Event Overview
Thursday, January 16, 2025
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM – CLE Program
12:45 PM – 2:30 PM – Luncheon
Empowering Women Lawyers: Mastering GenAI for Modern Legal Practice
WILS Annual Meeting program seeks to help attendees increase their understanding of GenAI and how it may be an effective tool in lawyering. The program will help lawyers answer how GenAI may help improve their efficiency, productivity and communications. Starting with an overview of the history and basics of certain new AI applications, the program will seek to lead lawyers through a comprehensive examination of how GenAI may be (and is being) used as a tool in litigation, corporate practice, human resources, career development, recruiting, reporting, and professional planning. The day will include an examination of the risks involved in using these applications, specifically addressing the ethical and legal issues raised and how to consider its use in the context of applicable regulations and rules of practice and to set necessary controls (policies and best practice procedures) for your area of practice.
Highlights and Objectives:
The panelists will address how GenAI can advance and empower women in the legal profession and provide practical strategies for doing so while mitigating risk and complying with applicable ethics rules and regulations.
Women in Law Section Chair:
Frettra M. de Silva
Program Chairs:
Laura Sulem, Allison Wacker, Kaelyn Gustafson
General Registration Fee
Required for all Annual Meeting attendees.
| NYSBA Members | $250 |
| Non-members | $350 |
+plus…
$195 Program Registration Fee
Women in Law Section Annual Meeting Program
21st Annual Edith I. Spivack Symposium Empowering Women Lawyers:
Mastering Generative AI for Modern Legal Practice
Thursday, January 16, 2025 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
New York Hilton Midtown | New York City
CLE Program | 9:00 a.m. – 4:40 p.m. | Sutton Center Room, 2nd Floor
Section Business Meeting & Concluding Remarks | 4:40 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sutton Center Room, 2nd Floor Luncheon and Kay Murray Award | 12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Bryant Room, 2nd Floor 5.0 MCLE Credits
2.0 MCLE Credits in Areas of Professional Practice, 1.0 MCLE Credit in Ethics,
1.0 MCLE Credit in General Cyber Security, 1.0 MCLE Credit in Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias
This program is transitional and is suitable for all attorneys including those newly admitted.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Coffee Bar
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introduction
Speaker
Frettra M. de Silva, Esq. | Chair, NYSBA Women in Law Section Head, Legal, Transaction Banking, Americas Standard Chartered Bank New York, New York
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m
Keynote: Empowering Women Lawyers: Mastering Generative AI for Modern Legal Practice
The speaker will explore how generative AI is revolutionizing the legal landscape, with a special focus on how women can harness these innovative tools and techniques. By enhancing efficiency, improving client services, and staying competitive in a tech-driven market, women in the legal profession can leverage AI to break new ground and lead with confidence. The discussion will provide practical insights into leveraging AI, while addressing the unique professional responsibilities and challenges women may face in its application within legal practice
Speaker
Minerva Tantoco | Interim CEO, CTO, Strategic Transformation, Consultant City Strategies, LLC New York, New York
Frettra M. de Silva, Esq | Chair, NYSBA Women in Law Section Head, Legal, Transaction Banking, Americas Standard Chartered Bank New York, New York
0.5 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Coffee Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
The Development and Potential of Gen AI Applications
The program will lead lawyers through a comprehensive examination of how Generative AI (Gen AI) is being utilized across various disciplines, such as litigation, corporate practice, human resources, career development, recruiting, reporting and managing electronic data, and professional planning. By understanding both the development and the latest advancements in AI, participants will gain insights into how these tools can enhance their practice, streamline processes, and empower them to be more effective leaders in the legal profession.
Speaker
Laura Sulem, Esq. | Senior Director, Litigation Practical Law at Thomson Reuters New York, NY
Sarah E. Gold, Esq. | Senior Attorney, New York State Department of Health Principal, The Gold Law Firm Albany, NY
Jasmine Singh, Esq. | General Counsel Ironclad, Inc. San Francisco, CA
Niraj Chhabra, CFP®, MBA, CLTC, CRPC® | Managing Director Sidebar Advisors Ramsey, NJ
Hon. Ronald J. Hedges | Former, United States Magistrate Judge United States District Court for the District of New Jersey Principal, Ronald J. Hedges LLC Hackensack, NJ
Kristin T. Delaney, Esq. | Director, Product Management Practical Law at Thomson Reuters New York, NY
1.0 Credit in General Cyber Security, 0.5 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
The Developing Regulatory Landscape in the Gen AI World
This session will explore the current regulatory landscape governing AI, including key guidance and rules such as the ISO 42001 (Global AI Act), EU AI Act, the US Executive Order on AI, the DOJ’s Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs (ECCP), and the AI Accountability Act (IAAP) state tracker. Panelists will examine the trends and strategies used by governmental, quasi-governmental, and private entities to establish appropriate parameters, governance, and best practices without limiting technological advancement. The program will equip lawyers with the knowledge and tools to ensure compliance with, and effective implementation of, relevant rules while leveraging AI in their practices.
Speaker
Kaelyn E. Gustafson, Esq. | Associate, Litigation Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP New York, NY
Audrey M. Paquet, Esq. | Counsel Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP New York, NY
Jennifer Diana, Esq. | Counsel Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP New York, NY
Diana Santos, Esq. | Senior Counsel, IBM Consulting, Global Generative AI Lead IBM New York, NY
Anil K. Vassanji, Esq. | Counsel, Litigation Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP New York, NY
1.0 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Networking Luncheon and Presentation of Kay Crawford Murray Memorial Award
2:30 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Effectively Managing Risks Introduced by Increased Gen AI Implementation
This session will address the risks associated with AI, such as potential biased and discriminatory outcomes, data privacy and security concerns, inaccuracy and reliability in results (deep fakes), transparency and explainability of AI systems, and breach of legal and ethical standards. Panelists will discuss governance standards and strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring that AI tools are used responsibly and ethically and address potential disproportionate impacts on certain segments of the legal profession and society. The session will also cover the process of determining blame when things go wrong, including addressing liability issues, evaluating vendors, and ensuring appropriate human oversight
Speaker
Allison L. Wacker, Esq. | Director of Risk Management American Express New York, NY
Jonathan Dambrot | CEO & Co-Founder Cranium AI, Inc. Short Hills, NJ
Chloé Bakalar | Chief Ethicist Meta New York, NY
Annmarie Giblin, Esq. | Partner Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP New York, N
Felicia T. Farber, Esq | Attorney; Author Farber Resolution LLC Wayne, NJ
Melis Kiziltay, Esq. | Counsel, Legal & Compliance D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. New York, NY
1.0 Credit in Ethics3:40 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
What's Next? Can a Robot Close a Deal?
This forward-looking session will explore developing AI innovations, including Agentic AI, advanced smart contracts, Virtual Legal Assistants, and other systems with potential “independent” authority. Panelists will examine the implications of these developments on constitutional protections, equitable rights, and more. Participants will be challenged to think critically about the future of AI in law, its impact on the evolution of legal practice, and how they can take the lead in navigating these emerging technologies. Panelists will explore how these advances potentially increase access to legal services by a more diverse set of users and the potential for women lawyers developing a practice.
Speaker
Laurie Coles, JD, MBA | Corporate Secretary, Counsel Neuron Rochester, NY
Rawia Ashraf, Esq | Vice President, Product Management Thomson Reuters New York, NY
Ravi Mundhe | Business Co-Innovation: Operations & Partnerships, Microsoft New York, NY
Stacie Grossman Bloom, PhD | Chief Research Officer Vice Provost & Vice Chancellor Global Research and Innovation New York University New York, NY
Charu A. Chandrasekhar, Esq. | Partner Debevoise & Plimpton LLP New York, NY
1.0 Credit in Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias4:45 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Break
4:50 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Business Meeting and Election of Officers
Section Chair
Frettra M. de Silva, Esq. | Standard Chartered Bank | New York, NY
Program Chairs
Laura Sulem, Esq. | Practical Law at Thomson Reuters | New York, NY
Allison L. Wacker, Esq. | American Express | New York, NY
Platinum Sponsor
With more than 300 lawyers and 11 offices across New York State, as well as offices in Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts and New Jersey, Bond serves individuals, companies and public-sector entities in a broad range of areas. We strive to deliver comprehensive, practical, high-quality solutions to our clients and maintain the highest professional and ethical standards, while working to provide leadership in community activities, pro-bono work and service to the Bar.
Platinum Sponsor
Friedman Kaplan has built a reputation for providing exceptional representation, particularly in matters of special complexity and first impression. The firm prioritizes intellectual strength and agility over size, allowing its attorneys to resolve matters optimally, creatively, and cost-effectively. Our approximately 60 attorneys in New York and New Jersey provide sophisticated litigation, corporate, and white collar advice in high-stakes matters to clients in the financial services, real estate, healthcare, media, insurance, and other industries.
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Friend of Women in Law Section
Friend of Women in Law Section
2025 Kay Crawford Murray Memorial Award Winner
Hon. Trini E. Ross
United States Attorney for the Western District of New York
Trini E. Ross became the United States Attorney for the Western District of New York on October 11, 2021. Ms. Ross was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on July 26, 2021, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on September 30, 2021, becoming the first black woman to hold the position in the 120-year history of the Western District of New York. President Biden signed Ms. Ross’s commission on October 5, 2021. Ms. Ross, as the top law enforcement official in the District, is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of all federal criminal case brought within the 17 counties of Western New York. The Office also represents the United States in all civil matters brought within this territory, and the collection of fines and penalties.
On March 30, 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the appointment of Ms. Ross to serve on his inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). The AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies. Ms. Ross served in that role for a year-and-a-half. In addition, on June 16, 2022, Ms. Ross was selected as the Chairperson for the AGAC sub-committee on Law Enforcement Coordination, Victim Assistance and Community Relations, a position she continues to hold today. In this role, Ms. Ross leads the sub-committee that advises Attorney General Garland on matters involving law enforcement, victim assistance, and community relations.
A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Ms. Ross received her J.D., cum laude, from The State University of New York, at Buffalo, School of Law, in 1992; her M.A. from Rutgers University in 1990; and her B.A. from The State University of New York, at Fredonia, in 1988.
Ms. Ross served the Department of Justice from 1995 to 2018, as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, where she served as the Senior Litigation Counsel, Chief of the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Section, and Deputy White Collar Chief. Ms. Ross also served as an Assistant Counsel with the Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility from 2007 to 2009. Prior to being appointed as the United States Attorney, Ms. Ross served as the Director of Investigations, Legal Division, with the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General, between August 2018 and October 2021. Ms. Ross began her legal career as an Appellate Court Attorney for the New York State Supreme Court, Fourth Department, and, before joining the Department of Justice, she was a civil litigation associate at a private law firm. Ms. Ross has also been an adjunct professor at The State University of New York, at Buffalo, School of Law, from 2006 until 2021.
Ms. Ross is the recipient of numerous awards that reflect her dedication to the profession and her service to the community. Such awards include: The Bar Association of Erie County, Lawyer of the Year; The University of Buffalo School of Law, Distinguished Alumni Award; The Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Trailblazer Award; the Women’s Bar Association of Western New York, President’s Award; The New York State Senate, Woman of Distinction designation; Counsel of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiently, Award for Excellence – in addition to being named by numerous publications as a top government official.
Ms. Ross is the proud host of a podcast she created while U.S. Attorney, “Feds Demystified”, where she interviews heads of federal agencies to provide transparency of those agencies for the public
2024 Ruth G. Schapiro Memorial Award Winner
Hon. Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix (Ret.)
Arbitrator, Mediator, Special Master/Referee, and Neutral Evaluator, JAMS
Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix (Ret.) joined JAMS in 2024 after a distinguished career as New York City’s 81st corporation counsel and as a jurist in New York State courts including, most recently, her service from 2012-2022 as an associate justice of the Appellate Division, Supreme Court of the State of New York, Second Judicial Department.
Judge Hinds-Radix, the first Caribbean-born, and woman of color and second woman overall to serve as corporation counsel, oversaw the wide-ranging operations of the New York City Law Department. As the city’s chief legal officer, she led the department primarily responsible for providing legal representation to the city, its mayor and other elected officials, and its myriad agencies in civil litigations. She also oversaw the operations of the Family Court Division, the city’s prosecutorial arm in Family Court. As corporation counsel, she created new divisions for Ethics & Compliance and for Risk Management, promoted the health and safety of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and secured housing for thousands of individuals during the migrant crisis. Indeed, she negotiated a landmark agreement with the Legal Aid Society in Callahan v. Carey which provided New York City with the flexibility needed to respond to migrants’ needs during this emergency. Under Judge Hinds-Radix’s guidance, the department promoted economic development within the city and recovered tens of millions of dollars in affirmative lawsuits.
As a judge, she presided over and resolved many cases through pretrial rulings, bench and jury trials, judgments, and settlement conferences. Judge Hinds-Radix served as an associate justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department and, in 2020, was designated a member of the New York State Constitutional Bench. She also served as the administrative judge for civil matters for the Second Judicial District, was elected (and reelected) justice of the New York State Supreme Court and served as a judge in New York City’s Civil and Criminal Courts. As a seasoned jurist, she handled matters that span a wide range of practice areas across many industries including those in the appellate, bankruptcy, complex business and commercial, employment and labor, family law, governmental/public agency, personal injury, professional liability and real estate (including foreclosure and landlord-tenant) realms, among others.
Judge Hinds-Radix began her legal career at District Council 37, one of the city’s largest public employee unions. Her roles within the union included those of chief counsel for the Immigration Program – a program which she founded, supervising attorney for the Landlord and Tenant Division, and senior attorney in the Consumer Litigation Unit and Bankruptcy.