This program begins with a concise, research-driven overview of women’s representation in the legal profession, including historical trends, current data across practice settings
(with a focus on Nevada), and key barriers affecting advancement and retention. The presentation also highlights critical inflection points, such as parenthood, where women are more likely to exit
certain career paths.
The session then transitions to a moderated panel of women attorneys from private practice, in-house, and government roles. Panelists will
reflect on how their experiences align with the data, discuss the supports and structures that contributed to their advancement, and offer practical strategies for creating stronger pathways to
leadership and partnership.
The program concludes with a brief audience Q&A.
Faculty:
Darlene Caruso is Chief Deputy Attorney General in the Gaming Division at the Nevada Office of the Attorney General,
where she has served for more than 25 years. With over 30 yers of legal experience, she focuses on gaming regulation and enforcement and has extensive experience advising on compliance and licensing
matters.
Sonia Church Vermeys is a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, where
she advises leading gaming and hospitality clients on Nevada’s regulatory and licensing requirements. With nearly 30 years of experience, she focuses on commercial transactions, gaming and liquor
licensing, and land use matters, and regularly represents clients before the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission.
Jennifer Roberts is Chief Compliance Officer at Resorts World Las Vegas, where she oversees regulatory compliance,
licensing, anti-money laundering, and responsible gaming. A gaming law and compliance leader with more than 20 years of experience, she previously served as Vice President and General Counsel at
WynnBET and has held senior roles in private practice, government regulation, and academia, including teaching gaming law at the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law.
Jake McMillian is Director of Diversity at Dickinson Wright, where he works with
firm leadership on diverse attorney recruitment, retention, promotion, and inclusive workplace initiatives. A licensed attorney, he has spent his career focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion,
with prior roles at multinational law firms and in legal education.