Community of Legal Innovators (CLI) Launches with support from NetApp, Southern University Law Center and Legal Industry Leaders

CLI Announces First-of-its-Kind Professional Development Certification Program for Global Members of the Legal Ecosystem

NetApp, in partnership with Southern University Law Center, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community of Legal Innovators (CLI), a diverse global network of law schools, corporations and law firms working to enhance legal education and career opportunities for law students, legal and business professionals, globally. The CLI Advisory Board, which includes representatives from Chronicle, Juniper Networks, Liberty Mutual, Walmart, Keesal Young & Logan, LexCheck, NetApp, and Southern University, has recently announced “Tipping the Scales,” the first-of-its-kind online professional development certification program, that will begin on June 4, 2019.

“The idea for this program and partnership was forged out of a meeting with Connie Brenton of NetApp’s Legal Department,” said John Pierre, Chancellor for the Southern University Law Center. “Together we recognized that offering access to educational and networking opportunities is essential to building a strong and sustainable legal career. In order to do that, we must pool our connections and resources to create a global community that will shape and mold future legal professionals.”

Connie Brenton, Senior Director of NetApp Legal Operations and founder of CLOC, along with a set of talented legal community leaders, created CLI as well its summer educational series. CLI’s mission is to create a community-based movement which connects students and employers committed to increasing diversity, inclusion and innovation in the legal industry. 

“We are creating a true global community of law schools, students, mentors and mentees (and anyone else who would like to collaborate), who are joining together to help one another evolve throughout their entire careers,” says Brenton.

Through this inaugural educational program, participants who sign up for the series will receive free access to leading experts who are volunteering their time to present on topics ranging from data analytics to AI to leadership and career development, while building a professional network. Members of this new supportive and diverse community will benefit from skill-sharing and team building. The leadership of CLI is committed to reaching 5,000 participants by the end of this summer.

Sessions will take place online every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 4 – August 1 from noon – 1pm EDT (excluding July 4^th week). This program is free of charge and open to everyone, globally. Certification will be provided to those attending 19 of the 24 remote summer series sessions. To register for the online certification, participants should visit OurCLI.com. Become a part of this incredible community today!