Coblentz’s women attorneys created our signature event, Women in Conversation, in 2009 to bring together talented, inspiring, and influential women leaders in business, science, the arts, sports, politics, and the community. Women in Conversation allows us to share the stories of celebrated women with our firm clients, colleagues, and friends – women who are themselves at the highest levels in their own fields – in a conversational format.
Women in Conversation attendance is by invitation-only. If you are interested in attending a future program, please email events@coblentzlaw.com.
Our past speakers include celebrated chef and restauranteur, Dominique Crenn; television writer, producer, and director Nell Scovell; President of the National Academy of Sciences Marcia McNutt; President of the University of California system Janet Napolitano; legendary artist Linda Ronstadt; ODC Founder and Artistic Director Brenda Way; Olympic athlete and sports broadcaster Jessica Mendoza; entrepreneur and philanthropist Elinor “Nell” Newman; and film and theater actor Patricia Clarkson.
In 2019, we hosted our ninth Women in Conversation program, featuring Dominque Crenn, celebrated chef and restaurateur, in conversation with Coblentz partner Tay Via. Recognized as a leader in molecular gastronomy and one of the most accomplished chefs in the world, Dominique Crenn is the first and only female chef in the United States to have been awarded three Michelin stars by the Michelin Guide. In 2018, she was awarded the title of “Best Chef: West” by the James Beard Foundation. Dominique is an advocate for equality, humanity, and the planet. She is the chef-owner of San Francisco restaurants Atelier Crenn (awarded three Michelin stars), Bar Crenn (awarded one Michelin star), Petit Crenn, and her latest concept Boutique Crenn.
In 2018, we hosted Nell Scovell, television and magazine writer, producer, director and author, in conversation with Coblentz partner Charmaine Yu. She collaborated on the New York Times bestseller Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, and authored the 2018 book Just The Funny Parts … And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking into the Hollywood Boys’ Club, which dives deep into three subjects that she loves: comedy, writing, and equality. Nell Scovell is the creator of the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and her TV writing credits include The Simpsons, Coach, Monk, Murphy Brown, Charmed, and NCIS. She was one of only a handful of women in late-night comedy as the second female writer ever hired for Late Night with David Letterman. She has contributed to Vanity Fair, Vogue, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
Our 2015 Women in Conversation program featured Marcia McNutt in conversation with Coblentz partner Brandi Brown. Marcia McNutt is one of the world’s top geophysicists, an authority on plate tectonics and earthquake prediction, a Navy SEAL-trained explosives expert, and a trailblazer for women in oceanography. She was the first woman to serve as President of the National Academy of Sciences, the first woman Editor-in-Chief of Science magazine since its founding by Thomas Edison in 1880, the first woman Director of the United States Geological Survey since its establishment in 1879, and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
In 2014, we hosted Janet Napolitano, President of the University of California school system and the first female president in the institution’s 145 year history, in conversation with Coblentz partner Charmaine Yu. Janet Napolitano was the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of Homeland Security and was named Number 8 on Forbes’ annual list of World’s Most Powerful Women in 2013. She was elected as Arizona’s third female Governor and first woman to win re-election, and was the first woman to serve as Attorney General of Arizona.
In 2013, we welcomed legendary artist and musician Linda Ronstadt in conversation with Coblentz partner Julie Greer. Linda Ronstadt recorded numerous gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, including thirty-eight Billboard Hot 100 singles with twenty-one reaching the top 40, ten to the top 10, and “You’re No Good” to number one. She has been recognized with eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award. She is also the author of Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir and a national advocate for music education.
Our 2012 Women in Conversation event featured Brenda Way, founder of the West Coast’s premier dance company, in conversation with Coblentz partner Pam Duffy. Brenda Way is the founder and artistic director of San Francisco-based ODC, and has choreographed over 80 pieces. She is a recipient of the prestigious John SImon Guggenheim Fellowship and was the first choreographer to be Resident of the Arts at the American Academy in Rome.
In 2011, we hosted Jessica Mendoza in conversation with Coblentz partner Sara Finigan. Jessica Mendoza is an Olympic gold medalist, a world-champion softball player, and an ESPN sports commentator. A special program welcome was given by Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of the San Francisco Giants, Elizabeth Murphy, and Director of Legal Affairs for the San Francisco 49ers, Hannah Gordon.
Our 2010 Women in Conversation program featured entrepreneur and philanthropist Elinor “Nell” Newman in conversation with Coblentz partner Karen Frank.
Our 2009 Women in Conversation program featured film and theater actor Patricia Clarkson in conversation with Coblentz partner Tay Via.