Pictured left to right: Matteo Rago, Jennifer Gray Woods, Gwendolyn Powell Braswell, Paula Dronen, Amy Ratsara, Heather Bergmann, Todd McFarland, Mark Ingersoll, Gianluca Bacchiocchi, Abygayle Jacques (prelaw student), Timothy Newbold (not pictured: Michael Nixon).
The event, held on May 17, brought together legal professionals who share not only a calling to judicial fairness but a commitment to faith.
The keynote speaker was Todd McFarland, deputy general counsel for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. McFarland emphasized that what distinguishes an Adventist attorney is not just the work they do, but the purpose behind it. “It’s not so much what we do, but why we do it—and who we do it for,” he said, highlighting the role of Christian lawyers in building a better society.
In addition to reflecting on the spiritual dimensions of legal work, McFarland reported on recent religious liberty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and discussed their potential implications for the church.
The gathering was more than a professional networking event—it was an opportunity for the lawyers to build relationships and support each other in their unique vocations. “It is such a blessing to be able to make connections with other Adventist attorneys in our union who are engaged in so many different areas of law,” said Union attorney Jennifer Woods, who helped organize the event. “I hope this is just the beginning of many more Lake Union attorney fellowships to come.”
Following the keynote presentation and discussion, attendees shared a meal together, further deepening the sense of community and shared purpose.
“Having an opportunity to meet other Adventist attorneys was essential,” said Amy Ratsara, an assistant prosecutor in Kalamazoo County. “While Adventist lawyers joke ours was not among the traditional career paths celebrated by our church, Ellen White promised that as Daniel, there would be those who stand as God’s witnesses in their work in halls of justice. Encouraging one another in our profession and faith will help us fulfill that call.”
If you are an Adventist attorney interested in joining future events, contact Jennifer Woods at jennifer.woods@lakeunion.org. It should also be noted that the group welcomes pre-law and law students to the gatherings.
