ACC STL Launches Fireside Chat Series

St. Louis (April 25, 2025) – The Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter is thrilled to announce its 2025 Fireside Chat Series, a dynamic member only program designed to spark dialogue and foster understanding around diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Building on the legacy of award-winning member programs, this series promises to deliver fresh perspectives and insights.

The upcoming for the Chapter’s 2025 Fireside Chat Series features a diverse range of voices and topics , which include:

• Galen Gritts, nationally acclaimed Native American historian, will delve into Native American history and the impact of targeted legislation, offering a crucial historical lens. The Fireside Chat was held April 24, 2025.
• Avi Ivatari, from St. Louis Queer Support & Healing (SQSH), will lead a session on Queer Terminology & Allyship, equipping attendees with inclusive language and best practices for creating welcoming environments. The Fireside Chat will be held May 15, 2025, at City Place.
• David Cox, a solo immigration attorney and the current Chair of the Immigration Committee of the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis (BAMSL), will guide attendees through current immigration law and enforcement. The date for this Fireside Chat, which was originally scheduled in April but canceled due to inclement weather, is to be determined.

Lisa Savoy, Legal Counsel at Experian, and the Chapter’s Diversity & Inclusion Chair, said, “[t]he Diversity Committee’s objective is to present rapidly shifting legal theories and requirements to in-house counsel, as well as options on how to maneuver in an ever-changing landscape.”

“This series will allow participants to (1) get a closer look at what’s changing and what to expect regarding matters of immigration, (2) better understand the history and future of Native American sovereignty, (3) gain a deeper insight into queer terminology and how to be an effective ally, and (4) what diversity and inclusion looks like from a business perspective and how to carry out company objectives within the parameters of the law. Additionally - attendees will be able to engage with David Cox and Galen Gritts (respectively) after their presentations over complimentary hors d'oeuvres/small plates and beverages. We are excited to present this summer series and hope that you enjoy it as much as we enjoy bringing it to you,” added Savoy.

The Chapter has earned international acclaim for its dedication to fostering a more inclusive legal landscape. Over the past five years, the global Association of Corporate Counsel has consistently recognized the St. Louis Chapter for its innovative and impactful programs. The Chapter’s notable achievements from the Association of Corporate Counsel global organization include:

• 2024: Best Diversity Initiative Award for the groundbreaking Diversity and Inclusion Summer Internship Program, which provides invaluable opportunities for aspiring legal professionals.
• 2023: Innovative Programming Effort Award for the "Artful Observation with a Diversity Lens" program, which ingeniously used art to explore themes of attentiveness, empathy, and inclusion.
• 2022: Best Diversity Initiative Award for its impactful Diversity Bridges Program: Underground Railroad Program, offering a powerful historical learning experience.
• 2020: Best Diversity Initiative Award for its 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Summer Internship Program, highlighting its commitment to early career development.

David Hartung, Senior Attorney at Vivos Holdings and the Chapter’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee Vice President, emphasizes the program's significance: “For years, we’ve been committed to providing our members with impactful learning experiences focused on diversity and inclusion. We are excited to continue this tradition with unique and original programming that encourages members to learn, understand different viewpoints, and forge meaningful connections.”

About the St. Louis Chapter:

The Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter, the premier bar association for in-house counsel, was founded in 1987. The Chapter has more than 650 members who represent over 175 organizations. The St. Louis Chapter’s commitment to its members and community has earned it an impressive list of accolades as a leader in the global network of chapters:

• Chapter of the Year 2012 and 2015,
• Best Membership Strategy Award 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation in 2019-24,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023, and
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.

To learn more, please visit, https://www.acc.com/chapters/stlouis/.

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