Cummins, the Barnes & Thornburg law firm and the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council partnered to sponsor the Q1 Ask A Lawyer Workshop & Reception. A large number of MBE’s attended the evening event. They heard Barnes & Thornburg’s team of attorneys discuss Business Tax Concepts and Legal Structure for various types of business. The attorneys also led an engaging Q&A session. The evening provided a great networking opportunity for MBE’s.
Sharon Barner, Vice President & General Counsel, provided information on the purpose of the event, and why it is so important to have diversity in the legal area. Immediately following, Alan K. Mills, Senior Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, introduced the team of associates who participated in the workshop.
Michelle L. Taylor, Diversity Procurement Director, made the opening remarks. Michelle worked along with the Cummins Corporate Diversity Procurement team and the Mid States Minority Development Council to develop this program over the last year. This initiative supports Cummins’ 2016 supplier development goals by partnering with the law firms.
To engage participants at the events there was a question and answer portion supported with live tweeting. All participants were able to use their twitter account to tweet the panelist their questions using the hashtag #AskALawyer2016. There were also gift giveaways, and a panel discussion. The next ask a lawyer event will take place in St. Louis on Thursday, May 12th.