A diversity networking event in Buffalo - thought to be the first of its kind in the city - could become a model for other cities aiming to promote inclusive and diverse professional communities.

A representative from the Defense Research Institute, a national organization of 22,000 defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel, said last week that he will ask law firms throughout the country to host similar diversity networking opportunities.

"I'm going to tell them, ‘If Buffalo can do it, you can do it,' " Matt Cairns, second vice president at DRI, said.

At least 150 people gathered last Tuesday at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery for the event, dubbed Success in the City and organized by Joseph Hanna, an associate at Goldberg Segalla LLP. The intent, Hanna said, was to spread a diversity agenda and bring together organizations that represent different groups of people.

Crystal Rodriguez, executive director of the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community Relations for the city of Buffalo, said the event served as a link between community members who may not otherwise meet one another.

"The City of Buffalo is so very diverse and the different industries are so very diverse," she said. "This helps us get to know each other."

The diversity focus is something new for the Buffalo area, said Sharon Angelino, a partner at Goldberg Segalla.

"This is an innovative event," Angelino said. "It's not often that you bring together different people to encourage networking and sharing contacts."