Several area law firms have joined together to host the inaugural West Michigan Black Legal Summit on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The half-day summit expects to draw more than 100 lawyers, judges, law students and legal professionals for a mix of educational sessions and networking opportunities. Sessions will focus on practice development, community engagement, self-care and more.

Keynote speaker Deesha Dyer, founder and CEO of social impact firm Hook & Fasten, will serve as the keynote speaker on “From Imposter to Impact,” and share her experience working as social secretary for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and its intersection with imposter syndrome, joy, healing and community.

The summit will be hosted by Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, noon-6 p.m., 150 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 1500 in Grand Rapids. The event was planned by a committee of eight legal professionals from private practice, the courts and state government.

Six law firms are co-sponsoring this event: Barnes & Thornburg, Dickinson Wright, Miller Canfield, Miller Johnson, Varnum and Warner.

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