While there’s still a place for providing training for partners on delivering feedback, Eversheds Sutherland is exploring the unique approach of helping associates learn how to receive feedback.

Working with Monica Parker Consulting, Eversheds Sutherland is tackling a perennial challenge for firms: Not all partners are going to give helpful feedback. What can associates do to make the most of the feedback they do receive?

The firm has engaged Monica to design and deliver training to help associates understand what makes receiving feedback so challenging, as well as a framework for how to navigate critical feedback productively with less anxiety and more ease. The firm has provided this training for its business professionals as well.

Join us for a lively, in-depth discussion of Eversheds Sutherland’s approach to this challenge. Lori Broderick will facilitate the conversation between Kristy Weathers and Monica Parker.

Learning Objectives: In addition to hearing about Evershed Sutherland’s approach, law firm business professionals, law school academic professionals, and in-house counsel will–

-Understand what makes feedback so hard to hear

-Learn about a framework for receiving feedback more skillfully

-Identify one or two takeaways that they can use themselves to navigate handling critical feedback

Speakers: 

Kristy Weathers

Kristy Weathers has been our Professional Development Partner since 2006. She oversees Eversheds Sutherland’s comprehensive in-house training program and works with various committees and leaders to design and implement a coordinated approach to lawyer review processes, mentoring, integration and professional growth. For 18 consecutive years, Eversheds Sutherland (US) has ranked as one of the top legal practices in the country for lawyer training.

Kristy writes and speaks regularly on professional development topics, most recently to several large in-house corporate departments, the Association for Corporate Counsel, various trade organizations, the Georgia Bar Association and the Georgia Diversity Program.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.  She is a former Chair of its Development Committee and currently serves on AVLF’s Executive Committee.

Prior to 2006, Kristy practiced for over a decade with a large international law firm, where her focus was on toxic tort and other litigation matters.

Kristy received her J.D., with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a member of the Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation. She clerked for Chief Judge James C. Fox of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  In college Kristy was an All-ACC tennis player and recipient of the Coaches Award for best record and leadership.

Lori Broderick 

Lori Broderick is in the field of professional development, currently serving as the Associate Director of Professional Development at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP. With over two decades of experience in a global law firm, Lori has dedicated her years towards advancing
attorney skills in training, mentoring, and talent management.

Lori’s unique ability to connect with attorneys as individuals has allowed her to create and lead a professional development program that is based on collaboration and a growth mindset at all levels. She oversees various initiatives, including the Career Planning
Program, First Year Associate Advisor Program, Lateral Transition Program, and New Partner Orientation. Her responsibilities also include managing non-partner review processes.

Lori served on the board of directors for the Professional Development Consortium (PDC) from 2013-2020, and she continues to serve on their membership and nominating committees.

Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Miami University, Oxford, OH,
where she received the Distinguished Student Achievement Award from the College of Arts
and Sciences.

Monica Parker

Monica Parker is a former practicing attorney with over 25 years of experience helping law firms strengthen their communication skills. She has worked with Sheila Heen and Doug Stone, co-authors of Di􀆯icult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback, and taught
negotiation alongside Roger Fisher, co-author of Getting to Yes, as a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. Monica is also the author of What It Takes: How Women of Color Can Thrive Within the Practice of Law (ABA).

In addition to her work in communication and negotiation, Monica has served as director of diversity & inclusion at a large law firm and as director of diversity, equity & inclusion at a global professional services firm. She brings deep expertise in professional development
and attorney training, with experience spanning both large and boutique law firms.

Monica is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.