Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association Honors Trailblazers in its 42nd Annual Gala
The Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (“MBLA”) will celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of The Honorable Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, Diane B. Patrick, Professor Charles J. Ogletree, and Tony West at the 42nd Annual Gala on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the Boston Park laza Hotel from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM with special host Karen Holmes Ward of CityLine, WCVB-TV. Nearly 600 guests are expected to join Reception Sponsors Goodwin Procter LLP and State Street to celebrate with dignitaries, appointed officials, members of the judiciary and Massachusetts legal community, and many supporters throughout Massachusetts. Bookended by networking receptions, the awards presentation and program will commence over dinner in the ballroom. “We are thrilled to celebrate the dynamic accomplishments of these four outstanding trailblazers and leaders. These individuals have a steadfast commitment to diversity, and have created paths and opportunities that did not previously exist for attorneys of color. We are honored and humbled to stand with them and recognize their substantial achievements.” – Doreen M. Rachal, President, Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association
The esteemed 2015 Honorees:
∗ 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
The Honorable Chief Justice Roderick Ireland
Retired Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
∗ 2015 Trailblazer Award Recipient
Diane B. Patrick
Co-Managing Partner of the Boston Office of Ropes & Gray LLP
∗ 2015 Trailblazer Award Recipient
Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.
Harvard Law School Jesse Climenko Professor of Law
∗ 2015 Keynote Speaker and Trailblazer Award Recipient
Tony West Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of PepsiCo, Inc. The Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association is one of New England’s leading and largest affinity bar associations. Since 1973, the MBLA has provided a valuable network and visible presence for attorneys of color with the Massachusetts legal community.