Rachel Orr and Arielle McPherson Named to Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Programs
(May 11, 2023) – Lathrop GPM Partner Rachel Orr was selected to be a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Fellows Program and Associate Arielle McPherson was chosen to participate in the LCLD Pathfinder Program for 2023.
The Fellows Program is designed to identify, train, and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. As part of the program, Orr will participate in various in-person and virtual sessions that will include guest speakers, networking, and other professional development initiatives.
Orr focuses her practice on all aspects of real estate development and capital finance, including secured lending transactions involving various tax credits, development incentives, and related real estate issues. She participated in the LCLD Pathfinder Program in 2018 and is President, Secretary, and a Board Member of the LGBTQ Bar Association of Greater Kansas City. Orr is also involved in and holds leadership positions with numerous legal and Kansas City-based organizations.
"The 2023 Fellows program offers a refreshing perspective on DEI efforts at firms and corporate, governmental and nonprofit member organizations," said Orr. "It provides a unique opportunity to network with diverse attorneys from around the world who all share a commitment to and passion for DEI efforts. The insight I will gain through the program will be invaluable to my evolving leadership skills and my continuing commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. I am grateful to the firm for the opportunity to participate in such a dynamic program."
The Pathfinder Program is designed to train high-performing, early-career attorneys in critical career development strategies including leadership and the building of professional networks. As a participant, McPherson will receive intensive in-person training, online experiential learning and opportunities to network with peers and esteemed LCLD Fellows in small group gatherings.
McPherson focuses her practice on environmental, product liability and tort litigation. She is a key member on several of the firm’s top client teams, where she works on cases involving complex toxic tort claims, developing environmental regulatory issues, and business litigation disputes. Arielle also works on complex multi-party Superfund matters for clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation, and nonjudicial allocation proceedings.
"I would highly recommend the LCLD Pathfinder program as it provides invaluable career development and networking opportunities for up-and-coming lawyers," said McPherson. "As a LCLD Pathfinder, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and build connections with diverse lawyers from law firms and major corporations across the country, who are in the early stages of their careers. I’ve made so many great connections that I know will extend well beyond my year as a Pathfinder."
Founded in 2009, LCLD is an organization of more than 400 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners who are committed to creating a truly diverse legal profession.