(RALEIGH, N.C.)—Parker Poe announced today that the Firm’s Raleigh office, in conjunction with the International Affairs Council (IAC), hosted a panel discussion on women and the legal system. The panel discussion was part of a larger women’s empowerment initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This initiative is focused on examining  the role of grassroots activism, addressing issues that affect women worldwide and the impact of women as agents of change in their communities.

The program included participants from 16 South American countries including Argentina, Chile and Venezuela and many with backgrounds in women’s legal rights. Catharine Arrowood, a partner in the Firm’s Raleigh office, served as host of the panel. 

“We were pleased to partner with the State Department and the IAC to provide a forum for discussion of the U.S. legal system and the rule of law,” said Ms. Arrowood. “Our distinguished panelists discussed the operation of the legal system and how it has evolved over time to provide equal rights for women in the United States.”

The panel was comprised of:

• Judge Linda McGee, a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals

• Christina Fernandez, a health care and pharmaceutical attorney with Glaxo Smith Kline in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

• Judge Kristen Ruth, a state district court judge for North Carolina

• Melissa Essary, Dean of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University

• Leticia Padilla-Morales, attorney and Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Latino Affairs Committee; Ms. Padilla-Morales served as the panel moderator

The goal of the IVLP women’s empowerment initiative was to unite women leaders from around the world to participate in shared signature events throughout the country. The initiative also sought to provide an overview of constitutional and other legal safeguards that grant and protect the rights of women in the United States.

This panel discussion is one of  numerous internal initiatives that support Parker Poe's commitment to creating a diverse work environment which is central to our core values and strategic vision.  We recognize that promoting diversity among attorneys and staff is essential to the success of the Firm, its lawyers, employees and clients. The diverse background and experiences of our attorneys and staff enrich our practice of law and client service.

About Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has 230 lawyers in six offices located in major markets across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. It has been recognized in recent years as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States and as an award-winning leader in the use of technology to provide better and more efficient service to domestic and international clients.