicated to fostering well-being within our legal community. To elevate this year’s experience, we’re searching for passionate individuals in two key areas:

1. Physical Movement Teachers:

Do you guide others towards physical well-being with creativity and enthusiasm? We’re seeking instructors for diverse movement sessions – anything from energizing dance breaks to mindful yoga flows. Share your proposal if you can offer:

Engaging and accessible sessions suitable for various fitness levels.
A dynamic personality that inspires participation and connection.
Availability on Monday, May 6, between noon and 3 pm Eastern time for a virtual program

2. Share Your Genius Program:

Have you honed a unique skill or mastered a fascinating hobby? We’re inviting individuals to share their talents and passions through interactive workshops or presentations. If you can offer:

A captivating topic that promotes well-being, learning, or personal growth.
An interactive format that encourages engagement and discussion.
The ability to deliver your session virtually during the week of May 6-10, 2024.

Submit your proposal by March 1! Tell us about your expertise, program outline, and why you’re the perfect fit for Well-being Week in Law. Let’s work together to build a vibrant and enriching experience for everyone! Apply below!