Elizabeth Catterall Ogilvie joins Jennifer Simpson Carr to unpack SHRM’s newly introduced BEAM Framework—Belonging Enhanced by Access through Merit—and what it means for law firms navigating today’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape.

They discuss the five BEAM questions, explore how merit-based inclusion can strengthen talent strategies, and share how law firms can evolve their DEI programs in light of recent executive orders and court decisions.

Gina Rubel and Jennifer Simpson Carr explore one of the most sensitive challenges law firms face: managing public and media communications during litigation. From defending global brands to navigating precedent-setting cases, they discuss why early engagement with communications professionals is essential, how to strike the right balance between legal accuracy and public clarity, and why “no comment” is never the right response.

Gina Rubel and Jennifer Simpson Carr examine what the ruling in favor of Perkins Coie and this year’s powerful Law Day of Action mean for every law firm. From politically motivated executive orders to renewed commitments to uphold the Constitution, they discuss how law firm leaders must prepare for reputational risks, align legal and communications strategy, and defend the rule of law in an era of unprecedented scrutiny.