Three Gustafson Gluek Attorneys to Participate in COSAL’s 5th Annual Leadership & Diversity Summit
On September 15th 2026 in Chicago three Gustafson Gluek attorneys will participate in COSAL’s 5th Annual Leadership & Diversity Summit, contributing to discussions on leadership, professional development, litigation strategy, and the future of the plaintiffs’ bar.
Cathy Smith participated in organizing the programs for this event as a continued Planning Committee member and will moderate a panel. Abou Amara will also moderate a session at the Summit, and Gabrielle Kolb will participate as a panelist.
Cathy Smith will moderate the panel "The Next Generation Speaks: A Conversation on Leadership, Inclusion, and the Future of the Plaintiffs' Bar" an interactive discussion focused on the experiences and expectations of the next generation of plaintiffs’ lawyers. The session will examine what today’s associates look for from firm leadership, what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, and how law firms can create environments in which lawyers from diverse backgrounds can develop and succeed.
Abou Amara will moderate the panel "The Art and Science of Working with Experts: Strategies Every Litigator Should Know", a practical discussion about working effectively with expert witnesses in complex antitrust litigation. The session will address the expert relationship from beginning to end, including selecting the right expert, building productive working relationships, managing data, understanding economic analyses, preparing expert reports and testimony, and considering how expert opinions may be received by judges and juries.
Gabrielle Kolb will join the panel "Owning Discovery: Building Leadership Before You Have the Title", examining how young lawyers can develop leadership skills by taking greater ownership of the discovery process. The discussion will explore opportunities for associates to demonstrate judgment and initiative through developing discovery strategy, managing document review, preparing witnesses, participating in meet-and-confers, and working directly with clients and opposing counsel.
COSAL’s Leadership & Diversity Summit brings together members of the plaintiffs’ bar to exchange ideas and perspectives on developing the next generation of lawyers and leaders. For more information on COSAL and this Summit: https://www.cosal.org/events/2026summit
Gustafson Gluek looks forward to Cathy, Abou, and Gabrielle’s contributions to these conversations at this year’s Summit.
