19th Annual Diversity Symposium Dinner

In 2004, Roger Williams School of Law established its annual Diversity Symposium Dinner. 

The Diversity Symposium Dinner is a unique program that brings lawyers, judges, legal academics, and law students together with high school and college students for an evening of discussion on important legal issues. The function is organized around “table talks,” with all tables a mix of lawyers, judges, and students, discussing a set of questions around diversity and the law. The event is a key part of the School of Law’s efforts to inspire young people in our greater Rhode Island communities to the possibility of a career in law. On March 29, 2023, Roger Williams School of Law will hold its 19th Annual Diversity Symposium Dinner. The discussion for the 19th Annual Diversity Symposium Dinner will address the titular topic, “Being Authentic; Diversity in Policy & Legislative Work.” 

This year’s moderator is the Honorable Braxton Howard Cloutier, L'19, trial attorney and immigration law practitioner from Chapel Hill, NC. During his time at RWU Law, Attorney Cloutier was President of the Student Bar Association, a member of the Trial Team, and the 2019 Public Interest Award recipient. Cloutier worked as a Public Defender in Colorado and as a staff attorney for the Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island before joining Bremer Law & Associates, LLC. Cloutier’s practice focuses on supporting asylum seekers, individuals facing deportation, and providing legal representation to recent arrivals to the United States. He also represents individuals on their journey to become lawful permanent residents or citizens of the US. Cloutier volunteers with several organizations committed to uplifting and supporting the Black and Latino community, including New Bridges for Haitian Success and YouthBuild Providence. Most recently, Cloutier became the first Black elected official in Barrington, RI.

Cloutier will be joined by panelists Kimberly Ahern, Esq. L'09, RWU Law Professor Jorge Elorza, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Esq. L'01, and Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, L'07. We are fortunate to host such an impressive panel, who represent tireless advocacy for diversity in the legal profession in government, higher education, and research and policy organizations. Please join us for what is sure to be a stimulating night of discussion, debate, and dialogue among Rhode Island’s legal professionals and young people of Rhode Island. 

Register to attend the Diversity Symposium Dinner.