events calendar
Ongoing And Special Events!
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The Leadership Ladder: From Associate to Partner
September 22 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT
Free
This is one of our free panels each month open to the public. we invite guest panelists to share their experiences, insights, tips and strategies that they have found to be effective in their professional or personal lives when tackling the featured topic for the month.
The Leadership Ladder: From Associate to Partner
This panel explores the real journey from associate to partner — the opportunities, challenges, decisions, and pivotal moments that shape a lawyer’s path to leadership. Our panelists will share candid lessons from their own careers, including how they built credibility, developed relationships and a book of business, found mentors and sponsors, navigated firm dynamics, advocated for themselves, and learned to lead with confidence.
The conversation will also tackle some of the questions young lawyers often have but may not always feel comfortable asking: How do you know if you’re really on track for partnership? What matters beyond simply doing excellent legal work? How do you develop your own leadership style without feeling like you have to become someone else? And what do partners wish they had understood earlier in their careers?
Who Can Attend & Fee
Public Event
FREE
Panelists
Aimee Willig is a partner of the firm of Bush Kornfeld LLP. Aimee’s practice focuses on representation of companies, receivers, creditors, and trustees in the areas of receiverships, commercial bankruptcy, out‑of‑court restructurings, and workouts. Aimee is the current co‑chair of the Federal Bar Association Bankruptcy Committee; she is past‑chair of the Seattle‑King County Bar Association’s Creditor‑Debtor Section; she served as board member of the Turnaround Management Association Northwest Chapter and as mentor to Seattle University law students in providing pro bono bankruptcy‑related legal services. Aimee is the contributing co-author of Chapter 81 of the 2025 and 2026 editions of Strategic Alternatives For and Against Distressed Businesses, by Friedland, Hammeke and Vandesteeg, published by Thomson Reuters. https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-willig-a3869a61/
Melissa Berry is the Director of Attorney Development at Ashurst Perkins Coie, where she leads learning and professional development for the firm’s lawyers. An educator, connector, and well-being advocate, Melissa is committed to helping people learn, grow, and thrive throughout their careers. Her perspective is shaped by more than 25 years of experience in law firms and higher education. As a first-generation college student and law student, she cares deeply about expanding access, opportunity, and belonging. https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mcgonigal-berry-20bb644/
Reginald J. Hill is co-chair of the Patent Litigation and Counseling Practice at Jenner & Block. He is an accomplished patent trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in technology and the law. He has secured victories for major corporations, entrpreneurs and individuals. He has served as lead counsel in bench and jury trials, PTAB trials, appeals, Markman hearings and arbitrations. He has extensive experience in exploitation, procurement, development and protection of intellectual property in a wide range of technologies, including computers, digital communications, automotive technology, Internet and emerging technologies. Reggie spent 10 years as an electrical engineer in research and development with AT&T Bell Laboratories and Motorola, distinguishing himself in the design and development of computer hardware and architectures for audio and video compression technology. In addition, Reggie has applied his trial skills in criminal pro bono matters, including a first degree murder trial and armed robbery trial. In 2003, Diversity & the Bar recognized Reggie as one of the top intellectual property lawyers of color in the country. Every year since 2008, he has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer in intellectual property. Reggie served as chair of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section Council in 2001. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-hill-b897b1/
Date & Time
Online Only via Zoom: Link will be provided in confirmation email
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
12pm-1pmPT/ 1pm-2pmMT/ 2pm-3pmCT/ 3pm-4pmET
About Koa Counsel
Koa Counsel empowers women in law to lead boldly, grow confidently, and thrive personally and professionally. Our members connect with mentors, peers, and opportunities that advance careers, strengthen leadership, and support overall well-being. Through dynamic programs, meaningful discussions, and inspiring experiences, Koa Counsel provides the tools and community women need to excel. Join us to learn, collaborate, and rise together—because when women in law thrive, the entire profession moves forward.
Bold. Brave. Beyond the Bar.