Kutak Rock Partner Winnie Hawkins will take part in a panel discussion on best hiring practices for inclusion and equity at the Nebraska Legal Diversity Council’s (NLDC) seminar at the Nebraska State Bar Association’s (NSBA) Annual Meeting Friday, October 14.

Entitled, “Mindful & Modern Hiring & Retention Practices for a Diverse & Inclusive Legal Profession,” the panel will feature an in-depth discussion of modern best practices for equitable and inclusive hiring practices to create workplace cultures of inclusion, access, and belonging in the legal profession.

The panel of attorneys also includes Tracy Hightower-Henne of Hightower Reff Law; Jeremy Christensen of Baird Holm; Becky Gould of Nebraska Appleseed; and will be moderated by NLDC Executive Director Shawntal Mallory. They will share empowering and ethical processes for diverse hiring—including discussions around questioning and eliminating biases and assumptions from the hiring process; leveraging pipeline opportunities to create a more diverse applicant pool; intentionally building a culturally competent workforce; and prioritizing access and belonging while improving retention.

Panelists will answer questions from participants and share stories of their personal successes with the shared principles. The complete agenda can be found on the NSBA website.

Ms. Hawkins is a partner in the tax credits practice group focusing her practice on equity investment in lower-tier transactions involving low-income housing tax credits, historic rehabilitation tax credits, renewable energy tax credits and other related state and federal financing products. She is also co-chair of the firm’s National Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee.